To get rid of those itchy dry patches and flaky skin, use lukewarm water. The slight heat from the water will still warm your body without causing it to crack.

We all know that winter is the season to cover our skin. Sweaters, scarves, mittens and wool coats cover our limbs to shield them from the freezing outdoors.

However, many people admit forgetting to shield their faces during the coldest months of the year.Itchy, chapped, dry and red are all describe the typical winter face, albeit the unprotected one. Caring for your skin is a seasonal activity and just as seasons change, so should your moisturizer.

In order to achieve smooth and even toned skin, even during the harshest of outdoor weather, take some tips from a girl who ran this marathon called winter skincare and eventually received the gold metal.

Water Temperature

What type of water you shower in can dramatically change your skin’s appearance. In the winter, it is habit to wake up freezing cold in the morning, run to the shower and crank the knob all the way over to the hot side. That hot water has a dangerous drying effect on your skin. To get rid of those itchy dry patches and flaky skin, use lukewarm water. The slight heat from the water will still warm your body without causing it to crack.

First things first

Don’t go to the lotion just yet, taking care of your skin is a process that cannot be done in a few seconds. Pat your face dry and smooth on a SPF protectant serum. I like to use Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer with SPF 15 ($17, Sephora). Even if I am not wearing makeup, I use this to give my face the sun protection it needs. Remember, even if it is cloudy outside, the sun’s rays are always there beaming down on your beautiful face.

Clear as Day

Don’t hate me, but I haven’t received a major pimple break-out in over two years. Why is that? Well, I have discovered a miracle worker and it is about time I share it with the public. Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel ($53, Sephora) is a bit steep in price but extremely steep in facial benefits. One bottle lasts me about 6-8 months and that is with smearing this quick drying gel on my face twice daily. It reduces pore clogging bacteria and basic inflammation that causes flare ups in the first place. This magic in a bottle is an investment that just keeps giving.

The Finale

I have fallen head over heels for Burt’s Bee’s Marshmallow Vanishing Creme ($15, Soaps and Scents). This thick creme goes on completely sheer and helps eliminate any sign of dry and flaky skin. And best of all, it does for the face what a hat does for the head. This creme smells sweet and gives me a dewy glow immediately after application.

With all that said, don’t forget that your lips are located on your face, as well. If you haven’t already, dig up some change from underneath those couch cushions and get your self some Chapstick ($1.99, Walgreens) or Burt’s Beeswax ($3). With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you want those lips to be prepared for any accidental collisions.

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