The leaves are falling, the holidays and something else are just around the corner. Itchy skin! Yep, as the seasons change, so does your skin. The skin routine you used in the summer months may not work so well in the fall and winter when humidity drops.

Dry skin can itch, flake, crack and even bleed. Chronic skin conditions like eczema may flare up around this time leaving lots of people looking for itch relief.

Does this all sound like a nightmare? Don’t worry! No one should have to deal with painful skin conditions on top of frigid temperatures. That’s why we’ve put together a list of dermatologist-recommended ways to prevent dry skin.

Tweak your bath and shower routine

1. Limit your shower or bath to 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Use warm water instead of hot water.
3. Wash with gentle, unscented cleanser.
4. Dry your face by blotting (don’t rub!) gently with a clean towel.

Slather on moisturizer
Ointments, creams and lotions trap existing moisture in your skin. You may want to choose moisturizing ointments and creams as they are more hydrating and less irritating than lotions. Moisturizing daily helps prevent dryness, cracking, flaking and peeling.

1. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face and hands while they are still damp.
2. As soon as you dry off after a shower or bath, apply moisturizer generously while the skin is still damp.

Wear lip balm
There are so many to choose from – ranging from well-known brands to products with all-natural ingredients. Lip balm not only protects the delicate skin on your lips, it is soothing and feels good.

Use unscented skin care products
It’s best to stay away from products with a strong fragrance. They can be harsh on dry, sensitive skin. If your skin feels dry, avoid deodorant soaps and skin products with alcohol, retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) that slough off skin cells.

Use a humidifier
Add moisture to the air in your home by plugging in the humidifier. Moisture helps your skin stay healthy and hydrated.

Give a gift that nurtures healthy skin 
Spread a healthy glow by creating a winter skin care gift basket for your family and friends. Pack it with all your favorite products for chasing away the cold weather skin blues. You can include anything, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Lip balm
• Unscented hand lotion
• Moisturizing hand sanitizer
• Face and body lotion
• Travel size unscented lotions and potions
• Hair masque
• Coconut oil
• Bottled water
• Cotton socks 
• Cotton face towels or washcloths
• Sunscreen
• Vitamin E oil
• Face masque

Add the finishing touches with the festive gift tag below.

Click to print off this tag or on the image below to download and print the original gift tag. Attach it to your gift basket for the perfect finishing touch.

Sources: Dry Skin: Overview,  American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2021;Eczema Resource Center,  American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2021; Winters Don’t Have to Bring Dry Skin,  Mayo Clinic, 2021; Skincare Tips for Cold Winter Months,  Philly Voice, 2021.

Originally published November 20, 2015: Revised 2017, 2021