Winterize your skin

(NC)-Show your skin some TLC this winter. Cold, dry air and indoor heating can rob your skin of essential moisture and lead to dry, cracked, itchy and uncomfortable skin. Sarah Tattersall, winter survival specialist from 3M Canada, offers the following guidelines to keep your skin healthy and happy this winter:

Moisturize early and often: Regularly apply a heavy moisturizer like Nexcare advanced skin cream several times daily to seal in the moisture and replenish rough, cracked or scaly skin.

Cracked - but not broken: If the skin around your hands and nails tends to crack, brush-on polymers like Nexcare skin crack care is like an emergengy first aid kit for your hands. Simply brush it on to create a protective coating to help your hands breathe and heal.

Cold and flu defense: Most cold and flu viruses are spread by direct contact so it's important to wash your hands thoroughly several times a day. An antibacterial gel like 3M's Avagard-D, is an effective and hygienic alternative to soap and water to ward off germs and bacteria.

Don't forget the sunscreen: While it may feel cold outside, snow reflects sunlight, doubling the damaging effect of the rays. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 at all times when outside.