Smooth move: Skincare tips for cooler temperatures

It's almost that time of year when you forget about sunburns and start worrying about windburn. The cooler months are here and winter is around the corner, which means long coats, scarves and an entirely different skincare routine.

Skincare. you say? True, it's easy to forget about your skin when it's covered by all those extra layers, but dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas, the founder and medical director of Union Square Dermatology, says cooler months are when skincare, particularly lip care, is most important.

"The skin is our first line of defense against environmental elements, but the skin on our lips has extremely unique properties," she says. "It is one of the most sensitive areas of skin, so they require special attention in order to maintain a healthy appearance."

With that in mind, Chapas offers these tips to help you keep your lips and the rest of your skin feeling and looking healthy no matter the temperature.

* Nurture your lips. The cooler months are hard on your lips. Not only are they exposed to cooler temperatures daily, but behavioral habits like biting or licking your lips can also be damaging.

"What most people don't realize is that common behaviors such as drinking wine or coffee and eating salty or acidic foods can dry out the lips," says Chapas. "But drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and applying a moisturizing lip balm can help counteract the effects of these activities and improve your lip health."

* Protect your hands. Your hands are often left exposed during the cooler months, especially if the cold air has dried your skin, making gloves or mittens painful to wear. Chapas says products that contain shea butter and lanolin are great for counteracting the abuse your hands endure.

* For your scalp. A thicker, moisturizing shampoo will reduce dryness on your scalp and prevent itchiness as temperatures drop.

* Remember the time of day. Don't use the same skincare products for day and night. Instead, use products with protective, moisturizing benefits to guard your skin during the day. At night, switch to heavier creams that offer more hydration. Your skin will absorb this extra moisture while you sleep.

* Don't forget the sun. Just because you've traded in your sunburn for windburn doesn't mean you don't need SPF.

"UV damage can happen year-round," says Chapas. "In fact, we are closer to the sun in the wintertime, and the sun can reflect off the snow, further amplifying its rays and causing sun damage. This makes it so important to incorporate sun protection into your skincare routine, regardless of the season."

Areas like the lips, where skin is thinner, will need even more attention and protection, since they are so sensitive.