As the thermometer drops, so does the humidity, which contributes to dry skin. Add this to the winter wind and dry atmosphere of indoor heaters and hello chapped, cracked skin. Obviously, none of us want this, so what’s a gal (or a guy!) to do?

Follow our tips and prepare yourself to stay glowing and moisturized through the winter—from the inside to the out :

• Be sure to drink plenty of water so you can stay hydrated from the inside out.
• Be sure to have at least one fruit or vegetable at each meal—they are filled with fluid (most are more than 90% water) to help to keep you hydrated.
• Be sure to get your Omega 3’s to help keep your skin stay smooth and moisturized. If you don’t eat fatty fish like salmon, sardines or herring, go for walnuts, flaxseeds or other good sources of Omega 3s. If you don’t get any of these consider taking an Omega 3 supplement.
• Get some healthy monounsaturated fats—think olive oil, avocados and nuts. Just keep the portions to just a few teaspoons of oil a day and a few tablespoons of nuts to keep the calories in check.
• Use a thicker moisturizer than normally used in the summer time (often those that contain vitamin E are helpful)
• Apply lotion immediately after a shower to “lock in” the moisture
• Avoid taking very hot showers since they strip the natural moisture from your skin
• Try using moisturizing gloves and socks to keep the moisturizer on your skin longer
• Try a few drops of olive oil on your elbows and knees
• Consider using a humidifier to add moisture back into the air in your home
• Always remember to carry a lip moisturizer to keep them soft

How do you avoid chapped, dry skin when bearing the wintry cold?