Autumn is here and with winter fast approaching it's going to be time to switch your skincare routine. Typically, skintypes are more dry in the winter and more oily during the summer months. For this reason, we should alter our skin care practices accordingly so we can properly protect ourselves from the ever changing elements.

It is important to use a sunscreen regularly regardless of what season it is. Many don't realize that we are just as likely to sunburn in the winter months as we are during the summer. You should use a sunscreen and moisturizer combination all year round. Make sure you also protect your lips by wearing lip balm or a lipstick that includes sun protection.

It is also important to maintain a consistent level of moisture within the skin whether we are at work or at home. Moisture can be added to the air inside the home or office by using a simple humidifier. As for adding moisture to our bodies, we can easily do so by using an emollient based soap, cream or lotion.

Another simple tip to aid our skin is to take shorter warm showers. If you use hot water while showering or taking a bath, you end up stripping away your bodies natural oils. Taking long showers or bathes also causes us to lose even greater amounts of our natural body oils because we stay submerged in water for to long.

One should also note that it is best to use a toner product that has no alcohol or a low level of alcohol content. Gentle exfoliation of the skin using a soft scrub is also vital to keeping skin healthy and vibrant but be sure you aren't drying out your skin by exfoliating too often.

Depending on your skin type you may want to switch your cleanser during the winter months to compensate for the effects the weather will have on your skin. If you typically have Oily skin, you may want to switch to a Normal or Combination cleanser so that you are not stripping too many of the good oils from your skin. If you are a Normal to Combination skintype, you may want to switch to a Dry formula.

Whatever your skin type, be sure to pay attention to the differences in moisture level or dryness. It will surely make for a more comfortable winter.