Every season can be hard on your skin, from allergy-irritating Spring and Fall to humidity-stressing Summer and Winter.  The good news is, we found 10 helpful tips to deal with winter-strained skin:

(1) Switch to an Oil-based Moisturizer
Your favourite summer face creams cannot shield you from the moisture-stripping effects of low humidity, so switch to a heavier, oil-based lotion to create a protective layer on the skin.  Be careful to choose non-comedogenic oils such as products containing avocado, mineral, primrose or almond oils or you may swap your dryness woes for Zit City.
Source: WebMD

(2) Humidify your living spaces
If you don’t already own a humidifier, try this DIY trick: hang a wet towel at your doorknob overnight – by morning it will be dry but your skin will not.
Source: InStyle Ultimate Beauty Secrets

(3) Hydrate internally-- for your health
It’s a myth that drinking more water is a guaranteed fix for great skin.  Rather, do it for the sake of your overall health and hopefully your skin will benefit.
Source: WebMD

(4) Avoid skin-stripping treatments
Skip harsh peels, clay-based masks, and alcohol-based toners/astringents that strip much-needed oils and moisture from your skin.  Switch to cleansing milks, deep-hydration masks and non-alcoholic toners – and use them less often.
Source: WebMD

(5) Layer your skincare routine
You dress in layers, so do the same for your skin.  Add a serum to your daily routine to plump up cells in the lower epidermis.
Source: Elle.com

(6) Wear moisturizing makeup
Toss powdery products for hydrating foundations, blushes, and eye shadows.  It will also give you that gorgeous dewy look that is so very in right now instead of a cakey, aging appearance.
Source: Self.com

(7) Protect with SPF
UV rays do not fly south for the winter.   Make sure your foundation includes SPF or mix a small amount of facial sunscreen with your usual favourite product to ensure year-round protection.

(8) Brighten your complexion
Refresh your complexion by dipping a washcloth in soy milk and resting it on your face for 10 minutes once a week.  Soy is a skin brightener and contains plant-derived estrogen, thought to help prevent wrinkles.
Source: InStyle Ultimate Beauty Secrets

(9)  Cure flaky, dry skin
For seriously dry, flaking skin, wash once a month with dandruff shampoo instead of your usual cleanser. It will reduce the yeast levels that can cause scaly skin.
Source: InStyle Ultimate Beauty Secrets

(10) Try honey-based beauty
We’ve had a love affair with DIY honey beauty recipes for years.  As a natural humectant (moisture-attracting), anti-bacterial, and delicious alternative to more artificial products, you can use it as a lip treatment, mask, cleanser, or hair remedy.  Check out our readers’ tips here and here!

How do you deal with Winter-stressed skin?