Dry Skin - Face It With Tips For Winter Skincare

Baby, it's cold outside! And your skin is giving you the cold shoulder -- it's dry, flaky, tight and totally lackluster.

Despite the deep freeze, there are ways to keep your skin from cracking up. Dr. Laurie J. Polis, the director of dermatology at the SoHo Skin and Laser Dermatology Group in New York City shares her top ten winter skincare tips with StyleList.

1. It's important to cut down on time spent in the shower; instead of 15 minutes, stick to 5-10, Dr. Polis suggests.

2. Look for products that provide dual benefit to maximize moisturization and protect from the harsh winter elements. Try Dial Antioxidant Body Wash with Cranberries and AntiOxidant Pearls ($4.59-5.49) which contains extra moisturizers and antioxidants that reinforce skin's natural defense system.

3. Put moisturizer on right after the shower when skin is still damp, Dr. Polis said. This will lock in moisture to prevent drying and flaking. The Vaseline Clinical Therapy line (starting at $5.99) has a body lotion which is good for moisturizing during cold, blustery months.

4. Apply a layer of moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of 15-30. Sunscreen is important in winter because of the sun's reflective powers which bounce off of the snow.

5. Invest in a humidifier. "Turn it on every night before bed and your skin will thank you this winter," she says.

6. Use a comforting lip balm with sunscreen protection during the winter months. Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips ($2.99) is made with an SPF 20 to screen out sun rays and prevent sunburns.

7. Invest in a good facial exfoliant. "This gets rid of built-up dead skin cells and exposes a fresh layer of youthful, glowing skin," she said. Neutrogena's Deep Clean Gentle Scrub ($7.69) that cleans deep into pores leaving soft, smooth skin.

8. Some women like to switch from a powder to a liquid foundation in the winter months to provide skin with extra moisture. Regardless of the type of coverage used, always apply a good moisturizer directly under your foundation.

9. Protect hands from cold winter air with gloves or mittens. Choose a pair that is made with soft fabrics which won't irritate skin.

10. Some of the most important areas to moisturize can easily be forgotten during the winter months, she said. "Don't neglect the heels of your feet, elbows or nail cuticles this season."