Are you plagued by dry, itchy skin? Here are some helpful dry skin remedies.

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.

DRY SKIN REMEDIES

• 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, supposedly.)
• 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 can exacerbate drying.

Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. –Samuel Ullman