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Avoid these common missteps to save your skin during the winter!

Lingering in a Hot Shower

When it’s ten below outside, it’s tempting to turn your morning shower into a half-hour steam-a-thon. But after about 15 minutes, all that heat begins to compromise your skin’s lipid layer, a complex of fatty acids that holds in precious moisture. Turn down the heat as much as you can—or at least shorten your shower time.

Wearing the Wrong Lip Balm

The most important thing is to use a balm that is viscous, not waxy, so the ingredients penetrate fissures. Stay away from anything with lanolin and, since fragrance is the number-one skin allergen, avoid anything that’s heavily scented or tastes like your favorite candy.

Neglecting Your Hands

One more reason to wear gloves: Forgetting to do so “can lead to painfully cracked fingertips and peeling nails.” Other hand tips: Since antibacterial hand soaps can be drying, use a mild, creamy one instead, rinse well with lukewarm water, and reapply hand cream every time. Once a week, rub cuticle oil into and around nails to keep them hydrated.

Having Rough Feet

Neglecting your feet all winter just makes it more difficult to whip them into shape for spring. As maintenance, get a pedicure at least every six weeks—or even better, follow this foot-softening routine once a week: Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes, then buff the soles with a foot file. To soften and help seal cracks, slick on an ointment, then wear cotton socks while you sleep.

Having Hat Head

To prevent a hat from messing up your hair, “make sure hair is totally dry first—if it’s even slightly damp, it will dry flattened-out under the hat.” Prevent dents in long hair by gathering it into a loop and tucking it under the cap. To maintain volume in hair that’s shoulder-length or longer, part it on the opposite side from where you normally do, then flip it back after you take the hat off. And for short hair, as soon as you remove your hat, put a little styling cream or even just water on your fingers, and run them over and under the roots to rough them up. SEE THE REST HERE!

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