Frigid, dry air outside and heated, dry air inside, can do a number on your skin during the winter months. But you don't need fancy repair creams that cost an arm and a leg to prevent cracking and crinkles. To keep your skin glowing from head to toe, try these tricks that will keep it feeling smooth and youthful all winter long:
Feed your skin wrinkle-fighters. Eat citrus (oranges, tangelos, grapefruit) often. The fruitful bonanza of vitamin C discourages wrinkles because C helps pump up collagen (supportive protein fibers that stop skin from sagging).
Wash with the right stuff. Skip soaps with colors and fragrances. Dyes can leave a dull residue, and scents can trigger allergies. Instead, choose gentle, pH-balanced cleansers that won't upset skin's protective acid mantle, which keeps moisture in. Tip: If the soap you're using doesn't sting your eyes, it likely won't bother your skin.
Go for the greens. To keep skin from drying out, up your intake of dark green veggies. Spinach, broccoli and mustard greens are especially rich in skin-loving vitamin A, which encourages cell turnover, deters dryness, and keeps skin's surface supple.
Seal in moisture. If you are over 50 or live in a really dry climate like the desert, slather lotion all over your body while you're still damp from the shower. Repeat on your hands after each cold-and-flu-fighting scrub.
Medically reviewed in February 2020.
