How to Keep Dry, Itchy Winter Skin at Bay

Keeping your skin soft and moisturized during the winter is no easy feat. Along with dry, winter chills, wind, and ultra drying forced air heaters, our skin tends to go from glowy to flaky, from tanned to irritatedly red. Dry skin doesn't have to be a curse from fall to spring. With a few simple steps, you can keep your skin smooth and quenched during the long, gray days of winter.

-When bathing and washing your hands,make sure to use warm water rather than hot water. Hot water may feel good but it robs the skin of moisture leaving you with dry itchy skin. The rule of thumb is that if the water is hot enough to make your skin slightly red, then it's too hot. For all over dryness, try a warm water soak in your tub. 15 minutes is all you need to let your skin "drink" the extra moisture it is craving. For extra itch relief, try adding uncooked oatmeal or Aveeno's oatmeal bath to your bathwater. Oats have been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin.

-Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! During winter's drying months you can't give your skin enough to drink. Use emollient rich moisturizers after every time you wash your hands and take a shower. Excellent products you can find at your local drugstore include Eucerin, Nivea, and Cetaphil. For extra sensitive skin Kiss My Face's Olive and Aloe Moisturizer is an excellent, non-irritating pick.

-Try not to overdry your body and hands after washing. Instead, you should pat your self dry and while your skin is still a little damp, and lather on your moisturizer for double the quenching effect. At night try using olive oil, vitamin E oil, or Vaseline on your cuticles and feet to keep them extra hydrated and less prone to flaking. Vaseline also works wonders for dry, chapped lips.