We all know what that winter skin feels like—itchy, flaky, cracked, dry. It’s one of the downsides of the more arid and mild winters we get in the desert. The Valley’s low humidity combined with indoor heating does a doozy on your skin, drawing precious moisture out of the skin’s outer layer, which disrupts its natural barrier function (particularly noticeable in the hands and face) and sometimes leaving people with skin ailments.

But your skin doesn’t have to stay that way. In fact, it shouldn’t, according to Dr. HL Greenberg, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Las Vegas Dermatology.

“This is the [skin] you get for the rest of your life, so why wouldn’t you treat it with respect?” Greenberg says.

His advice to keep your winter skin moisturized and healthy in the winter isn’t for any specific group of people—it’s for everyone.

The dermatologist, who shares all sorts of dermatology-related content on his 61,000-follower YouTube channel, is quick to point out that the sun is the skin’s enemy, and avoidance is key. He suggests getting your Vitamin D in pill form instead of from sun exposure, even during the winter. And a humidifier in your bedroom or office can help skin keep its moisture.

But more importantly, Greenberg suggests implementing this morning routine: After waking up and bathing, moisturize your skin to replenish the oil barrier that was removed by soap. Then, if you want to keep your skin looking fresh and younger, Greenberg recommends applying anti-aging products like vitamin A and hyaluronic acid (for example, Alastin, Hydrinity or SkinCeuticals).

“The key to well-moisturized skin is repairing the skin’s barrier when it is broken down,” Greenberg says. He suggests opting for creams versus lotions, because they’re thicker and moisturize the skin better.

Folks who have cracked skin, fissures or chapped lips should grab Vaseline to help heal it. And, for people who have allergies to skin care products or have skin conditions such as acne or eczema, an at-home skincare regimen may not be enough. In that case, it’s necessary to get evaluated and treated by a dermatologist.

If you’re looking for deeper winter treatments, Greenberg suggests a Hydrafacial, a medical-grade skin treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and hydrates the skin. He also suggests a broadband light treatment to remove red and brown spots, microneedling or CO2 laser or non-abrasive laser treatments for skin tightening.

“Think of topical moisturization as eating, and skin care procedures as lifting weights,” he says. “You need to do both to look your best.”

When it comes to products, Greenberg has his favorites.

“I’m liking the Alastin and Hydrinity line of products for washes and topical anti-aging treatments,” he says. “Budget options would be Cetaphil or CeraVe lines.”

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