Keep an eye out for allergies - this is not a good time to make changes to your skincare regime. Your immune system will be somewhat depressed due to the diminishing daylight. Just as the plants in your garden are undergoing changes, so does your skin. It reacts to sunlight. The most important thing to remember is to eat properly, cut down on sugars and increase your intake of healthy foods rich in Vitamin C (broccoli, fish, leafy greens etc.) and those foods rich in antioxidants (blueberries, cranberries, etc). These foods will help get you through the change of season. For the skin, exfoliate at least twice a week, and mask at least twice a week. If you are ill, mask 3 days in a row to get your skin back in peak form. Drink plenty of fluids. You may have to switch to a more hydrating winter daily moisturizer if you spend alot of time in indoor heating or your face is exposed to the elements (snow, extreme cold, etc).

Acneic skin is usually thicker than normal skin. Exfoliating the top layers of dead cells with a buf puf every day helps keep the pores clear. Using products that control the spread of bacteria is also important. Some of the ingredients that help control bacteria are azelaic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Some of these products are drying and should be used sparingly. Watch for over-drying - this can add to the problem of breakouts.

Avoid using soaps that are meant for the body - they can be too alkaline and actually encourage breakouts by leaving your skin susceptible to foreign bacteria. Cleanse your face with a very mild cleanser for oily skin - never anything too harsh. Avoid toners with alcohol as they tend to thicken the skin.

Combination skin tends to be dry on the cheeks, and oily through the t-zone, meaning the nose and forehead. Most people have this skin type. The solution is to seek a balance. Control the oil and the t-zone and moisturize the rest of the face with a good moisturizer. Regular facials will help with balancing your skin. Regular use of a peeling cream will remove dead skin cells and allow for better moisturisation. A good skincare regimen will keep this skintype from having too many problems.

Dehydrated skin is characterized by cross hatch marks on the skin's surface. Dehydration can occur on all skin types. It is usually found in climates where the temperature is above or below moderate, and caused in the winter by artificial heating. Winter weather is especially hard on the skin and therefore you must be very diligent in your skincare regime. Masking and peels are essential. Keeping your skin well moisturized is vitally important.

Dry skin feels taut and usually has small or fine pores. The key to caring for dry skin is quite simple - keep it well oiled. Dry skin is lacking in oil or lipids - not to be confused with water. You must use creams that will help bond not only water on the skin - but also provide a lipid balance on the skin. Soap is absolutely the wrong thing to cleanse with if your skin is dry. Use a gentle cleanser that has lipids and softening agents. Use creams day and night that are rich with oils such as shea butter and vitamin oils.

Oily skin is thicker with very active oil glands. Oily skin tends to clog, producing blackheads. Breakouts are more common. The key to caring for oily skin is regular cleansing and toning. Your moisturizer should contain ingredients to control oil gland activity. Exfoliating and masking can help in keeping oily skin clear.

Sensitive skin tends to be dry, but can be of any type. Sensitive skin tends to be reactive to climate changes, stimulating beverages, food, and stress. Important changes have occurred in the skincare industry. There are alot of products on the market designed to desensitize skin. Find these products and use them until your skin becomes stable and then you can switch to other products. But desensitizing first is of utmost importance. This is by far the most frustrating of skin types.

For the hot summer months, sun protection is a must. Remember that sun exposure can be a factor when skiing or doing any outdoor sport. Tanning is a natural reaction of the skin when exposed to the sun. In order to protect itself against UVA rays (pigmentation) and UVB rays (radiation). Sun exposure also introduces free radicals onto the skin, further speeding the aging process. Using a proper sunscreen will help prevent skin cancer and premature aging.