Skin alert: do this and not with dry skin

My skin has a winter mode, which kicks in around January. Nothing to be done about it, the groove on my forehead digs a little deeper, the area around my nose peels, and the overall dryness sets in. I prefer to slather on my complete arsenal of creams, but does that really work? I called skin expert Annelijn van Ierland from Skin Kliniek, our guru in this field, to ask what we should definitely do but also especially what we should not do.

1. Moisturizing is the key. In winter, your skin dries out, which has to do with the cold and dry air, and then the heating is also on. Together, this causes the moisture in your skin to evaporate. Extra moisturizing is Annelijn's advice, in the morning and evening, and if necessary in between, with a base cream like cetomacrogol cream or just Vaseline.

2. Don't shower too long and not too hot. The water evaporates from your skin, making it even drier. Also, don't use too much soap, as it removes the protective fatty layer from the skin. After showering, immediately apply a mild body lotion without alcohol and perfume, and don't rub too hard with the towel, but dab a little and then apply, so you trap the moisture.

3. Stop scrubbing. In winter, that's really too aggressive for the skin and it only irritates more.

4. Don't forget your hands and lips. You can also do just fine with a pot of Vaseline. And that mint balm is really nice and fresh, but it actually irritates your lips and you definitely don't want that.

5. Whatever you do, don't go under the tanning bed. Of course, it's nice and warm, but it's the worst thing you can do. Are you cold? Just put on a little extra.

6. Get a peel. It helps your skin and makes it look radiant again. Choose a glycolic acid peel or, if your skin is sensitive, a salicylic acid peel.

And if you want a professional verdict on your skin, we recommend you to take a seat in the chair with Annelijn.