Does your skin tend to feel drier and require more moisturizers and upkeep in the winter? You’re not alone. As the weather gets cooler this time of year, your skin tends to get drier as the conditions deprive your skin of moisture. Here are some practical ways to keep your skin soft and healthy all winter long.

• Use tepid, not hot, water when showering or bathing. Hot water may feel soothing on dry skin, but will only cause further irritation.
• Avoid scented soaps and detergents.
• When bathing or showering, clean your skin, but don’t scrub too much, as this can remove your skin’s natural moisturizers.
• Pat skin dry with a towel - do not rub.
• Put lotion or moisturizers that are petrolatum or cream-based your skin right after showering to seal in moisture.
• Don't wear wool or other scratchy materials against your skin.
• Don't lick chapped lips. Excess moisture on the skin will evaporate and contribute to drying of the skin.
• Room humidifiers can help prevent indoor air from becoming too dry.
• When you're outside, protect your skin from wind, extreme cold and sun with the proper clothing and sunscreen

And don’t forget about your hair! The best way to combat dry winter hair is to apply shampoo to your hair and then add conditioner on top of the shampoo. Lather both into the hair at the same time, rinse clean and then condition again separately. The first dose of conditioner counteracts the drying effects of the shampoo's cleansing agents.

See a dermatologist if you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching or skin growths that concern you anytime throughout the year.