We all know the feeling – we kick on the furnace for the winter and within days our skin starts screaming… loudly… for attention! It “screams” by getting dry and itchy, developing rough flaky patches, and just generally acting cranky! We have to DO something – we rush to buy the latest, greatest moisturizer – shell out the big bucks for whatever the magazines and TV or our next door neighbor says will WORK. Trouble is, it doesn’t. We are still dry, we still itch, our skin seems to drink in the moisturizer insatiably. WHY?

The answer is amazingly simple. Our skin cells die every single day. They stack up in little not-so-pretty layers. This is true of our faces, hands, body. Some of the cells do manage to flake and fall off but the vast majority like to stick together and hang around, causing problems. Think of it this way – even the best moisturizer in the world can’t fix dead skin!

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Moisturizers, sunscreen, scrubs…these are all essential to your winter skincare regimen. But how do you know which products work effectively? Here are some excellent skincare products that are a godsend to moisture-starved, dry skin.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar daily moisturizer – This facial cream is great for ALL skin types and it’s non-comodegenic, so those with acne-prone skin don’t have to worry about it clogging up their pores. It even contains exfoliating properties to make your skin healthier and more supple.

Clinique Exfoliating Scrub – This is made for those with oilier skin, but most skin types will benefit from using this to scrub off dead skin cells.

Einstein Cosmetics’ Lip Theory Cooling Relief – Dry, chapped lips are one of the worst things about winter. Fortunately, Einstein’s Lip Theory lip balm helps combat this problem and heals because it contains cocoa butter, Vitamins A and E, vanilla, and mint.

Protect your skin before going outside during winter. You can do this by applying a thick layer of moisturizing sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher to your face or any area that will be exposed. Even though the sun may not be shining, the sun’s UV-rays are reflected by snow more than by sand. There are lots of products on the market that combine moisturizers with sunscreen.

Also make sure that you wear gloves. Protecting your hands from low humidity and the cold air helps prevent flare-ups. Make sure your gloves are made out of material that won’t irritate your skin. If you’re allergic to wool, try slipping on a cotton mitten next to your skin before wearing the woolen ones over your hands.

Recent polls have shown that when it comes to acne treatment not many people know exactly how to deal with it, the most common reaction for those who suffer of this condition is to keep touching the affected area in order to burst the zits, this is it nervous reaction which can get chronic without the person even knowing. The problem with people who keep touching the affected areas is that by touching them they think the problem is going to go away but in fact, it gets worse.

Current diverse peoples with dirty hands and fingernails will only help propagate such infections and irritate the already affected area, even if a person’s hands seems to be clean there are several types of bacteria that a person can carry just because he or she touched an object that might have had such microorganisms.

Wintertime can be very harsh on your skin, and using anti-acne products like benzoyl peroxide just adds to the uncomfortable peeling and flaking of dry skin. Here are some things you can do to make the most out of your skincare routine during the winter.

Make sure that your cleanser does not contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid since these can make the dryness worse. instead, use a gentle cleanser like Neutrogena or Dove.

Keep your skin moisturized, even if you get acne. But you don’t have to use a greasy moisturizer; choose one that comes in gel or lotion form as they are lighter than moisturizing creams. Make sure they are noncomedogenic so that your moisturizer does not block your pores.

Finally, drinking lots of water in the winter is just as important as during the summer. Stay hydrated on the inside by drinking eight glasses of water a day.

The role of vitamins in our diet does not go unnoticed when it relates to our skin’s appearance and likewise its health. Basically, without the essential skin vitamins, the skin tends to take on an appearance of dryness and dullness.

Vitamin A is commonly associated with good skin because of its abilities as a good anti-oxidant. However, Vitamin A itself is the general term given to a group of molecules (alcohols and aldehydes) that can exist in either form under given circumstances. Carotenoids and retinol are other popular names for Vitamin A.

It is one form of the carotenoid structure in particular (beta-carotene) that gives the group its anti-oxidant properties. An anti-oxidant is simply a molecule that can remove radical scavengers along the skin’s surface and thus help in the maintenance of youthful vibrant skin.

People suffering from thyroid problems may notice that dry skin is a more persistent problem during the cold winter months. Factor in your skin type and geographic location when changing your skincare routine for the winter; if your skin is normally dry, this may get even worse during the winter months. Mature women will also need intense moisturizers when the streets start getting covered in snow.

If you’re suffering from dry skin, consider using a mild, gel or lotion-based moisturizer, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. The wind and cold gives the skin an extra beating and you need to place extra protection.

If you are using treatment with retinol, make sure you use the one with SPF 15 during the day. Skin becomes more sensitive when retinol is applied, and UV rays are just as evident in the winter as in the summer, especially when it is reflected by snow and water.

A sagging, droopy face can make us feel old; never mind that all that talk about sixty being the new 40 if you are not happy with your appearance! You may have discovered that no matter how many facial products you try, your face still looks old.

Oh sure, your face can look a little better after the latest round of dermabrasion and salicylic acid applications compliments of the aesthetician but you know that the problem you see requires more than just skincare. More aggressive treatments seem necessary for sure.

Maybe you have considered using injections that paralyze – after all, your forehead is lined and mushy and your eyebrows are dropping. Your eyes look tired and eye makeup impossible to wear.

Some people prefer traveling to tropical areas or going to the beach during winter time. The sultry winds keep the skin lithe and moist, hence, a healthy skin. But heading down south or hitting the beach isn’t the only option to care for the skin; it may be as simple as going to the nearest spa.

England’s The Sequoia Spa will rehydrate your face by a massage that will replenish with face oil. This face oil includes aromatic sandalwood and patchouli essences. This rejuvenates exhausted and environmentally stressed skin. All of these for only about $160.

Body treatment in Belladona’s in New Orelans, is at the same time, fruity and soothing. Tropical fruits enzymes from pineapples and papayas are natural exfoliators. For only $135 for 110 minutes, this body treatment includes a cream-based papaya and pineapple enzyme mask, plus a coconut-papaya salt scrub. Yummy and relaxing at the same time!

The most neglected, yet an important part of the body that also needs attention: the feet. Winter season requires the feet to wear boots, thus, trapping the footsies.

Belladonna’s Thai Lime Pedicure boosts hydration and exfoliation for the feet. This pedicure contributes in the circulation of the blood. This treatment includes a deep Thai massage to the legs and feet and also, a stimulation of acupressure points with a special wooden tool. This relaxing treatment for the most ignored part of your body for only $80.