Let's face it men, no matter how much of a tough guy you might consider yourself, your skin is tender. Especially when cold weather comes to town. Fight back with a regular guy's (easy) skincare strategy.

That's why the best makers of skincare products offer a variety of cleansers and moisturizers for dry, normal, oily and combination skin. If you're not sure of your skin type, take a trip to your favorite department store and talk to the folks at the cosmetics/skincare counters. Don't be shy. You may even get some free samples. Be prepared for sticker shock. What you paid for that industrial-size bottle of Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion does not apply here. You're paying for expensive ingredients and the latest scientific research. And, yes, fancy packaging. But, hey, it's the only face you've got.

It's as important to healthy skin as location is to real estate. Unless you want your skin to go the way of the ozone layer, don't go out without it. Be vigilant about using sunscreen starting now. If you're a winter sports nut, you know that nothing beats a foot of fresh powder on a crisp, sunny winter day. And, nothing beats up on your skin like the sun on one of those glorious days. Winter sun is especially dangerous because it's intensified when reflected off white snow. Make sure you've got a full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen for total protection. After a vigorous day of skiing, your thighs should burn, not your face.

If you're going to spend the day skiing or snowboarding in very cold temperatures, you should try a neoprene facemask. Made of the same material as surfers' wet suits, they prevent frostbite and shield your face from windburn. Of course, you can't live in that mask forever. For regular days, spread a dot of moisturizer or after shave balm the size of a quarter on clean skin once or twice a day. Don't like the smell, the shine, the greasy feel? Quit whining. There are plenty of non-scented, oil-free formulas around. Check out a few brands like Aramis Lab Series by Lauder or Aspen by Coty.

Drinking water may be the single most important thing you can do for your skin, especially in winter, when indoor heat dries as much as outdoor cold. We tend not to feel thirst as much as in hot weather, so we drink less water than we need. When you're on the slopes at high elevations, dehydration can result in elevation sickness. I found out the hard way on a ski trip to Taos, New Mexico. To avoid spending the second day of your vacation hooked up to an IV line, drink early and drink often.

Since you don't want an awkward water bottle on the slopes, consider getting yourself a personal hydration system. It's basically an insulated bladder with a hands-free drinking tube and shoulder straps. When you want a drink, just grab one of the tubes with your mouth and go with the flow. Good skiing, biking or hiking specialty stores have them.

Get a good cleanser, add a sunscreen and moisturizer and drink lots of water to save face this winter. Four simple steps that will keep your skin in tip-top shape, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

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