Winter is a great time for drinking hot chocolate, snuggling up for a movie and curling up with a great book. It’s not so great on your skin.

If you find your skin is drier or itchier at this time of year or lacking its usual glow, there are a few things you can do to avoid the winter skin blues. Read on to find out ten great tips for how to care for your skin during the chilly weather months.

1. Load up on salmon. Omega 3 fatty acids found in flax seeds and fish oil is actually found to help regulate the skin’s oil production. If you can’t seem to get enough of these products in your diet, there are supplements that can work well instead.

2. Choose a cream instead of a lotion. Rich products will help to lock in more moisture, while also ensuring your skin can still breathe. Dermatologists recommend that you use a thick, fragrance-free cream and lather it on after every shower.

3. Keep using that SPF. Even though the sun doesn’t appear to be out, it’s UVA and UVB rays can still wreak havoc on your skin. Make sure you are keeping your skin protected by using an SPF 15 in your daily moisturiser.

4. Take cooler showers. At this time of year there’s nothing better than soaking in a hot bathe or indulging in a steamy shower, but hot water can actually dry out skin further. By using warmer water your skin won’t be stripped of essential oils and hopefully your tank will get to stay full as well.

5. Guzzle down more water. Although you’re likely not feeling as parched as you did in the summer months, drinking water is still important at this time of year. Not only will it help you to maintain clear skin, it’s also calorie-free. Some sources recommend that you drink a glass of water before each meal and in between meals to make sure you stay hydrated.

6. Get your scrub on. Exfoliating in a great tool for getting rid of all the built up dry skin. One bonus is it will get you a step closer to that healthy glow that many people envy. Make your own scrub by combining olive oil, lemon juice and sea salt into you get a thick paste. Try to use it twice a week.

7. Fake a glow. By now most people have lost their summer tan, but an easy way to stay looking radiant is to use a bronzers or lotion with darkening moisturisers during the cold winter months.

8. Find an oil-based moisturiser. Now is the time to leave your water based moisturiser behind and find an oil-based version with Vitamin C and E. It will help to keep skin moist for a longer period.

9. Go au natural. Try using natural products like coconut oil, olive oil or aloe to soften up your skin. The great thing is it will also leave you smelling great.

10. Invest in a humidifier. If you are prone to suffering from dry and itchy skin, a humidifier is a great way to add moisture to the air and preserve skin’s glow. If you don’t own a humidifier, some suggest that adding a bowl of water on top of a radiator might also work (as it adds moisture to the air as the water evaporates).