Your skin is the first line of defense for the body’s immune system. The average adult's skin spans 21 square feet, weighs nine pounds, and contains more than 11 miles of blood vessels. So it would make sense to spend a few extra minutes in the morning or evening taking care of your body’s largest organ.

Dr. Marina Peredo, owner of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, N.Y. and clinical professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, recommends that everyone should change their daily skin regimen when the weather changes — especially during the winter months. Not only is it cold outside, but the heat inside if your home can tend to dry out your skin. Here are a few recommended and helpful tips that you can implement in your everyday winter beauty routine.

1. Eat More Tomatoes

Since tomatoes are one of the biggest sources of lycopene — a powerful antioxidant — eating them can help protect your skin against sun damage. Even during the winter months, sun damage can still happen. Tomatoes help block UV penetration and prevent damage to vulnerable skin.

2. Use An Ointment Moisturizer

By using something that is oil based, rather than something water based you will create a protective barrier on your skin. “You can also look for lotions or creams containing humectants, including glycerine, alpha-hydroxy acids that attract moisture to your skin,” Paredo tells Medical Daily. By adding moisture to your skin, you’re preventing it from cracking and drying out which can lead to premature aging.

3. Don’t Forget Your Hands And Feet:

Since your hands and feet have fewer oil glands the change of weather will cause them to become even drier. Try to use mild cleansers when washing your hands and avoid using hand sanitizers since the alcohol in many of them can dry skin out. If you’re stepping outside, don’t forget to protect your hands with gloves.

4. Use A Humidifier

A humidifier is a machine that reinfuses moisture into the air that typically evaporates in the winter. The lack of moisture could dry out your skin over time. Use the machine at 30 to 50 percent humidity and use it in rooms that you are most often in.

5. Take Shorter and Cooler Showers

Taking a cold shower can improve the blood circulation between organs and skin considerably. Increased circulation keeps your skin looking younger and will help to keep you warmer.

6. Drink just as much water.

One important tip that many doctors and health care professionals recommend is to stay hydrated. Many people feel that since they are not sweating or losing as much water as they would in the summer months that drinking water and staying hydrated is not as important. However, keep drinking your eight glasses of water per day, wear sunscreen, bundle up, and enjoy the winter.