You don’t wear the same clothes all year round so why use the same skin care products? “Your skin has different needs and reacts differently depending on the time of year and weather conditions,” explains Dr. David E. Bank, Founder and Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery and author of Beautiful Skin; Every Woman’s Guide to Looking her Best at Any Age.

Following, the doctor’s favorite tips and tricks to combat winter skin before it starts:

HYDRATE
Prevent drastic winter dryness before it starts by using moisturizing creams frequently. “Use your moisturizer within a minute or so of having a shower or bath as damp skin traps the water to help keep your skin smooth and soft,” says Dr. Bank.

EXFOLIATE
According to Dr. Bank, “Dead skin builds up quicker in the winter’s dry heat.” He suggests exfoliating at least once a week to slough off the dead skin. Loofahs may be too harsh to use often but exfoliating cleansers with grains or glycolic-based cleansing products help skin renew itself naturally.

REMEMBER THE SUNSCREEN
Winter is definitely not the time to slack off on your sun protection. “Even if you can’t feel the heat of the sun, the UV rays are still present therefore still at risk for sun damage,” explains Dr. Bank. Using sunscreen or products that contain SPF ingredients like certain make-ups, lotions, and lip moisturizers are always a must even when the temperatures are freezing.

OTHER OPTIONS
For individuals looking to take the utmost precautions to prevent winter damage, Dr. Bank suggests treatments such as microdermabrasion or diode lasers to partially or completely remove dry and sun-damaged skin keeping it smooth, soft, and radiant all winter long.