Winter-Proofing Your Skin, Hair, and Eyes

Dry Eyes

How to prevent: Blustery winds, the punishing glare, and dry air can leave eyes red and irritated. To protect them, wear sunglasses. Read labels and look for glasses that shield you from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
 
How to treat: Apply nonmedicated saline tears or nonmedicated eyedrops, such as GenTeal Mild Lubricant Eye Drops ($12.50 at drugstores). Reapply as often as necessary. Over-the-counter medicated eyedrops should be used sparingly, since prolonged use can cause a rebound of redness, says Susie Hahn, an ophthalmologist in Bayside, New York. If the skin around your eyes feels irritated, moisturize the area. “But avoid creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids, which can be irritating,” says Fortson. Try Burt’s Bees Royal Jelly Eye Creme with Aloe Vera ($15, drugstore.com).
 
When to see a professional: If nonmedicated drops don’t help after a week, make an appointment with a dermatologist or an allergist.