winter

You may curse the humidity when running on a hot Summer day, but during the Winter, you're probably wishing for it back. Dry, cracked skin can be a painful effect of exercising in cold weather, so in addition to moisturizing with your favorite lotion or oil, here are some things to do before hitting the hay that will offer relief.

1. Have a snack: If you crave a little something before bed, then reach for a snack that offers health benefits for your skin. Vitamin A-rich carrots or a mashed baked sweet potato will help to soothe your dry, flaky skin. Or get your dose of omega-3s and vitamin E with a handful of walnuts or some slices of avocado, nutrients that help your skin retain its natural moisture.
2. Fill up your humidifier: This isn't just for relieving cold and flu congestion. Adding humidity to the air will also help restore moisture to skin. Choose a cool-mist humidifier like this one from Crane ($50). Cool mist is safer than warm mist if you have kids or pets, and it also helps prevent mold from forming on your windowsills.
3. Hydrate: Drinking enough water throughout the day during the cold Winter months can be harder than in the Summer since your thirst isn't as strong. So make a habit of winding down with a glass of water. Be sure to finish it at least 30 to 60 minutes before going to bed to avoid waking up in the middle of the night with the urge to use the bathroom.

If you're forgoing the comfortable temperatures of your gym this Winter, that can mean dealing with a lot of snow, ice, hail, rain, and sleet. Winter running has just as many challenges as running in extreme heat, but with the right gear, you'll stay warm, dry, and comfortable.

Your comfort level depends on many factors, including how fast you're running, how comfortable you are in the cold, and how long your run is, so your perfect Winter outfit may differ. However, below are good rules of thumb for dressing for Winter running, whether it's in snowy, freezing conditions, or slighter warmer temps.

When It's 32 Degrees or Below

• Start off with a wicking bra and a wicking tank. We love Ibex sports tops since they are made of comfy, breathable, and natural merino wool.
• Pull on a long-sleeved midweight baselayer shirt made from either non-itchy merino wool or polyester.
• Slip on wicking socks that go up to your knee to keep your calves warm. Lightweight ski socks do just the trick; many, like these Smartwool PhD Snowboard Light Socks ($24), are made of a natural and synthetic blend that keeps your toes warm without too much bulk.
• Wear warm running tights on your legs. Try these Under Armour cold-weather compression leggings ($50).
• Over the long-sleeve shirt, wear a fitted wind-stopping softshell like this one from Cloudveil ($200).
• Running gloves or liners will protect your hands.
• Wear a lightweight hat so your head doesn't get too sweaty.
• On cold days, wear a fleece neck warmer. It will keep your neck and chin warm while also helping to prevent burning lungs.
• Facial sunscreen and lip balm with SPF are both musts, as are sunglasses to protect your eyes. Snow reflects the sun's harmful UV rays and the light bouncing off the snow can be blinding.
• Water-resistant but breathable running shoes help make snowy or rainy conditions bearable for your feet. These Pearl Izumi Seek IV WRX trail-running shoes ($130) are made just for bad Winter weather. Wearing gaiters over your calves will keep your ankles and legs dry when the snow is deep.
• When it's icy, slip on a set of Yaktrax Run straps ($40) on your running shoes to give you more traction and prevent slipping on hard snow or ice.

When It's Above 32 Degrees

If temperatures are chilly where you live but haven't hit that freezing mark, you still need to dress for the weather. But while all of the above are Winter essentials in snow country, layering that much on your body in 40-degree weather can lead to a sweaty, uncomfortable run. Dressing like it's 20 degrees warmer than it is will help ensure you don't over-layer. With that said, here are some guidelines for those (relatively) warmer Winter runs.

• Dress in layers, but leave out the insulating middle layer. Depending on the temperature, you may want to stick with a thin moisture-wicking shirt (go for short-sleeved if you are running for a long time and temperatures are 40 degrees or higher) and lightweight zippered jacket that you can easily take off when your body temperature rises. Look for a waterproof thin windbreaker with vents to keep you dry and comfortable if it's raining, and choose a jacket with zippered pockets as well to stash any headgear or gloves when you warm up.
• If it's windy, you probably will need running tights to help insulate your legs from the chill. If there's not a lot of wind, regular fast-drying pants should work.
• If you find that hats trap too much heat while you run in warmer Winter weather, look for ear-covering headbands that keep your ears warm while preventing overheating. This Athleta Reflective Run headband ($19) is perfect for non-freezing temperatures. If it's raining, a lightweight, waterproof baseball cap will help keep water out of your eyes.
• Rainy winters call for shoes that protect your feet, so look for shoes that have as little mesh as possible for your wet Winter runs. Trail runners work perfectly; just be sure to wear non-cotton moisture-wicking socks and avoid puddles as much as possible.
• Gloves are still important in above-freezing temperatures, since cold weather can chill your extremities and cause discomfort while you run. Go for thin, wind-resistant gloves without the bulk, and stash them in your pockets after you warm up. These Mountain Hardwear running gloves ($40) are a soft and windproof solution to freezing digits.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF are still a good idea, even if you're running under cloudy skies. The sun's UV rays can pass through clouds.

Have any tips to add? Share them with us!

When the weather cools, the pounds have a tendency to pack on. If you're tired of falling victim to Winter weight gain, then it might be time to lose these seasonal habits, which may be affecting your weight more than you realize.

Skipping workouts: Hibernating seems like the right thing to do when it's cold outside, but heading to the gym shouldn't be a habit you break. If you find yourself heading straight to the couch after work, then pack your gym bag the night before and bring it into the office. Without the temptation of cozy clothes and a pile of blankets in plain sight, you'll have no excuse not to hit the gym. For those who can't seem to make an evening workout stick because it's getting darker sooner, waking up earlier in the morning or squeezing in a lunchtime workout may help you stay on track.

Not enough fresh produce: Depending on where you live, finding fresh produce during the Winter may be a bit of a struggle, which can make comfort-food indulgences more likely. If you're lucky enough to live in an area with a farmers market, don't stop going during the Winter months. Think beyond carrots and potatoes; these lesser-known root veggies might spark some kitchen inspiration. If all else fails, don't be afraid to head to your grocer's freezer for frozen vegetables. In some cases, frozen foods may be more nutritious than the same fresh veggies.

Keep reading for two more reasons you might be gaining weight this Winter.