Winter skin

When the temperature plummets, most people respond by cranking up the heat. But in the battle to stay warm, you will be blanketing yourself in dry air – and setting the stage for flaky skin, chapped lips and other problems.

Some simple measures can usually prevent or reduce these common, if annoying, consequences of dry air. Be sure to drink more fluids. Water is the best choice. Short baths or showers are easier on dry skin than longer ones. After bathing, apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is still damp. Try over-the-counter saline nasal spray to help moisten your nasal passages. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home, but avoid excess humidity that can promote the growth of dust mites, mold, fungi and bacteria.