From your head to your toes, winter conditions are no fun for your skin. Not only does dry skin look unhealthy, it can be really uncomfortable, too. Did you know that everything you need to save your skin from winter is as close as your pantry or refrigerator? Below are some excellent DIY skin care recipes from Dr. Susan Stuart a board certified dermatologist from La Jolla, California. Avocado Mask An avocado mask is perfect for dry skin that may become very irritated in the winter. It is easy to make: mash the flesh of avocado with a fork, add a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, and apply this smooth, fragrant mixture onto your face. “This nourishing mask will supply your skin with a whole range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and softening agents to fight winter dryness,” says Dr. Stuart. We've also included avocado in our DIY Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment and DIY Avocado Hair & Face Mask. Avocado Oil can be found in A Girl's Gotta Spa! Energizing Citrus Salt Scrub, too. Sweet Almond Body Scrub Almonds are packed full of nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats. These compounds make them nourishing to your body inside and out. Try this recipe to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. -1 cup brown sugar -1/2 cup almond oil -2 tsp honey -1 tsp pure vanilla extract Mix all ingredients together in a shatter-proof bowl. In the shower or tub, massage the scrub into your skin in circular motions (after washing your skin with soap), concentrating on rough or dry areas of the skin. Rinse with warm water, allowing the residual layer of almond oil to remain on the skin. Pat dry. Chocolate Face Mask Once regarded as a bane to our health, new research has shown that dark chocolate is healthy—and not just to eat. Compounds found in chocolate can actually benefit the skin when applied topically. -1/3 cup cocoa powder -1/4 cup honey -2 Tbsp cream or plain yogurt or sour cream -3 tsp oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking) Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry. (I still eat a lot of dark chocolate, though.) Apple Vinegar Foot Soak -1 part apple vinegar -2 parts water Mix ingredients and soak for 30 minutes for hydrating new-like feet. Don't worry about the smell, as it will do wonders for cracked, rough, smelly feet! Static hair - Coconut oil Rub a small amount of coconut oil between the palms of your hand and lightly pat down the top of your head. "Just the tiny bit of moisture will tame fly-aways and hydrate tresses without leaving hair greasy looking," says Dr. Stuart. Rough elbows and heels -Fresh figs -Hardened coconut oil (optional if you choose to make a more aggressive scrub). -Sugar Take ripe figs and mash or blend then in a bowl. Add coconut oil. This mixture will gently exfoliate, as the fig seeds will lightly clean and remove dead skin. According to Dr. Stuart, "Coconut oil is highly nutritious and moisturizing. Make sure the coconut oil is not melted. Place in fridge if you have to solidify, because if you are like me and prefer more exfoliation, add some sugar to this and create a dry scrub. Once this touches your skin, the coconut oil and sugar will melt." Apply while you're in the bath tub or shower and be careful as it may cause a slippery surface. Vanilla Lip Scrub -2 parts sugar -1 part olive oil -vanilla extract to taste This scrub will get rid of rough, dead skin on and around the lips. No one wants chapped lips where you can see the lines under your lip color, so this scrub is perfect! Also see our DIY Lip Scrub recipe. Loved these DIY skin care recipes? Please share them on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!