However bitterly cold it gets here, we're laughing compared to our sisters on the other side of the Rockies. Moan all you like, but Vancouver's soul-sucking rain does do good things to your skin, although brisk winds and central heating can take their toll. If that's the upside, the downside is hair. Any ex-Easterner will tell you that when you move to the Wet Coast, bad hair days are the norm, not the exception. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your complexion and locks looking dewy and glossy through the winter.

Susan Lee, an aesthetician at Pure Radiant Energy (2959 West Broadway), confirms that skin can become dry and chapped as winter tightens its grip. To fight back against the double whammy of roaring radiators and biting wind, she recommends a three-pronged approach using the company's line of Vancouver-made products, beginning with Cucumber Cleansing Lotion with sesame seed oil. "Cucumber is very cooling," she says, "and it leaves the skin smooth and dewy without that tight feeling. It smells really nice too." Next step: Calming Chamomile Toner helps to soothe wind-chapped or blotchy skin. Lee raves about P.R.E.'s Shea Butter Facial Hydrating Cream, which has a creamy-but-not-too-thick texture she likens to whipped butter: "It's good for the tight feeling skin gets in the winter. Even people with oily skin have dry patches." Depending on your skin type, she advises people to "play with the amount [of moisturizer] you need".

Hands can take a real pounding in winter, so make a habit of slathering on cream every time you wash them. A bottle in the drawer at work, a bottle by the kitchen sink, and a bottle in the bathroom: think like a hand-cream-aholic. I like Aveeno's Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion, which isn't greasy and seems to help hands stay moist longer. You can find it at drugstores, as you can another goody–Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Body Moisturizer. In dire cases, drenching your hands in ordinary Vaseline, then putting on old cotton gloves and letting it absorb overnight is a skin-smoothing tactic that's been around for a couple of generations.

Even though they've gone into hiding for several months, tootsies need nurturing too. Regular care through the winter means you won't have to face monstrosities in the spring. Kimberly Critten at Bloom Essentials (1854 West 1st Avenue) says many clients still cling to their pedicure habit even in the months when their feet aren't on public display. "A lot add the paraffin treatment. It's good for cracked heels, drying of the skin–all those wonderful winter things." Because so many customers asked, the Critten sisters (sister Nicole is a co-owner) have just launched their Original Pedicure Cream in unscented and peppermint-and-vanilla versions. Two festive ideas from the Crittens: this time of year sees a demand for fancy pedicures, with customers waltzing out with sparkly snowflakes, candy-cane stripes, and other festive art on their toenails to complement glittery evening sandals. And in the makes-a-great-gift category, the Twinkle Toes gift pack ($50). "It's meant to be a winter retreat for the feet," says Nicole. "It includes a professional foot file, just like the ones we use at Bloom; a tub of our signature pedicure cream; and a pair of cute cashmere-blend socks to cozy up in after you've scrubbed and moisturized."

You'd think that adding moisture to hair would make it even frizzier. Not so. Chad Taylor, co-owner of Moods Hair Salon (1070 Mainland Street) recommends "winterizing" in order to cope with static and dryness. You may want to rethink your hairstyle, he says. "Simple looks are really good," he says, citing a chignon or a low ponytail for a sleek "and still a very progressive look". Taking the chignon down, he points out, leaves you with prettily soft waves.

"Use a moisture shampoo because of indoor heat," he says, suggesting Joico's Moisture Recovery shampoo and conditioner. "Blow-dry hair using smoothing balm, which repels moisture as much as possible. Use a round brush to dry it straight, or flat iron or styling tools." Taylor also recommends Joico K-Pak Protect and Shine Serum to control "surface fly-aways" (what you or I know as frizz), and for locks that fight back, tame them by spraying a little hair spray on your brush.

As for hair colour, your hair had a hard time of it during the summer; no wonder it looks fried. What's visible now has already done serious time at the beach, in the swimming pool, and under the sun. Many women colour their hair more in the summer, Taylor points out. "We also recommend a conditioning, demi-permanent colour to add more shine and protection," he says. "Winter trends are to more richer tones. We're seeing a shift into a few more reds and cinnamons." Sounds like a warmer move at this time of year than switching to icy blond.