Prevent Dry Skin With These Tips

Nov. 4, 2008 — -- With the colder weather already ushering its way into the nation, dry skin is sure to become a problem. But rather than fret about how to keep your epidermis moisturized and healthy, check out New York City dermatologist Dr. Doris Day's tips on keeping skin in good condition during the winter.

Sunscreen isn't just for the summer; you also should continue to use it during the winter. Sunscreen is especially important for people who ski or live at higher altitudes because there's more ultraviolet ray exposure at those heights.

Put gloves on before going out. That makes it easier to stay warm. And it's easier to stay warm than to get warm. Also don't underestimate the risk of frostbite.

In addition to wearing gloves, you'll want to exfoliate less often during this season because dry scaly skin can become even more sensitive in the winter. Make sure that when you do exfoliate, you moisturize afterward.

Use a cream to moisturize instead of a lotion. Lotions only dry the skin out more. The best time to moisturize is right after a bath or a shower.

Pat your skin after getting out of the shower and apply the cream within two to three minutes, otherwise the water evaporates off your skin and actually pulls water out of your skin.

That's because the air is very dry, and that pulls water away from your skin unless you lock it in with a good moisturizer.

Remember to avoid long, hot showers because they'll pull the natural oils out of your skin, which will leave you very, very dry.

To prevent dry skin, don't go to tanning salons. They'll only make your dryness worse because heat and UV rays dehydrate out the skin. It will also accelerate aging.