Beauties beware! You must know what's in your moisturizer, and know when to switch.

BeautyPress tell us that as the weather turns cooler, swap a daily lotion for a rich cream or ointment, as recommended by makeup artist Carmindy, from the oldie but goodie TV Show What Not to Wear.

Also keep in mind that a good moisturizer shouldn't be judged by its price tag. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends looking for ingredients such as lactic acid or urea, which help alleviate dryness. Hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, and petroleum have all been recommended to help hold water to the skin (i.e. trap moisture).

Now for a few additional, yet essential tips:

Pucker up! Dermatologists recommend applying a lip balm to help heal dry, cracked lips, especially one with SFP 15. The AAD recommends petroleum jelly at night, while Carmindy suggests applying a nightly lip balm (and eye balm). Continuing to use the lip balm once lips are cured of their dryness will keep them soft and supple. 

Sunny Days. It has been preached for years, and preached for a reason. Wear sunscreen everyday, even when not in the sun. The AAD reminds us that even in the winter, exposure to the sun's rays speeds up the aging process of the skin, increasing the risk of dryness, wrinkles, and age spots.

Use at least SPF 15 and be sure it's broad spectrum, which protects from both UVA and UVB rays. 

Anti-aging cream aggravating? Check the label: some anti-aging products contain retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids that may irritate dry, itchy skin. Veer towards a moisturizing formula. Check your makeup bag as well.

Carmindy recommends switching from powder products to cream formulas, which are less likely to dry the skin. She also advises using a moisturizing foundation if you are still feeling the drought. 

Last but not least, it may boil down to the bath. Keep showers or baths down to 5-10 minutes. The longer one bathes, the more rapidly skin will dry out. Be sure to use warm water instead of hot. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils more quickly. If you can handle the heat, keep the bathroom door shut. This will lock in much-needed humidity post-shower or bath.

Use a mild cleanser versus a fragrant, deodorant bar, and when drying off, pat the skin instead of rubbing it. Finally, be sure to apply your moisturizer 3-5 minutes after a shower or bath. This ensures that the moisture in the skin is trapped before it escapes.  

Now start treating that skin!