During the course of a New York City winter, skin conditions can easily emerge and existing disorders can get worse. The cold, dry weather, the even drier apartments, the stress of the holidays and a lack of hydration all leave our skin vulnerable.

While many just tough it out until spring, there are plenty of things you can do to give your skin the best chance of not just surviving the winter, but looking its best.

Below are ten tips for how to keep your skin looking its best this winter.

1. Get Enough Rest. Winter brings the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. During this time of year we are often burning the candle at both ends trying to meet year end deadlines, as well as family obligations. Sleep is the ultimate rejuvenator and the season sets the tone for more of it. While most of us do not have the luxury of sleeping in, we often do have the choice of going to sleep earlier. A 15 to 30 minute power nap during the day is also a great way to restore your body and maintain a state of vibrancy.
2. Drink More Water. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more. With the cooler temperature it is easy to reduce your water intake too much. Dehydration causes fatigue and makes your skin look parched and aged.We are about 60% water! And we need it to maintain the healthy function of all our organs. Setting a morning, afternoon, and evening routine can help ensure that you get enough water throughout the day. Remember, if your urine is not clear, chances are you are not consuming enough water.
3. Clean up Your Diet to Promote Good Bowel Movements. With colder temperatures we crave comfort foods that are often rich and high in calories. Lots of holiday parties and social events can cause overindulgence in food and beverage. Make a commitment to eat clean and seasonal foods at least 3 to 4 days of the week. Dark leafy greens, root vegetables, and whole grains keep your gut performing at optimal capacity. Eat foods that are roasted, baked or steamed. Regular healthy bowel movements will keep your body detoxified and help your skin look its best.
4. Exercise, Your Body, and Your Face. Exercise is a vitality booster, but don't forget your face. My anti-aging secret weapon for glowing, toned skin is to exercise because it brings blood and qi to the face. Some of my favorite exercises are toning the neck and the uplift and tuck.
5. Tone the Neck. Gently extend your head back and look at the ceiling. Place one of your hands on your chest, you should feel the skin on the front of your neck get tighter. Now pucker up, and kiss the sky. I normally do 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
6. Uplift and Tuck. This will tighten and tone the face and sculpt your jaw line. Look in a mirror and adjust your posture if needed. Gently smile so that the corners of your mouth are slightly turned up. Try to move your ears up and back. Hold this position for a count of ten and release. Remember to breathe deeply to provide oxygen to the skin.
7. Never Fail to Cleanse & Moisturize Your Face at Night. If you don't do anything else for yourself, make sure to follow this rule. Our skin rejuvenates at night while you are sleeping. Cleansing at night stimulates cell turnover and blood flow to the dermis, where collagen and elastin gives your skin a tight and toned appearance. Over cleansing will dry out the skin, so during the winter, only do this step at night. In the morning, use tepid water to invigorate and follow with your favorite toner. Don't hesitate to be generous with moisturizer morning and night.
8. Use Sunscreen. Protection is Key. Even during winter it's important to protect your skin from the sun. Most aging signs are sun damage-related and can be prevented. The sun can cause premature wrinkling, and dark spots called hyperpigmentation. If you are using mineral makeup, you have adequate protection. If you're going to be outdoors, wear a SPF 30.
9. Exfoliate. Use a gentle exfoliant several times per week. Honey with sugar encourages cell turnover as well as hydrates the skin. Add a little lemon juice to brighten the skin once a week. Exfoliation gives the skin a nice smooth texture and restores luminosity.
10. Love the Skin You’re In. Have a Positive Mental Attitude.Shake your beauty and have fun. Smile just because it feels so good. Your cells respond to positive cues and you look and feel better. When I was little and used to pout, my grandmother would say, "Be careful your face may get stuck that way.” As it turns out she was right on. We hold certain expressions that can contribute to aging. A smile produces endorphins, the feel good hormone, and gives the muscles of the face a nice lift. Give it a try!