The winter season is often a time when people complain about their skin. For many people it becomes dry, flaky, and dull. Others complain that the dryness not only looks unsightly, but it itches, too. The irony in this is that it’s also the time of year when people are attending more parties and social gatherings, as well has having many holiday pictures taken. The good news is that there are plenty of things that people can do to help their skin have a great glow all season long.

“There’s no reason to have dull dry-looking skin in those holiday photos or when attending the parties,” explains Dr. Sanjiv Saini of MD Dermatology, with locations in Edgewater, Glen Burnie and Lexington Park, Maryland. “If you take the time to do things to keep your skin healthy, then it will maintain a great glow all winter.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, dry skin is common, especially during the winter, because of the low humidity indoors and out. There are numerous ways that people can maintain healthy glowing skin all year, including these 13 ways that will help:

1. Use a humidifier. By using a humidifier in your bedroom at night you will keep your skin more moistened, and you will breathe better, too. The humidifier will help put the moisture loss from winter back into the air.

2. Watch the diet. Some foods will add to the glow, while others will take away from it. Load up on fruits and veggies, especially things like mushrooms, which help to repair any damaged skin, and foods with vitamin D and B, which help fight the aging process and keep the skin from looking sallow. Also, reduce the salt intake, as it can leave your skin looking puffy and dull.

3. Drink green tea. The antioxidants the tea is loaded with help to fight inflammation, so drink up.

4. Opt for red wine. The polyphenols help to protect the skin from aging as fast. So when you attend the holiday party, opt for the red.

5. Get a facial. When you have a professional facial done it will help to reduce the flaky skin and create a more radiant look.

6. Consider microdermabrasion. Taking this professional step is an effective way to remove the dull-looking layer of skin so that the glowing skin can emerge.

7. Make sleep a priority. Not getting enough sleep can leave your skin looking dull and tired. It’s important to get enough sleep each night to keep your skin glowing. Also, consider adding room-darkening shades to your room to help you avoid any ambient light that may lead to losing sleep.

8. Find ways to de-stress. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, stress can have an affect on our skin, and even make such conditions as rosacea, acne, and psoriasis worse. It can also trigger fever blisters and dehydrate the skin. They also report that those who are stressed may neglect their skin. Find ways to de-stress, such as doing yoga, meditating, or journaling.

9. Sooth extra dry skin. If you already have skin that is very dry or flaky, sooth it by using aloe. You can purchase pure aloe in a bottle, or pick up a plant and cut off a piece to squeeze some of the aloe out onto the skin.

10. Start sweating. When you sweat, your body is releasing toxins, so it’s a good thing. Find an activity to do several times per week that will help you work up a good sweat.

11. Toothpaste alert: Did you know that some toothpastes with added flavors may contribute to a common skin condition called perioral dermatitis? If you are experiencing redness or scaling around the mouth, try using a more basic toothpaste instead.

12. Your environment: Your skin can be affected by the environment. Make sure to change your air filters and to avoid smoky environments which can lead to the release of free radicals that hasten aging and damage skin.

13. Watch your water: Do you shower in hard water? Consider purchasing a showerhead that removes mineral deposits (calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates and sulfates) and effectively purifies your shower water. Continuously showering in hard water can have a damaging effect on skin and hair. If you are suffering from psoriasis or eczema, hard water can further aggravate the skin.

“Nobody wants skin they feel like hiding all winter long, especially when we are so social during the holidays,” added Dr. Saini. “Keep these things in mind and do some of them. You may just be surprised at what a glowing difference it makes to your skin. And you will most likely enjoy those holiday photos a lot more!”