7 cold-weather skin care tips

It's crucial to stay on top of your skin care regime once the cold weather hits. Here are 7 tips to help you care for your skin this fall and winter.

Cold air can make the skin on your face, hands and feet dry and can lead to more serious problems such as eczema. The indoor heat is also unnatural and hard on your skin.

There's no need to battle against dry skin on your own.

• Your primary care doctor or dermatologist has plenty of information about how to fight dry skin and make sure you stay healthy, hydrated and moisturized.

If you have dry skin, it may be necessary to moisturize multiple times each day.

• Winter weather requires heavier moisturizers, so, if it works with your skin type, try and find one that is oil-based to give your skin extra nourishment and protection.

The winter sun may not feel hot, but it's still exposing you to UV rays.

• Make sure you regularly apply sunscreen to your face, hands and any other skin that is exposed to the sunlight.

We all tend to focus on our faces when we think about skin care and sun protection, but your hands need extra attention, too.

• The skin on your hands is quite thin and hard to keep moist; be sure to wear gloves and apply extra moisturizer so it doesn't get dried out.

Drinking water is good for your health in general, and especially good for your skin.

• Make sure you are getting enough water every day to ensure you're properly hydrated and to help your skin looking healthy and well-nourished.

Turning on the heat keeps your home warm in the cold weather, but it also makes the air in your house very dry.

• Humidifiers can increase the humidity so that your skin doesn't dry out.

Your feet can get extra dry during the winter months from trudging around in heavy socks and boots.

• Try finding heavier lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerin, as they tend to be better for getting rid of cracks and dry skin.