Winter weather can do a number on your skin, leaving it dried-up, cracked and red. There’s still time to mitigate the damage, though, if you give your skin a little TLC.

Riley Guzzo is an esthetician at The Ten Spot in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, where winter always packs a punch. She’s seen her share of winter-worn skin, and shares her tips on how to put your best face forward (even when there’s a polar vortex outside).

Drink Up: Drink lots of water. Herbal tea, rich in antioxidants, is good too. “I also will add collagen powder to my coffee, it has a creamy taste. It’s good for skin, nails and joints,” says Guzzo. “I’ve been using it for two years now, and have noticed a huge difference in my skin.”

Don’t Strip: “When you have oily skin, the temptation is there to overdo it with salicylic acids and harsh scrubs. People can be too aggressive with their skin. When you strip your skin, your skin will work harder to make more oil. It’s a vicious cycle.”

Get a Facial: If you can swing it, get a professional facial once a month in order to keep your skin smooth and glowing. If not, go once each season to remove impurities and bolster skin.

Wash Your Face: “If you leave makeup on, it just sits on your skin and gets absorbed. That’s what creates bacteria, pimples, blackheads,” she says. “It’s just bad news.”

Scrub It Up. “In the winter, use a more physical scrub exfoliant like a scrub, as opposed to a chemical peel which can cause sensitivities in your skin. It’s already cold and windy, you don’t need anymore irritation,” says Guzzo. “Just add a little to your cleanser, and massage it upwards in a circular motion. Use everyday or twice a week, depending on your skin type.” Try Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

Get Toned: “Toner balances the pH of your skin, and allows the product you’re using to penetrate and work to the best of their ability, because your skin is balanced. Also, a toner can remove any makeup you didn’t catch when you washed your face. This makes sure your skin is super-clean and ready for serum.”

Serum Booster: “Serum is your most active ingredient product. You can target very specific things with the serum; either hydration, correcting dark spots. It’s concentrated so you don’t need as much. Put it between your fingers and lightly press it into the skin.The serum will take your skin to the next level; you’ll see positive results faster,” says Guzzo.

Moisturize It: “In the winter, moisturizer creates a barrier on your skin. It protects and seals everything you did beforehand into the skin. It ensures its keeping the serum in, and keeps what’s going on outside (with the wind and snow) out. If you’re only going to do one step; make sure you moisturize.” Try Dermalogica Barrier Repair.

Don’t Forget The Sun: It sounds counter-intuitive, but the sun can still do damage in the winter. “Some moisturizers have it built-in, it just depends what you use, or what you like. Everyday you should be wearing a sunscreen, definitely.”

Treat and Sleep: Know your skin type, and use the right cream for it. “In the winter I like to use richer creams. Some you can sleep in, and when you wake up, your skin will be nice and hydrated.” Also key: get a good night’s sleep. Try: Dermalogica’s Sound Sleep Cocoon.

Be Diligent: “Establish a good skincare routine and be diligent with it, because the winter months are so harsh on your skin and can cause a lot of damage. The wind and cold can cause inflammation and broken capillaries. The skin is the largest organ on your body, it’s really important to protect it. Use higher quality products–you won’t need to use as much.”