Winter skin woes—solved! From flaky skin to chapped lips, here's expert advice to soften and soothe

Shape, Jan, 2006 by Colleen Moriarty

There's no question about it: When the temperature drops, skin takes a direct hit. As air turns colder and drier (and indoor heating cranks up), skin gets parched and flaky--from head to toe. "Water molecules evaporate quickly in an environment where the air is very dry," explains David J. Leffell, M.D., a professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn. The result: damage to the lipids in the top layer of skin that serve as a barrier against harmful, harsh elements. The solution: skin TLC guaranteed to keep you allover soft, smooth and flake-free through the first thaw.

WINTER WOE

Your face feels tight

* Why it happens "Your skin type and how you care for it changes seasonally," says David E. Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, N.Y. That means you need to adjust your skin-care routine to fit the weather.

* What works In the morning, skip face washing, which dries out skin; just rinse and moisturize. At night, use a creamy cleanser. Best bets: Biore Shine Control Cream Cleanser ($6; at drugstores) and Good Skin Soft Skin Creamy Cleanser ($10.50; goodskindermcare.com).

Twice a week, slough off flaky skin with an exfoliating scrub such as Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub ($7; at drugstores) with cooling microbeads. Moisturizer is better absorbed by freshly polished skin, so follow with a moisture mask like Origins A Perfect World Nighttime Antioxidant mask ($30; origins.com).

Most face lotions and creams contain humectants that promote water retention as well as occlusives to seal moisture in skin and prevent water loss. Try nongreasy formulas that won't clog your pores. We love Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($14; at drugstores) with the redness-reducing botanical feverfew, and L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Hydra-Renewal Continuous Moisture Cream ($7.50; at drugstores) with vitamin B. At night opt for a more emollient cream, like Dior Hydraction Deep Hydration Rich Creme ($45; sephora.com).

WINTER WOE

Flaky, scaly skin

* Why it happens "The real issue in winter isn't the temperature, but the low humidity," explains Douglas Hamilton, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

* What works Run a humidifier to add water into the air and your skin. Switch to a nourishing body wash instead of using drying bar soap. Editor's favorite: Softsoap Shea Butter Body Wash ($4.25; at drugstores). Also keep showers short, and avoid moisture-stripping hot water.

Post-showering, slather moisturizer over still-damp skin to seal in hydration, Bank suggests. We love Olay Quench Body Lotion ($7; at drugstores), with quenching glycerin and amino acids. Or try a thicker cream like Curel Natural Healing lotion ($7.49; at drugstores) with soothing green-tea, aloe and cucumber extracts. Also, moisturize underarm skin, then follow with a fragrance-free deodorant. Try Dove Anti-Perspirant for Sensitive Skin ($3.79; at drugstores).

WINTER WOE

Soles that split

* Why it happens Soles can crack and callus in very cold weather.

* What works Soak tootsies in super-hydrating canned coconut milk for 15 minutes, then scrub with a pumice stone. Try Revlon's Expert Effect All-Around Pumice Stone ($6; at drugstores). Apply a thick layer of cream at night and cover with cotton socks to help moisture penetrate. Editor's favorite: Calgon Ahhh ... Spa! Feet Retreat ($5; at drugstores).

WINTER WOE

Weathered hands

* Why it happens "Your hands are exposed all year and are therefore vulnerable to dryness," Bank says.

* What works In cold temps, layer a coat of moisturizer under your gloves. Try boscia Daily Hand Revival Therapy SPF 15 ($16; boscia.net) to minimize irritation, or Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Lifting Hand Creme SPF 15 ($45; esteelauder.com).

WINTER WOE

Chapped lips

* Why it happens Your lips are composed of thin, delicate skin; plus, excessive lip licking can evaporate moisture.

* What works Remove flakes with a warm washcloth, then tap lips with a lip salve, such as C.O. Bigelow My Favorite Lip Balm ($5.50; at C.O. Bigelow stores) with sweet almond oil.

COLLEEN MORIARTY is a freelance writer who prides herself on religiously moisturizing her skin.

RELATED ARTICLE: MAKEUP MUSTS FOR WINTER WEATHER

Makeup with a moisturizing base can help relieve dry skin. Foundation, in particular, often has glycerin or humectants to trap moisture. Our picks: Moringa oil-infused Clarins True Comfort Foundation Light Reflecting SPF 15 ($36; clarins.com) and Clinique Repairwear Anti-Aging Makeup SPF 15 ($28; clinique.com) with skin-brightening vitamin C.

RELATED ARTICLE: COMBAT DRY SKIN ALL YEAR ... FOR FREE!

Keep your skin in tiptop shape: We're giving 30 lucky Shape readers the chance to win one bottle of Curel Natural Healing lotion every month for a year (an $89 value), plus a cute callout calendar, "365 Days of Freedom From Dry Skin," boasting moisturizing tips and coupons. Register at Shape.com/cure/from Dec. 13 to Jan. 16 to win.