Whether you suffer through the heat of summer with thoughts of frolicking in the snow or the idea of cold and ice sends you running for cover, winter weather is pretty much unavoidable. No matter where you live, there are some general health considerations that can help you get through the season without succumbing to some of its pitfalls. Here are four things you can do to stay healthy this winter.

Take Care of Your Skin

You may not think of your skin as part of your healthcare routine, but healthy skin acts as a barrier to keep germs out of your body. Look for moisturizing products that can help you avoid dry, chapped skin. If you are prone to breakouts or irritation, look for a soothing hypoallergenic skin cream formulated for your needs.

Wash Your Hands

This should almost go without saying, but make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and often. In fact, you should wash them after handling food, using the bathroom, and coming into contact with anyone who is sick or just getting over an illness. The CDC recommends using soap and warm water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds when you do wash.

Cover Up

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you get the sniffles. Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze can greatly reduce the chances of spreading your germs to the people around you. If you are with other people who are sneezing or coughing, encourage them to cover up, too.

Wear Layers

Wearing layers can affect more than your comfort. If you are bundled up too warmly, your clothing is likely to get wet from perspiration. This wet fabric against your skin can cause irritation. If temperatures drop, it can also drain heat from your body, leaving you at risk of lowering your body temperature beyond a healthy level.

Even if you dread the idea of winter, you should try to maintain your health throughout the season. Following these four steps can be a simple strategy for achieving that.