Get Glowing: How to Perk Up Winter Skin

It seems like once the days start getting shorter and the temperatures drop, your skin starts losing its healthy summer glow and getting sapped of its moisture. When things move indoors for the winter, dry heat can exacerbate the problem, making skin dry, flaky and rough. But there are a few ways to banish that sad winter pallor, and most of them boil down to one thing: water. Hydration is the key, inside and out, to healthy skin and a healthy body. First, start by easing up on the drying skin products that keep your skin shine-free in the summer. We're talking about harsh cleansers, masks, peels and alcohol-based toners that strip vital oils from your skin. Switch to something more gentle, yet still oil-free if you need to, when the weather's cold. Another moisture-sapper, ironically, is hot water. Hot water breaks down valuable lipids in skin that lock in moisture. Stick with lukewarm water for less time, and if you like baths, then try adding oatmeal or baking soda to soothe itchy, dry skin.