Winter has its own special magic and charm. On cold nights you get a warm inner glow when you snuggle up under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, reading a book or watching a movie. However, as soon as you turn on the heater in your home, or venture out into the winter weather, your skin begins to suffer.

We tend to focus on our hands and face, but dry winter weather is hazardous to the skin over the entire body. Here are some tips for women over 60 to help give skin a warm and radiant glow, even during the coldest and darkest times of the year:

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

You may be happy with the moisturizer that has served you well during the spring and summer. But as the weather conditions change, it is a good idea to reinforce the moisturizing creams that you use. You may want to consider using an oil-based cream, rather than water-based, since the oil will create a protective layer on your skin from wind and rain.

In fact many moisturizers that are labeled night creams are oil-based, so it might be a good idea to stay with the brand you love to use, but try their night cream instead. Also consider trying fattier skin care creams and products in the wintertime.

Protect Your Lips

Chapped lips are definitely one negative result of the cold, dry winter weather. Being outside during the wintertime drains the lips of moisture. At the same time sun exposure, especially when there is snow on the ground, reflects more UV rays onto your lips and exposed skin. Try to use a good lip balm that also offers UV protection. Winter skin care is not just about beauty, it’s about protecting yourself from UV rays that can cause cancer.

Use Homemade Skin Care Products

Skin care doesn’t have to be expensive and doesn’t require a lot of artificial ingredients. There are a variety of natural homemade skin care recipes that you can use to create face masks and facial scrubs, often using easy ingredients that you might already have around the house like coconut oil, honey or avocado, or items that can easily be purchased at the grocery store.

Drink Lots of Water

Winter tends to be a dry time of year (unless you live in a tropical climate or in the Southern Hemisphere), so it’s especially important during winter to drink plenty of water. If you get tired of drinking cold water from the tap, winter is a great time to enjoy some hot teas.

Perhaps you can try some of the green tea varieties that have other health benefits as well. Experiment with new varieties of tea to enjoy them throughout the day. Especially with holiday celebrations, you’ll want to drink plenty of water to counteract the drying effects of alcohol.

Eat Well, Sleep Well and Exercise

Skin care is part of our overall holistic self-care. If you have a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, if you get plenty of sleep each night, and if you make exercise a regular part of your daily routine, your skin will likely show the positive side effects of your healthy lifestyle. To counterbalance a dry home caused by central heating, you may want to purchase a humidifier to help keep the air moist.

Consider eating more healthy fats in winter, such as avocados, nuts, or coconut milk. You can make a great green smoothie with spinach, avocado, banana and ginger for a high fat content meal you can drink. Coconut oil is great for using on your hands, hair and your entire body.

What are your favourite winter skin care products? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Watch my interviews with Ariane Poole for more skin care tips: