Lizard man

Men's Fitness, Dec, 2003 by Don Ballard

Every fall and winter, I develop itchy, dry skin. This plays hell with my sex life (my girl won't rub me) and work life (my peers are freaked by it). How about an assist?--Don Ballard, MARQUETTE, MI

AS WITH MOST unsolicited conditions in life--STDs, marriage--a little prevention is easier and less painful than the cure. Joyce Fox, M.D., clinical professor at the University of Southern California and assistant clinical professor at UCLA, delivers the dope to deter dry dermis. Heed her words year-round. If severe skin problems develop, either cover your entire body with tattoos or see a dermatologist.

"Put on an emollient or moisturizer within three minutes of coming out of a shower or bath," Fox says. Once your skin is thoroughly dry, a moisturizer won't be as effective at sealing in moisture.

"Apply moisturizers three or four times throughout the day if your skin is really dry. First spray on a little water to hydrate your skin. Then put moisturizer on over that."

"Take a bath and soak for 10 minutes to allow your skin to absorb the water, then add oil to the water to seal in the moisture."