When the cold weather hits it can play havoc with your skin, but winter skindoesn't have to be dry and flaky. You may have fallen into the wrong routine without even realising it. By breaking the bad habits your skin can be supple and moisturised despite the season.

1. Sticking with a summer moisturiser

Your light and oil free moisturiser may be perfect for the warmer months, but when the cold starts to bite swap to a richer version with heavier ingredients that lock more moisture into the skin. Cold air can chap and dry out the skin, so you need to bump up the heaviness of your product. Choose oil based moisturiser rather than a cream or lotion, as the oil will give skin a more protective layer.

2. Not using sunscreen

Even though the skies are grey, don't forget the sunscreen. The sun isn't as strong but exposure to its rays can lead to age spots, wrinkles and skin cancer. Use a moisturiser with sun protection included, or add a sunscreen before your moisturiser. If you are taking part in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding a strong sunscreen is essential, as the sun's rays reflect off the white snow and straight onto your face.

3. Turning up the heat

When it gets colder outside we turn up the thermostat inside. Blisteringly hot radiators and roaring fires aren't going to do your skin any favours. They sap the moisture out of it and make skin drier.

Keep the temperature of your home warm but not overly hot. If possible use a portable humidifier to put moisture into the air to counteract the moisture-sapping effect of your central heating.

4. Hot baths

There's nothing quite like a long hot soak in the bath on a cold night, but if the water's too hot it could strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness. It can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture.

So keep the water warm, and don't stay in for too long. If your skin is already dry and itchy try a handful of oatmeal to the water to help relieve the skin's tightness. If you have a winter eczema flare-up an emollient bath treatment will help prevent the loss of moisture from your skin.

5. Using alcohol based products

Some products that control oil, such as spot treatments, cleanser and toners, contain alcohol which can strip too much moisture from your skin when it's already exposed to cold weather and central heating.

"Especially if you are suffering from dry or sensitive skin, avoid products that might further dry it out," says Matt Gass from the British Association of Dermatologists. "It is best to avoid harsh skin cleansers or alcohol-based cosmetics."

Use products more sparingly or pick products that cleanse but don't dry out.

6. Forgetting about lip care

You can tell it's winter when your lips get all chapped and sore, so don't forget to look after them. A slick of petroleum jelly or a lip balm stick or pot should be an essential part of your winter wardrobe. Carry it with you everywhere and reapply frequently.

7. Wearing wool next to your skin

Winter woolly jumpers and cardigans are great at keeping you warm when it's chilly, but make sure you don't wear them next to your skin.

"Although wool is warm and breathable it can be rough against the skin, causing irritation in those with sensitive skin. A soft, light layer beneath a woolly jumper, such as cotton, can create a buffer and prevent irritation," says Matt.

8. Wearing damp gloves and socks

No one does this on purpose, but especially when it's cold and raining or if you are doing winter sports, you sometimes get your socks or gloves wet. It can irritate your skin, cause rubbing, redness and soreness so try to keep your extremities dry, or have an inner cotton layer in gloves for added protection.

9. Overdoing the body exfoliation

Exfoliating skin sloughs off the dead layer to reveal a fresh layer underneath. In the winter, too much harsh exfoliating takes away too much of your body's natural oils. So pick a gentler exfoliator and apply a rich body oil or cream afterwards to lock in the moisture.

10. Forgetting your hands

The skin on the back of your hands is thinner than on other parts of the body and has fewer oil glands, so it's harder to keep hands moist, especially if it's dry and cold. This can cause cracking and irritation. So use a richer hand cream in winter and protect your hands from the cold with gloves when you go outside.