When the mercury dips your skin takes a hit. From December until April, it’s chapped, dry, flaky skin from head to toe. YUCK! So how do you beat winter skin woes? Experts say change your skin care routine. In the morning don’t wash your face. It’s advice that may seem hard to take, but they say washing can dry  out the skin. Instead rinse and moisturize.

1. At night, use a creamy cleanser and apply it directly to your skin before wetting.

Best bets: Biore Shine Control Cream Cleanser ($6; at drugstores) and Good Skin Soft Skin Creamy Cleanser ($10.50; goodskindermcare.com).

2. Get rid of dry skin by using an exfoliating scrub twice a week.  A good one to try are: Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub ($7; at drugstores) with cooling microbeads.

Moisturizer is better absorbed by freshly polished skin, so follow with a moisture mask like Origins A Perfect World Nighttime Antioxidant moisturizer ($30; origins.com).

3. Moisturize during the day with a nongreasy formula that won’t clog your pores. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($14; at drugstores) with the redness-reducing botanical feverfew, or L’Oreal Dermo-Expertise Hydra-Renewal Continuous Moisture Cream ($7.50; at drugstores) with vitamin B.

At night opt for a more emollient cream, like Dior Hydraction Deep Hydration Rich Creme ($45; sephora.com).

Giving it to your straight,
Left-Tie