Family Living: Beat the Shivers

Ultra Hydration

AN arid climate or winter air can cause dry skin, and dry skin should be pampered accordingly.

For starters: humidifier. Low humidity is what causes dry skin in the first place, so compensate accordingly (I have one in every bedroom). Even a low-tech option, like a bowl of water perched atop the radiator, will allow water vapor to travel along with the heat.

Showers should be short, with lukewarm —not hot — water. Avoid harsh soaps and use something gentle, like Dove Body Wash. Moisturize immediately after patting (not rubbing) oneself dry. Consider CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. For extremely dry skin, reach for Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream (I keep a tub of this on my nightstand for my hands, and for my nose if I’ve got a cold).

For dry, flaky skin, an exfoliant like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser or Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator can buff away those flakes.