It happens every year. Warm weather fades away and takes along with it that cocoa butter glow and shiny hair we rocked all summer. Hormonal changes can sometimes wreak havoc on the skin and nails, but so can the weather.

Wintertime and its freezing temperatures bring along with it new challenges for skin and hair health, leaving you wishing for that sun-kissed look, instead of a dull complexion and lackluster locks. Fortunately, there are simple do-it-yourself home remedies that can help you winter-proof your body, and feel good in the process.

To combat dull, dry skin, moisturization and hydration are key. Even something as simple as splashing cold water on the face in the morning can help get blood circulating and keep skin looking healthy throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and take omega-3’s, which can be found in foods such as nuts, salmon, avocado, or in pill supplement form.

Moisturizing the skin anytime of the year is important, but especially in the wintertime, when harsh weather conditions can cause the skin to crack under its harsh whip. A yogurt and honey mask is a budget-friendly and easy way to keep skin moisturized and glowing. Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that helps promote cell regeneration and soften the skin, while honey retains moisture. Add 1 tbs. of plain yogurt to 1 tbs. of honey and apply to clean, moist face. Let it sit for ten minutes, then remove with a warm washcloth. Moisturizers that contain vitamins C and E also soothe dry skin.

Exfoliation is vital in keeping the skin looking luminous in the winter months. Gentle scrubs such as baking soda or sea salt and water can help rid the skin of dead skin cells to reveal a youthful glow. Finally, try to avoid soap-based face cleansers, which can make the skin even drier in the colder months and strip it of its essential oils.

And what about your hair?

Colder climates and low humidity make the hair more difficult to manage, but natural oils are the answer to many of your hair’s winter woes, including static, dry scalp, and split ends. Feeding the hair with products that will lock in moisture and are alcohol-free is key.

• For a deep oil treatment, heat 2 tbs. of olive or coconut oil, then wrap the hair in a towel to let the oil penetrate the hair shaft.
• If you suffer from dry and itchy scalp in colder climates, tea tree oil is a great remedy for unclogging hair follicles and can be applied directly to the scalp.
• For fly-aways and frizz, use a leave-in conditioner before blowdrying the hair, and run a dab of hair serum or vitamin E oil in the hair afterwards.

Curly hair can be especially prone to dryness in the winter. Not rinsing out your conditioner completely after washing can help tame and nourish the hair. Emollients such as shea butter, avocado oil, or castor oil are also great remedies for curly hair in the colder months.

Finally, environment is everything! Keep a humidifier in your bedroom to generate moisture, and keep your fridge stocked with healthy options, because beauty radiates from the inside out.