Have you looked in the mirror lately, and wondered, “WHAT is going on with my skin?” Or maybe you’re noticing dull, dry, and flaky skin on other parts of your body too. Enter: The changing seasons, and in this case, the change from fall to winter.

Why is it that when the temps start to get cooler (which many of us welcome!), your glowing, healthy-looking, moist skin suddenly looks dull, which translates to your skin feeling tight and dry and maybe even itchy? Keep reading!

When the seasons change from fall to winter (and even earlier in some places), the change in the temperature and humidity levels also means a decrease of moisture. This leads to that dull skin. And since we often use our heaters during the colder months, even more moisture is removed from the air, causing your skin to feel and look even duller. And we’re sorry to have to share this news, but even in more humid areas, you can still experience the effects of the changing temps on your skin.

Top Five Tips for Combating Dull Skin

So listen up, when you start to see and feel your skin changing with the season, there are some simple things you can do to help your skin feel its best from head to toe—no matter the temperature!

Tip #1. Drink up

Water, that is. Drinking enough water is so important year round for optimal health, but when it comes to healthy skin, it’s especially important when the weather gets colder and drier. Unfortunately, 3 out of 4 of us aren’t drinking enough H2O. Since water makes up 64% of your skin, dehydration can affect the look, feel, and health of your skin. How much water should you be drinking every day? Experts recommend ½ your body weight in ounces. Every day. What does that look like?

If you weigh 150 lbs., aim to drink 75 ounces (plus some extra for sweat lost during your workouts).

If that number feels overwhelming, try drinking an extra cup a day until you reach your goal amount.

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Tip #2. Remove the effects of the day

Your facial skin faces a lot every single day, so it’s crucial to remove all the residual effects (pollution, dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and so on) from your skin every night. This process doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated!

Here are some simple steps you can follow when cleansing:

* Step #1. Use Oil as a Cleanser: Using oil to remove makeup and sunscreen without damaging the skin is essential to washing away the day.
* Step #2. Gentle cleanser: “Gentle” is the keyword here. If your cleanser is too harsh, when the winter months hit, you’ll feel it in your skin. So, choose a gentle cleanser you can use year round to keep your skin healthy and looking its best.
* Step #3. Exfoliate. Don’t forget to exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove those dead skin cells that can make your beautiful skin appear even duller. Regular exfoliation can also help your skin look smoother and younger, and that’s a win on so many levels!

Bonus Tip: Opt for lukewarm or cool water when cleansing your skin as hot water tends to remove the natural oils that can help keep your skin feeling soft and glowing.

Tip #3. Mask your face

Masks aren’t only for Halloween or costume parties. A good face mask can be just what your skin needs to help combat dullness and dryness. One caution: Depending on your skin type and the product you choose, only use a face mask 1-3 times a week as needed.

Tip #4. Slather on the moisturizer

Your skin loves moisture (remember our water tip from above?), so use your favorite moisturizer as often as needed wherever it’s needed. In fact, according to the experts, using a moisturizer twice a day can actually help treat some types of dermatitis as well as help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy and glowing.

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When it comes to showing your skin some moisturizing love, our lotion, body oil, and Concreta (for those areas—hands, cuticles, heels, or anywhere else—that take the brunt of everyday life) can be your anti-dull skin BFF day in and day out.

Tip #5. Use a humidifier

Since the cooler temps remove moisture from the air, using a humidifier in your living spaces and bedrooms can make a huge difference in how your skin handles the winter months. Plus, using a humidifier—especially in your bedroom while you sleep—can help prevent and relieve cold and allergy symptoms, which can be more common in the colder months, also due in part to the cooler temps.

With a little bit of prep work before the temps start dropping and you notice your skin starting to look dull, you won’t have to wonder, “WHAT’S going on with my skin?!” ever again. You’ll know exactly what to do to keep your beautiful skin—from head to toe—at its absolute healthiest all year round.