Skin Care in the Winter

When the air outside is chilly and low on humidity and the air inside is heated and dry, you have a recipe for chapped skin and cracked lips, dermatologists say. To prevent scaling, flaking and itching, pay special attention to your skin during the cold months by applying a cream-based moisturizer every day, recommends Dr. Anjali Dahiya, a dermatologist at the Iris Cantor Women's Health Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

A good time to use moisturizer is just after showering to help trap moisture on the skin's surface. Those with sensitive skin should choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin. And although frequent hand washing is often urged to prevent the spread of germs, all of that soap and water can also make hands chapped. Using a mild soap and moisturizing afterwards can help relieve the dryness, the experts say.

During bathing, stay away from very hot water. Take short, lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergent-based cleanser, oatmeal or baking soda. Immediately afterward, apply oil or a petroleum jelly-type moisturizer and gently pat skin dry. Rinsing your body daily but using less soap can also help protect the skin's natural moisturizers.

To deal with dry air from heaters, add some moisture back into the air by using a humidifier, and don't forget to clean it often to prevent mold and fungus. If you don’t have a humidifier, place a pan of water next to your register.

If you are outside for periods of time, cover your face and use a petrolatum-based balm with an SPF for your lips. And, sunscreen isn't just for summertime. Winter sun -- combined with snow glare -- can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they're exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.

Tanning beds are the leading cause of premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Instead, choose self-tanners with extra moisturizers, since some self-tanners can also dry out the skin.

The skin on your hands is thinner than on most parts of the body and has fewer oil glands. That means it's harder to keep your hands moist, especially in cold, dry weather. This can lead to itchiness and cracking. Wear gloves when you go outside; if you need to wear wool to keep your hands warm, slip on a thin cotton glove first, to avoid any irritation the wool might cause. And don’t forget the feet. The feet sweat and dry out. Use a lotion with petroleum jelly or glycerin.

Take care of your skin this winter to keep it looking younger and healthy.