Frigid temperatures and gusty winds can lead to dry skin that is cracked and irritated. Avoid these winter weather woes by reassessing your beauty routine and incorporating products that nourish and hydrate. Moisturizer is key when it comes to winter-proofing your skin and choosing the right one is essential.

Picking a product with natural ingredients and essential oils is the best way to truly heal and protect your skin. Some of my favorite picks include Tata Harper’s Rebuilding Moisturizer and Facial Cream by Pangea Organics. The former uses hyaluronic acid and raw honey to simultaneously cleanse and hydrate while Pangea’s Cream utilizes anti oxidant-rich avocado oil for optimal nourishment.

While a tried-and-true moisturizer goes a long way, supple, healthy skin also requires a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. To keep skin soft, make sure to eat foods that are high in Omega-3 essential fatty acids such as walnuts, eggs, tuna, and salmon. Consuming antioxidant rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, and green tea will help keep redness at bay, which is a common skin ailment during the cooler months. Vitamin C, long hailed for its cold-busting powers, is equally potent when it comes to skin repair. Grapefruits, oranges, and tomatoes are all full of this vital nutrient which kicks collagen production into overdrive to help heal damaged skin. Remember to drink half your weight in ounces in filtered, pure water daily and don’t skimp on healthy fats like avocado, coconut and extra virgin olive oil to keep skin supple and plump.

Still looking for something to give your skin that extra oomph? There are a variety of beauty techniques and practices that are known to increase hydration and overall skin health. One of the easiest to adopt is exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells through manual or chemical means. This process allows the newer, radiant skin cells to take center stage.

Exfoliating cleansers are a great multi-tasking choice but be sure to pick a mild product with natural ingredients to avoid irritation. Some choices that work for even the most sensitive skin include Kiss My Face’s Start Up Exfoliating Face Wash and ExfoliKate Gentle by Kate Somerville. Kiss My Face’s cleanser uses green tea to battle any exfoliation-induced redness and Exfolikate combines a variety of nourishing ingredients including papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple enzyme.

Another option is dry brushing, a technique that involves using a special brush (or dry bath mitt)  in long, sweeping strokes toward the heart, avoiding sensitive areas. Since our skin is our largest organ, removing dead skin cells allows our pores to absorb nutrients more readily. Not only is this technique invigorating, it is stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation and improves digestive and kidney function. If using a brush, choose one with firm bristles derived of cactus or other vegetables such as Bernard Jensen Skin Brush Natural Bristles Long Handle. Dry brush once each week before bathing for glowing skin.

A healthy diet paired with a super power moisturizers and exfoliation is a winning combination that will ensure you put your best face forward this winter.