Our skin can become dry for various reasons. The sebum on the skin can get washed away very fast because of frequent washing of your skin. One of the reasons is that you might be using harsh detergents. The weather may also be playing a part. Dry air will suck the moisture away from our skin. Air conditioners and room heaters are well known to produce dry air and that is one dry skin cause.

When winter comes, the moist, warm weather will soon become dry, cold and harsh. It is a good time to look for a good remedy to combat the dry, chapped, chafed and itchy dry skin. Shielding lotion is now recommended by dermatologists as dry skin treatment. Here are some additional tips that may also help protect you against dry skin.

1. Use sun blocks lotion on sunny days. 15 SPF is usually strong enough, but if you are outdoors for a long time, you need more protection.

2. Although a long, hot bath or shower can feel very comfortable when you are indoors from the cold. However that hot water will cause dry skin just as easily in the winter as the summer. It's also best to use as little soap as possible to avoid washing off protective natural oils.

3. As soon as you get out of the shower, pat dry (rubbing chafes the skin and the towel absorbs too much of the skin's natural oil) and apply a shielding lotion immediately. It can keep the moisture locked in and protect yourself from both the dryness indoors and the harsh elements outdoors. Don't forget about your hands and face.

4. If you're going to be out in the cold for a long time, or you're involved in outdoor sports, you need to prevent overheating and becoming too cold or wet -- all of which will cause dry skin. The best way to accomplish all three is to dress in layers of clothes. Silk is best next to our skin. It is good insulation, is soft, lightweight, and allows the skin to breath. It also dries quickly so your skin doesn't chafe from being continually wet. Avoid cotton, it retains moisture.

Wool is moist resistant, and retains its insulating qualities even when it is wet. However, it's not very comfortable right next to the skin. Silk undergarments are readily available in sporting goods stores -- pants, tops, and liners for gloves and socks.

5. Use a humidifier if possible. Integrating it into your central heating system is best, but if you have one that's portable, using in the bedroom at night is most effective for preventing dry skin.

Just following the 5 tips above will help you withstand the winter unharmed, and without the cracked, chafed, itchy dry skin that is typical of the season.

Joshua Poon
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