1. Don't Expose Unprotected Skin
Don't expose unprotected skin to wind and cold. "Low winter temperatures can damage your skin by disrupting the barrier that normally locks moisture into your skin," says Dr. Bank. "And when there are chinks in that armor, microscopic droplets of water can escape and freeze on the skin's surface, causing additional redness, chapping, and irritation." If you can't avoid exposure, apply a rich lotion first, such as Origins All-Purpose High-Elevation Cream Dry Skin Relief ($25, Origins). And bundle up in a scarf, but make sure it's a breathable, natural fabric such as cotton, silk, or cashmere (though not other wools — the fibers are notoriously itch-inducing).
2. Do Drink 1.5 to 2 Quarts of Water Per Day
Do drink 1.5 to 2 quarts of water per day to ensure that your skin is sufficiently hydrated. Increase this amount during the holiday season if you're going to increase your alcohol consumption, says Dr. Bank. (Alcohol is a diuretic and can rob the body of much-needed water. For that matter, so is caffeine.)
3. Don't Slack on Your Diet
"Immune system health, which depends on proper intake of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, can influence the reactivity of your skin," says Dr. Bank. A good night's sleep helps in this department, too.
Do drink 1.5 to 2 quarts of water per day to ensure that your skin is sufficiently hydrated. Increase this amount during the holiday season if you're going to increase your alcohol consumption, says Dr. Bank. (Alcohol is a diuretic and can rob the body of much-needed water. For that matter, so is caffeine.)
"Immune system health, which depends on proper intake of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, can influence the reactivity of your skin," says Dr. Bank. A good night's sleep helps in this department, too.
"Stress can actually increase sensitivity to environmental factors, leaving your skin more prone to irritation," says Dr. Bank. So practice yoga, curl up with a trashy novel, or find some other way to unwind.
Do launder clothing with dye- and fragrance-free detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. Both additives can cause itching and rashes. Try Tide Liquid Detergent Free & Gentle ($9, drugstores) and Ultra Downy Free & Sensitive Fabric Softener ($9, drugstores).
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