Like most women, my skin doesn't retain moisture as well when the temperature drops. And it's not just my hands and face that suffer—my legs, feet, and elbows also seem to get drier in the wintertime. So, this time of year, I take extra special care of my skin to keep it healthy and moisturized.

It's never too late—or early—to start treating your skin with the care it deserves. Below you'll find my top recommendations for helping to soothe dry, irritated, winter skin. Before you know it, your skin will look and feel softer, smoother, and more supple.

Feed Your Skin From Within

First and foremost, healthy skin starts with good nutrition. To keep your skin in top shape this winter, be sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids (EFAs), nutrients that protect and moisturize your skin. Berries, spinach, romaine lettuce, and broccoli are especially important, as they are high in vitamins A, C, and E—powerful antioxidants that improve the health of your skin by beneficially affecting oil production, helping in the production of collagen, and protecting against cell damage.

If you choose to supplement these antioxidants, I recommend 10,000-25,000 IU of vitamin A (as beta-carotene), 600–3,000 mg of mineral-buffered vitamin C, and 400–600 IU of vitamin E every day.

CLICK HERE for a good all round supplement containing those antioxidants.

Also, be sure to eat foods that are high in essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated oils, which help create moister, softer skin and tissues. Add more salmon, tuna, flaxseed, raw pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and almonds to your diet, and consider supplementing at least 1,200 mg of EFAs per day, mainly as omega-3s.

And last, but certainly not least, be sure to drink plenty of water—at least two liters each day—to keep your skin hydrated.

I love this avocado facial recipe because it's totally natural and really works! Avocado is high in iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E. It's also rich in oils that rejuvenate your skin, reduce eye puffiness, and leave skin soft, smooth, and nourished.

Avocado Facial

½ cup non-instant oatmeal
1 cup mashed avocado
1-2 tablespoons honey

Apply to face and leave on for 15–30 minutes. Wash off with warm water.