Natural Remedies: Dry Skin Relief

Winter's low humidity and harsh conditions can do a number on your skin, leaving it flaky, itchy, and dry as an old bone. If you don't want to look like a desert tortoise, take a few precautionary measures:

• As soon as you get out of the shower or tub, while your skin is still damp, slather on the moisturizing lotion.
• Choose a lotion brand that has petroleum jelly or lanolin high on the ingredients list.
• Don't go outside in any season without using SPF of at least 15 on your face and hands.
• Try adding lemon juice or vinegar to your bathwater. Soap, being highly alkaline, may make your skin feel itchy.
• To soften dry skin, add 1 cup powdered milk to your bath. (It worked for Cleopatra.)
• Avoid steaming hot water or lengthy immersions, which will strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Wash gently. Vigorous scrubbing can further irritate sensitive skin.
• Forgo skin products that contain alcohol, which is drying..