No that's not an alligator, it's my skin!

It's official. Winter is here, and with the snow comes dry, itchy, sometimes cracked skin. Try some useful tips that will help you be more comfortable in your own skin :)

1) Hydrate from the inside out. No, this won't immediately make your skin feel like you live in a tropical climate. Staying properly hydrated makes your entire system function better. It will also keep your immune system strong to fight all of those nasty winter bugs. I don't follow the "rule of 8" It doesn't work for everyone. Instead divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water. For instance if you weigh 150 lbs., drink 75 oz of water. Also, using a humidifier in your house can work wonders while you sleeping or enjoying a TV night on the couch.

2) Exfoliate. I know you think "my skin is so dry I will just load on the lotion". Which is a good thought....after you get rid of all of the dead skin cells on the surface. There are great products out there that are amazing for our face and body, buy don't over look some simple things you can do at home. While your in the shower, after you have washed your face, use a CLEAN washcloth to remove your cleanser. When your done make sure the washcloth goes into the laundry. Do not use it again after it drips dry, it could be harboring bacteria. For your body try a loofah. If those steps just don't seem to be cutting it, try a professional home care exfoliant. You can use them 2-3 times a week and they will have your skin glowing in no time.

3) Moisturize. You may have a moisturizer that you love, but now it just doesn't seem to be getting the job done. Many people need a thicker moisturizer in the winter. Make sure that if you are making a change during the winter months that it still has an SPF of 15 or higher. Even though you may feel like the weather outside is dreary, the UV rays are still getting through the clouds.

4) Licking is for ice cream cones, not your lips. One of the first areas to show dehydration or environmental assault is your kisser! The best way to protect your pout in the winter is to use a good lip product. My absolute favorite is Burt's Bee's lip balm. It's inexpensive, easy to find, and has good ingredients. It will help protect, but it doesn't do much in the way of healing. It does have peppermint in it so it has a great tingly feeling. If your lips are very dry try to rub some sugar on them at night before bed and then apply your lip product. By morning your lips will be so much closer to be kissable again :)