As the cool, wet weather of the fall season changes into the cold, dryness of winter, it is a good time to make sure your skin will be protected. Between the pumpkin spice lattes of today and the first snow of this coming winter season, here are ten ways you can prepare to keep your skin healthy as the freezing winds approach.

1.   Stay hydrated. The dry winter air removes moisture from skin. Stay hydrated during the cold weather months to tackle this problem from the inside out.

2. Try a humidifier. Still feeling dry? Humidifiers put moisture back into the air, relieving itchy skin, chapped lips and improving breathing conditions.

3. Ditch your exfoliator for now. Exfoliants can have damaging effects on already dry skin. Swap it out for a gentler cleansing product during the winter. If you feel you still need one, invest in an exfoliating polish that is formulated for sensitive skin, such as this gentle exfoliating polish, named one of the best 6 exfoliating products on the by Good Housekeeping magazine.

4. Stay away from fragranced soaps and skin cleansers that contain alcohol. They may further dry out your skin.

5. Keep using broad-spectrum SPF. You've heard it before, but here's another reminder: SPF is not just for summer. Snow and ice reflect UV froms the sun right onto your face so it's just as important to wear SPF in the winter. Here are our staff favorites.

6. Say goodbye to super-hot showers and baths. A hot tub sounds tempting in the bitter cold of winter, but you're better off turning down the water temperature slightly. Extreme hot and cold temperatures can damage your skin.

7. Get a chemical peel. Tis the season for chemical peels! Getting a peel while you are staying indoors and less exposed to UV rays will allow your skin to heal quicker so you can enjoy better results.

8. Eat healthy. Skin health starts from the inside out. Enjoy your holiday treats but remember to incorporate vitamin-rich foods, especially fruits and vegetables, every day to keep your skin glowing.

9. Use Vaseline to nourish chapped lips back to life. Apply Vaseline to your lips for 10 minutes and remove with a paper towel dipped in warm water. Viola! Softer lips.

10. Take a skin-promoting supplement. Supplements can't replace a healthy diet, but taking Vitamin C, E, Alpha Lipolic Acid and CoEnzyme Q10 tablets may provide anti-aging benefits.

Following these tips will help you keep your glow and avoid dry skin all winter long. All ZO Skin Health products are available at Visage Facial Plastic Surgery. You can order by calling us at (262) 701-7040 or at your next in-office appointment.