Whenever the weather dips to long-johns conditions, and my pre-war radiator rattles and rumbles, I encounter two inevitables: 1) I vow to move to Costa Rica, and 2) my skin parches to point where it resembles alligator hide. Gross? Perhaps. Restorable? Absolutely. Here are my go-to winter skin solutions:

1// Jojoba oil. I first discovered this miracle when I went on Accutane to clear up my acne. I scoured message boards to find a way to soothe my painfully dry skin and learned that jojoba oil is very close to your skin’s pH level. It keeps flaking in check and gives you a natural glow, even under makeup. While it seems counterintuitive to put oil on your face, it’s non-comodegenic so it won’t make you break out. Take a peek at cult favourite, Rodin Olio Lusso, and you’ll see it’s one of the ingredients. I prefer buying organic, as I use it every morning and night. I even use it in my hair.

2// Aquaphor. In every beauty editor’s drawer, purse, and kit — and mine, too. Use it on your elbows, in and around your nose, and especially on your lips.

3// Humidifier. Not just for the skin, but for headaches and sore throats caused by dry heat. While I own (and love) this adorable cow humidifier, I’ve been coveting this sleek one by Middle Colors.

4// Insulated water bottle. Staying hydrated from the inside out is the best way to keep your skin healthy. Look cool sipping warm beverages out of this Aquaovo thermos — it even has a removable tea strainer for your favourite loose leaf.