With the holidays behind us and the spring semester's promise of warmer days just around the bend, it's easy to forget that the winter freeze is just beginning to take its toll on our skin.

So before you take the chance to wear your flip-flops or mini-skirt on the first 60-degree day, make sure your skin has the strength to deal with the weather by using these essential skincare products.

Facial Cleanser

Cold weather weakens your skin, especially the delicate type on your face. Strong face soaps will strip your skin of its protective oils, so switch to a mild foaming cleanser.

Splurge: SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser ($28 at www.newskinoasis.com) has a lightweight formula with non-allergenic ingredients that prevent irritation and easily remove makeup.

Save: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser ($6.99 at drugstores) has a lot of natural ingredients and cleans while calming redness and even reducing mild rosacea.

Exfoliator

Get rid of dead cell buildup that prevents your skin from glowing with gentle exfoliating cleansers.

Splurge: Murad Exfoliating Cleanser ($35 at Ulta) has an extra gentle formula and makes skin brighter and softer after just one wash.

Save: Dove Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Body Wash ($6 at drugstores) can be used every day, and the 12-ounce bottle is big enough to allow daily use without breaking the bank.

Moisturizer

Dry skin is a winter staple, so lotions with heavy moisturizers like shea butter should be, too.

Splurge: L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Cream ($38 at Sephora) has 25 percent shea butter, so it repairs and protects skin and smells great doing it.

Save: Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion ($4.29 at drugstores) absorbs quickly and softens skin using moisture-retaining lipids.

Face Cream

While shea butter keeps the body's skin moist, it doesn't always mean smooth sailing when applied to the face. Instead, use a non-greasy alternative.

Splurge: Philosophy Hope in a Jar Moisturizer ($38 at Sephora) does it all: exfoliates, moisturizes, and protects.

Save: Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion ($7 at drugstores) is made for all skin types. It absorbs fast, smells great and feels even better.

A second take...

Splurge: Referred to in many beauty expert and celeb circles as "liquid gold", Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($23, Clinique.com) is one of the most effective moisturizers on the market. It leaves a dewy, hydrated feeling without being too oily or leaving skin too dry.

Save: The Swiss know how to battle the cold. Therefore it comes as no surprise that St. Ives' Moisturizer with Collagen and Elastin ($4.37, drugstores) is Swiss bliss. Its formula leaves skin perfectly moisturized and the added boost of collagen and elastin is great to keep the skin firm and silky.

Sunblock

The reflective power of snow and ice can make the sun's damaging effects during the winter comparable to a sunny day at the beach. So if you still plan to make everyone else jealous at your high school reunion, start protecting your skin now.

Splurge: Clinique Sun-Care Body Gel SPF 15 ($18.50 at department stores) is an invisible gel that cools and protects the skin, leaving a hint of fragrance.

Save: Neutrogena Summer Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($13.99 at drugstores) provides protection against UVA/UVB rays, plus it gradually gives your skin a bronze glow.

Lip Protection

Cracked lips take a long time to heal. When dealing with lip damage, it's wise to keep in mind that sometimes the best offense is a good defense.

Splurge: Einstein Lip Theory Cooling Relief ($6 at Sephora) is as soothing as it is great tasting, with hints of vanilla, mint and cocoa butter.

Save: Chapstick Flava-Craze Lip Balm ($1.79 at drugstores) is an old school favorite that gets a makeover with flavors like strawberry and vanilla-mint. It also provides all-day sun protection.

A second take...

Splurge: Fresh Sugar Lip Balm ($22, Sephora.com) let's you have the sweet taste such soft and moisturized lips.

Save: Burts Bees Honey Lip Balm ($2.50, drugstores) is a sweet, natural way to fight the winter chap and leaves silky smooth lips behind.

Hand Creams

Splurge: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream ($10, Sephora.com) is the perfect ally for winter rough hands. The Shea butter infused formula leaves hands moisturized and soft to the touch.

Save: Aveno Intense Relief Hand Cream ($3, drugstores) has an oatmeal formula that goes into your skin and leaves it feeling nourished and smooth.