For many folks like me who live in the Northern part of the world, fall and winter months seem to bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin.  For some people the problem is worse, for instance when the skin gets so dry it results in flaking, cracking and can even turn to eczema and irritation.

When the humidity inside drops, the skin begins to lose moisture which causes you to feel the dryness and itching.  For maintaining a healthy skin, one must alter their daily skin regimen to address the humidity change.

Below are 10 tips provided by Dr. Mary McKenzie, a dermatologist from Canada to prevent and relieve healthy skin:

1.  Soak your skin with moisturizers

Using a non-irritating, hypoallergenic moisturizer, can make a significant difference in your skin. this treatment works differently than mainstream moisturizers. Not only does it reduce water loss, it helps build the skin, as well as calm the burning and itching sensation.

2. Avoid Superhot Showers and Baths

Taking a hot bath may feel great on those cold days, but the intense heat of the shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to moisture loss.

3. Avoid using heavily fragranced soaps

It’s best to use fragrance-free, non detergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin.

4. Hook up the Humidifier

Help restore moisture indoors by placing a humidifier in your home to prevent your skin from drying out

5. Wear skin-loving fabrics

Natural fibers, such as cotton and silk feel wonderful and allow your skin to breathe.

6. Avoid fragranced detergents and fabric softeners

Use fragrance-free detergents that won’t irritate your skin and try skipping frabic softeners. 

7. Hydrate your Skin

Drinking water helps your skin stay young looking and is good for your overall health.

8.  Keep wrapped up

Try to limit your skin’s exposure to harsh temperatures and damaging winds, which are the main culprit to dry skin problems.

9. Protect your hands

Chapped and irritated dry skin on the hands is common for many with dry skin. Try rubber gloves to protect them from hot water and harsh detergents. Wearing cotton gloves underneath may also be a good idea, especially if you are latex allergy-prone.

10. Seek Medical Treatment

If your skin condition does not improve, or if it worsens, it is important to see your physician for an appropriate course of treatment.