LET IT GLOW

Winter doesn't have to wear on your skin. Cracked lips, chapped cheeks and rough feet are just a few signs that dry skin season is here — harsh winter weather can wreak havoc all over. Bitter temps outside are the first front against dry skin, but the battle continues indoors. “A major factor that contributes to dry skin is indoor heating,” says Dr. Elyse Love, a dermatologist in New York City. “It is true that the humidity outside is generally lower in the winter than it is in the summer, but the biggest thing is that we spend significantly more time inside, and most heaters blow out dry heat. This dry, warm environment feels cozy but strips your skin of its normal moisture.” Fortunately, the right routine — combined with the ideal products for the season — can keep your skin soft and hydrated from head to toe all the way until spring.

- Karen Robock

FOR YOUR BODY

Before you notice scales on your elbows or red patches on your thighs — what you may think of as the first signs of dry skin — you’ll likely find yourself scratching your shins or the insides of your arms. “The number one sign of dryness [on the body] is actually itchiness,” says Love.

That’s why dermatologists refer to eczema, the most extreme form of skin dryness, as “the itch that rashes.” People with atopic dermatitis (a.k.a., eczema) have a compromised skin barrier, which is meant to protect the body from irritants, bacteria and allergens. This leaves them vulnerable to the effects of cold temperatures, dry air and even hot water.

A soak in a steaming tub is a big no-no for someone with eczema, but it’s not recommended for the rest of us during peak cold season, either. While a hot shower might feel amazing, it’s actually drying out your skin. Love suggests restricting bathing to no more than 10 minutes in lukewarm water. To make your shower more moisturizing, swap soap and gel wash for a body-cleansing oil. And don’t forget to buff away rough spots a few times a week with a gentle face and body exfoliant. Then moisturize from head to toe within three minutes of towelling off with a thick body balm that contains silicone, lanolin or plant oils.