If you live in a locale where winters are consistently harsh, you know how bitter winds and freezing temperatures can take a big toll on delicate skin, often causing redness, dryness and irritation. Thankfully, there are winter skin care steps you can take to support healthy, hydrated skin before the cold has a chance to do damage.

Here's a list of some top tips you can use to maintain hydrated skin even in the chilliest weather:

Use a humidifier. In a season of dry air, where heating systems compound the dryness, adding moisture back into your home environment can help rehydrate skin.
Stay hydrated with water. Drink an extra glass or two of water each day during the cold season to help hydrate from the inside out and vitalize the body.
Take cool showers. Excessively hot showers only dry out skin further and can create small cracks in the skin's surface. So turn down the heat a bit.
Moisturize skin after baths or showers. Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion after bathing, preferably one with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid that protect the skin from moisture loss. For extra hydration, start with a layer of almond, coconut or other natural oil underneath the cream, and apply a second time during the day.
Swap lotion for thicker creams and don't forget your hands. The thinner your lotion, the less moisturizing power it has. Opt for a thick cream, or even an ointment, to ensure maximum hydration. Apply it to your hands, too, since skin here is extra vulnerable to the elements.
Buy facial creams with SPF. Though the sun may not be shining as much, UVA rays are still getting through enough to effectively harm your skin. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen year-round with a high SPF rating, even if you don't plan to be outdoors much.
Drink green tea and eat antioxidant-rich foods. Getting the right nutrients is especially important in colder weather to protect the body and skin from injury, damage or depletion.
Use gentle cleansers. Be sure to read labels carefully to ensure your facial, hand and body cleansers are free from harsh ingredients like sulfates or added dyes and perfumes.
Get professional peels and exfoliation. While facial peels and exfoliating treatments improve the appearance of skin by removing dead skin cells, they also enhance skin's ability to absorb moisture. Winter may also be an ideal time to schedule skin-brightening sessions such as chemical peels, since they typically come with a no-sun caveat during healing.
Prevent chapped lips with a balm or ointment. Keep that delicate lip skin from drying out both inside and outdoors with a deep moisturizing lip conditioner, and go for a medicated balm if you have severe chapping. Avoid licking your lips, as this tends to exacerbate already sore, dry skin.

Annual skin checks with a dermatologist can help you keep your skin healthy. Remember that the CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for doctor visits, professional peels and other spa treatments and skin care products.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a provider or retailer near you.