Winter is hard on skin. Dry air, cold temperatures and harsh wind can deplete moisture from the skin, causing chapping, redness, irritation and cracking. And even though its cold, people are still vulnerable to sun damage.

You can take action to minimize winter skin problems. Here are some tips to help keep your skin as youthful-looking and healthy as possible throughout the winter months.

• Protect your skin from sun damage. Since you're usually bundled up when outside in the wintertime, you don't need to slather sunscreen all over, but try to wear a makeup or moisturizer with SPF 15 on your face throughout the winter. Do wear a high-SPF sunscreen if you'll be skiing; some of the most severe sunburns may occur on the slopes, since the snow reflects the sunlight. If you'll be on a cruise, be sure to wear a good sunscreen just as you would during the summertime. Don't forget your lips-wear Total Block Lipcotz SPF 45 for moisture and sunscreen.
  


• Examine your skin-care regimen. If you are using a product with tretinoin, such as Retin-A, Renova or glycolic products, be especially vigilant about wearing sunscreen; these products make you sun sensitive and you are more likely to sunburn. Because the winter air is drier, you may need to cut back on using exfoliating products such as alpha-hydroxy acids, as they may further irritate your skin.
  


• Use moisturizing and hydrating products all over your body. There are hydrating products for your lips, eyes, face and body. You may need to switch to a cleanser that also hydrates for the winter. There are many hydrating products for any part that is dry in the Aminogenesis, Dr. Denese and Skinceuticals and Mama Mio lines on BeautyatSkinDeep.com.
  


• Don't take long, hot showers. They may sound appealing, but they strip skin of natural moisturizing lipids. Instead, take a short, warm shower; pat your skin almost dry, then put on AminoGenesis Cocoon Full Body Emollient or St. Tropez Body Moisturizer while skin is still damp. Both of these products are super-emollient lotions for body, hands, heels, or anywhere else you experience especially dry, cracked skin.
  


• Humidify indoor air. If you don't have a humidifying system for your entire house, consider buying a room humidifier. These devices will help keep skin and nasal passages from drying out. If you are dry and itching, try Naturopatch Tea Tree patches or Sprayology Body Skin Tonic.