Winter is a tough experience for any skin type. Even if you have an oily skin, you may suffer from severe skin dehydration due to prolonged exposure to central air heating, contrasting temperatures, and harsh winds. People with acne can hardly balance the act, torn between the need to calm down those nasty pimples with alcohol-based toners and pimple-drying masks and desperate need to slap on that comfy moisturizer. And those with sensitive skin suffer most of all.

No matter what skin type you have in warmer seasons, winter skin care is all about gentle nourishing care. This means putting aside those stripping cleansers, oil-free masks gels, face washes with harsh scrubbing particles, and chalky face powder. In winter, you have to be mindful and adapt your skin care regimen accordingly.

First of all, in winter your skin needs moisture to keep it supple and healthy. Humectants (to attract and retain moisture) and emollients (for a smoothing and softening effect) are essential, the more the better. That doesn't mean you have to slick your face in Vaselin. Fortunately, there are smarter solutions.

Careful yet thorough cleansing comes first. Stay away from bar soaps, especially antibacterial ones, that dry skin, imbalance its flora and in fact help creating new forms of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Solution: try cleansing oil, if you haven't already. With mildest possibly ingredients it can be used either with water or a towel. We love the way the cleansing oil slides on skin and rinses clean, removing even staying makeup, including mascara. And it even washed the sebum clogging our pores, leaving zero residue, so our skin looked absolutely flawless ready to absorb the moisturizer.

Toning is essential in winter. Using a proper toner is more important than most people think. A toner is used to remove the remains of the cleanser. Toners are usually acidic or lower on the PH range. Toner's also a mild cleanser too, and it can soften your skin and even leave some vitamins.  Always tone after cleansing and before moisturizing.  For best results, try a toner with less chemical additions to it - plant hydrosols or mild facial mists are great for winter skincare.

Treat yourself to a moisturizing mask once a week. You can apply honey straight from the pot or combine it with yogurt for light exfoliating effect. Add little brown sugar or corn starch to make the mask less runny.

Exfoliate your face skin with gentle non-abrasive exfoliators such as lemon juice diluted with water.

Body skin is also undergoes a serious beating by winter. It is dehydrated from static electricity, air heating and chilly winds. Plus, clothing also steals moisture from the skin. To beat the flaky itchy skin start with gentle full body scrubbing with simple sugar and olive oil scrub. Develop a routine for daily complete body moisturizing with a rich body oil or a silky lotion with plant extracts.

Remember that Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so get ready to shed your clothes and reveal the beautiful skin underneath.