How to keep your skin hydrated this fall and winter

Sponsored by CeraVe

As cooler weather rolls in, so does the season of dry, flaky skin. CeraVe and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Inkem Uganabo stopped by the "CBS Mornings" studio to share her top tips for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin this winter.

"Between the dry air and just the colder temperatures in general, it becomes more difficult to maintain that moisture level," Dr. Uganabo explained. "So what I usually tell my patients is fall and winter is the best time to step up your moisturizing and your hydration game."

Dryness in the colder months is "very normal, very common," Uganabo said. But some people are more prone to it than others. "People who may have something called eczema or like dry, itchy skin or people who just feel more dry in general, they're definitely more prone to it and they definitely want to be using the moisturizers more often," she added.

While hot showers may sound comforting on cold mornings, Uganabo warned they can do more harm than good. "It sounds nice and it feels nice, but it actually does the opposite. It dries out your skin more," she said. Her advice: keep showers short, five to 10 minutes max and use water more lukewarm than hot.

As for products, it's all about texture and timing. "If you're dry, I lean more towards the cream," Uganabo noted. "The cream is heavier, it's thicker. It just hydrates a bit better." She also recommended applying moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp. "You want to towel blot but keep a little bit of moisture, and then apply the moisturizer on top. That's going to do much better."

One of the most common misconceptions, according to Uganabo, is that sunscreen is only for summer. "Just because you can't see those UV rays does not mean they can't see you," she said. Even in fall and winter, sun can actually contribute to premature aging, causing sunspots and  hyperpigmentation." She emphasized that sunscreen is essential for all skin tones year-round.

When asked about the rise of overnight lip masks, Uganabo smiled. "They're really trendy right now," she said, "but hydrating lips should be longstanding." Her tip: keep it simple. "Make sure the ingredients are simple, like petrolatum, hyaluronic acid and stay away from fragrance and menthol because that can actually cause more irritation."

For more information on Dr. Uganabo's skincare recommendations and products, visit cerave.com.