If your skin suffers from winter woes like dryness, dehydration, cracking and sensitivity, then be mindful of your winter skin habits.

Are you making any of these five winter skin care mistakes? Follow these expert tips to have a youthful, glowing complexion all winter long.

1. Forgoing SPF

Many people think summer is the only time of year to wear SPF. It's certainly true that summer picnics, beach days and afternoons at the pool call for serious layers of sun protection, but oftentimes people forget that SPF is needed in the winter months, too.

Even we don't feel the heat from the sun, we can still sustain serious sun damage in the colder months. UV rays can actually intensify as they pass through clouds. Furthermore, reflected sunlight off ice and snow can cause sun burns as well.

So be sure to wear your SPF 365 days per year as you will protect your skin from age spots, freckles and loss of collagen.

2. Skipping on hydration

Let's face it: We don't get as thirsty in the cooler months and may not drink as much water as we would in the scorching heat of summer. But lack of water intake can wreak havoc on the skin in so many ways: fine lines become more pronounced, skin healing slows down, inflammation increases, skin feels tight and dry — the list goes on.

Another great tip is to set-up a humidifier in your sleeping quarters to aid breathing and relieve dry sinuses. Also, hydrate yourself with comforting herbal teas and warm broths during the winter to aid in hydration.

It's imperative to stay hydrated day and night during the winter to feel your best and have youthful, glowing skin. Be sure to monitor water intake in the colder months just as diligently as you would in the warmer ones.

3. Using summer skin care products year-round

It's so important to note that skin care products like cleansers, serums, moisturizers and makeup are not a one-season-fits-all part of your routine. Your skin will have different needs in the hot, humid days of summer compared to the frosty, bitter and dry days of winter.

Many of us can get away with super-lightweight lotion and gel formulations in the summer because we don't want a lot of extra heaviness on our skin. However, in the dead of winter, our skin will need products with extra moisturizing capabilities, day and night, to prevent dehydration and drying.

During the winter, ditch the super-foaming washes, stinging toners and superlight gel formulations. Switch to creamy cleansers, hydrating toners and thicker day and night creams. Your skin will glow and have the moisture and protection that it needs to face the elements during the harsh winter months.

4. Opting out of exfoliation

Many of us associate facial scrubs, chemical peels and microdermabrasions with the warmer months of the year when our skin feels more clogged and congested. But keep in mind that skin needs consistent exfoliation year-round to stay healthy and hydrated.

Many people make the mistake of loading heavy creams and oils onto dry winter skin in hopes of softening it and healing flakiness. The part that many of us miss, however, is that without exfoliating off those dead, dry skin cells, the best moisturizers on the market can't penetrate your skin.

So, remember, even in the winter months when your skin doesn't feel hot, sticky and congested, reach for a gentle scrub or mild enzyme wash to remove dead skin. Exfoliation will keep your skin supple and dewy even during the bitter winter months.

5. Skimping on antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies

It's common that colder climates make many of us crave carbohydrate-rich comfort foods. Though you don't want to restrict yourself completely, be sure to get as many fruits and veggies during the winter months as you would in the spring and summer.

During the hot seasons of the year, guacamole, gazpacho, crisp salads and frosty smoothies go down easily. However, during the winter, don't forget to get plenty of antioxidant-rich foods to nourish your body and skin inside and out.

Load greens like kale and spinach into soups and stews. Swap zucchini pasta for the carb-heavy, wheat alternative. Add fruit to warm oatmeal and eat plenty of avocado, nuts and healthy fats to support your skin's moisture levels from the inside.

Don't get stuck in a carby, sugary, cheesy comfort food rut in the winter, because your skin will suffer. Be sure to get lots of colorful veggies and fruits in the winter months and enjoy a vibrant glow all winter long.

Breaking bad winter skin care habits and making small changes can make all the difference during the colder months of the year. Follow these five tips to maximize your skin's health and beauty all year long.