Female Speaker: Crisp, cool, winter air may remind you of the holidays, hot chocolate or a cozy fire but for many of us it represents a start of the dry irritated itchy skin season. Dry skin doesn't have to be a given, there are many things you can do to help weather the winter. For example, you may want to limit your exposure to hot water, which can strip oil from your skin instead use warm water in the shower and don't stay in longer than 15 minutes. Also use milder soaps with added oils and fats.

Harsh soaps can rob you of moisture and leave your skin feeling tight. After a bath or shower don't rub your skin with a towel, instead gently pack your dry to allow some moisture to remain, remember to apply lotion several times a day, especially right after a shower, when your skin is still damp. Moisturizers create a protective seal over your skin and help retaining water. Thick moisturizers and oils are most effective. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and use a humidifier to add moistring rooms where the air is dry.

For more serious conditions that don't benefit from home therapy, visit a healthcare provider. Your doctor may recommend a prescription strength cream or ointment or may run further test. You can find more health and wellness tips at icyou.com.