1 Weather Woes: During winter your skin needs some extra help and protection from the cold and dry weather. Begin with an extra-inch moisturizer and increase your fluid intake.

2 Make it a habit: Develop some kind of skin care routine, not necessarily elaborate, based on your skin type, daily activities, and nutritional needs.

3 Skin damage: Our skin tends to be affected by diseases like frostbite and eczema during winter. Deeper tissues freeze can cause skin to become hard, pale and cold. It may ache but lacks sensitivity to touch. The hands, feet, nose and ears are the most vulnerable body parts to be hit.

4 Pay attention: When our skin becomes dry and irritated in winter, eczema can flare. To avoid this, moisturize frequently with an oil-based ointment that contains sunscreen. Sweating and overheating can also trigger the itch/scratch cycle, so dress in easy-to-peel off layers.

5 Sunscreen smart: Skiers are more prone to sunburn, because snow bounces 80% of the sun’s rays back to us, compared to less than 20% for sand and surf. Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.