Well, it’s officially spooky season, and while that means great candy and cute outfits, it also spells trouble for our skin. You probably are already stocking up on chapstick and hand lotion, which is a great start, but there are a few more things you still need to consider. So, we’re gonna give you the full rundown on what the cold weather can do to your skin, and how to avoid it!

What Does the Cold Do to Your Skin?

You’ve probably noticed some changes in your skin health during the cold months throughout your life, but you may not know exactly why they happen. The main factor is dryness. Cold temperatures mean much lower humidity, which is why the air feels so crisp in the fall and winter. While this is refreshing, it means everything is drier —including your skin. Throw in some biting wind, and you’ve got yourself a perfect recipe for dry, cracked skin. Plus, if you have pre-existing issues such as eczema, the cold will only exacerbate this.

Wind and cold aren’t the only things out to get your skin, though. You’ve still got to avoid sunburns, as well. Sunburns are like beach volleyball and barbecues: we tend to forget about them around this time of year because it’s chilly and often more overcast than in the warm months. However, they’re still a very real issue. Even when it’s cloudy, UV rays can damage your skin, and once it snows, the white winter wonderland will reflect sun rays, so they’re hitting you from all angles.

How to Take Care of Your Skin in Winter

We’re going to tell you something you might not want to hear and trust us, it brings us no joy. But, try to avoid the long, scalding showers and long soaks in the tub. We get it; few things feel better in the moment than a nice toasty bath after a day out in the cold, but the hot water and long exposure to moisture will only dry out your skin more, as odd as that sounds.

As mentioned before, the sun is still coming after you in the colder months, so be sure to use some sunscreen or skin cream with some sun protection built-in. And, if you’re going to be doing something active that may cause you to sweat or will cause rubbing between your body and your clothes, take extra care of your skin, or you’ll definitely be left feeling scratchy. You may remember some of our previous tips about this from a summer article, but the same principles still apply now.

Finally, use the right products. A soap that includes moisturizer is never a bad idea; just pick one that works for your body, and it’s always good to carry some hand cream and chapstick. However, for full-body care, or even spot treatment, it’s good to have a reliable skin cream you apply often. There are loads of options out there, but we recommend our Jojoba Gel. Made from all-natural ingredients, this gel is designed to work with your body, rather than fight it, so it promotes healthy, moisturized skin.

So, go forth and make your snow angels, ski your lines, and sip your hot cider. Just make sure you’re taking proper care of your skin while you do it. It’s not too difficult to do, and the short-term and long-term benefits are more than worth the extra effort!