Between biting winds and drying heaters, our skin gets subjected to many extreme conditions during the autumn and winter. And so it’s inevitable that you’ll need to implement a cold weather skin care routine to soothe dry hands and smooth chapped skin. Here are just some helpful hints to get you through the chill ahead:

Hands

Pay special attention around nail beds, where cuticles tend to dry up. During the day, use a light, non-greasy formula such as Aubrey Organics Unscented Ultimate Moisturizing Lotion. That way, you can apply as often as you need to without interrupting your daily routine.

At night, opt for something more moisturizing. Try applying a formulation that takes time to sink into the skin, and pair it with Urban Spa’s Unbleached Cotton Moisturizing Gloves. Apply a thick cream like J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle Salve, a body butter like Dr. Bronner’s Organic Body Balm, or a pure oil like Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil. This last oil is my favourite: in the morning, it as if I wake up with entirely different skin. And the cotton gloves really help to keep oil off of bedsheets!

Feet

With thick socks and heavy boots, calluses tend to build up during autumn and winter. To keep them at bay, soak your feet in a tub or bath with water and soothing salts, such as One with Nature Bath Salts. Then, depending on the thickness of your calluses, use the Sow Good Professional Foot Smoother, the Revlon Pumice Stone or Dr. Scholl’s Callus Filer to slough away dry and dead skin.

After feet have dried, follow up with an cream like Weleda Skin Food. This intensely moisturizing cream contains a mix of fresh-scented essential oils, and can also be used on other particularly dry spots such as elbows and knees.

If you need more moisture therapy for your tootsies, you can apply a thicker balm like Badger Foot Balm and then cover them with Urban Spa’s Cotton Booties before hopping into bed.

Face & Body

If you suffer from dry skin or eczema on your face during the autumn and winter, it might be time to switch up your facial cleanser. If you’re used to a foaming cleanser, try a cream cleanser instead. Some formulations, such as Pure Anada’s Scentless Gentle Cleanser, do not lather at all. But this also means that they are much more gentle on dry skin.

If you’re worried that all this added moisture might result in acne, remember not to skip your toner. Rather than a harsh astringent, a gentle toner such as Thursday Plantation Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Toner can help balance the skin, making sure that you’re not producing too much or too little sebum.

And remember to follow up with a facial moisturizer! If your skin feels tight from harsh winds, try Desert Essence Daily Essential Moisturizer for Normal Skin. If you have tight, dry skin even in the summer, this may be the time to add a treatment to your regimen such as Badger Damascus Rose Beauty Balm. And if you want some light coverage, you can also try Pacifica’s Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream.

For other dry spots such as knees and elbows, try The Honest Company’s Face + Body Lotion. The unscented, lightweight formula is great for applying immediately after a bath or shower, or anytime you’ve just come in from the cold.