With heaters soon to be turned up indoors and cold air blasting outdoors, the extreme temperatures start taking a toll on the skin. If dull, dry, or listless skin appears, listen to what it is telling you: It is time to tweak your skin care routine. The key is to keep moisture locked into the skin.

Here are some pointers to beat the winter skin blues, before they hit.

Begin by changing a gel or foaming cleanser to one that has a lotion or creamy texture. The emollients in a creamy cleanser are gentler on skin and won’t strip the skin of natural oils.

If you don’t already, start adding a serum before your moisturizer. Most serums contain a silicone base, plus a generous boost of antioxidants, which help reduce free radical damage, according to many skin care experts like Paula Begoun. This cocktail gives a velvety feel and adds a protective layer with anti-aging benefits.

For those who suffer from dry, cracked skin in the cooler, drier climates, applying a lotion or moisturizer containing 2 percent salicylic acid, also known as beta hydroxy acid, will help exfoliate dead skin cells and help maintain dewy, fresh-looking skin.

Sunscreen is a must for every day of the year.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing one with SPF 30 or higher as being essential to protecting the integrity of the skin from ultraviolet rays and skin cancer, according to a report in USA Today in 2010.