Most skin types have a hard time during hot, dry months, but those of us with already dry skin experience more discomfort.

Extreme indoor and outdoor temperatures, wind, and lack of humidity in the air all wreak havoc, resulting in irritated, sometimes red, flaky and dull skin.

Fortunately, you can make a few adjustments which would make a huge difference. It does not have to cost an arm and a leg to get hydrated, glowing skin this time of year.

Here are the top 7 skincare tips for hot and dry weather:

1. Take More Water

Keep your skin hydrated from the inside out by increasing water intake. Cut on sugary drinks, alcohol and caffeine. Skin is the largest organ of the body and our bodies are made of 60% water, keep it happy.

2. Use a Humidifier

Higher indoor temperatures can drain all the moisture from your space. Using a humidifier in your living area or bedroom will increase moisture in the air. This not only helps hydrate skin, but also minimizes sinus problems and allergies.

Humidifiers that are also designed to function as a diffuser are even more interesting because you can add some relaxing and soothing essential oils for a more enhanced experience.

3. Review Your Skincare Products

Our skincare needs change from time to time, and what works perfectly for your skin during cold weather or when we have more humidity may not work for dry weather. Always keep this in mind and get products that are provide more moisture when it’s dry.

You do not want a mattifying cream when your skin is screaming for moisture. Match products to what your skin needs. Get richer moisturizing creams and oils that make your skin glow.

4. Exfoliate

Sometimes we forget to exfoliate skin and may opt to skip the step altogether in our skincare regimen. However, regular exfoliation using scrubs or cleansers helps get rid of dead skin cells allowing lotions, oils, creams and moisturizers to penetrate skin better.

Use a gentle scrub 1-2 times weekly and throw in a chemical exfoliant like Glycolic Acid for a radiant hydrated skin.

5. Not Hot, Warm Water

In the bath or shower, use warm water on your skin, not hot. Hot water will strip all your natural oils from the skin increasing dryness, flakiness and sensitivities. Keep the temperature warm and comfortable.

6. Adjust your Routine

I cannot stress this enough, if your skin always feels dry, consider changing your routine to suit your skincare needs. Instead of drying soaps, foaming cleansers, and alcohol toners, use a cream cleanser or soap with hydrating properties.

Adding facial oil to your nightly routine will turn your skin around. Products with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps skin retain moisture, should also be in your skincare arsenal.

7. Lip Care

Do not ignore your lips. A good moisturizing lip balm will help take care of cracked and chapped lips in dry weather. Make sure your lips are hydrated when going to bed as well. Some good quality Shea butter would work well too.