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Many people develop drier skin during the winter months. Cold temperatures, low humidity, winds and indoor heat can lead to skin that is dry, flaky, scaly, cracked or irritated.

There are a number of steps a person can take to prevent their skin from drying out during cold weather, including:

• Use a humidifier. Hot, dry indoor air can cause or aggravate dry skin. Using a humidifier, a device that supplies or maintains humidity, can help combat low humidity. The moisture level of a home should be kept at 40 to 50 percent. People may also benefit from keeping the temperature of their house between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 24 degrees Celsius).
  
  
• Avoid excessive bathing. Bathing more than necessary can trigger dryness or worsen skin that already dry.
  
  
• Avoid harsh soaps. Harsh soaps can cause dryness or aggravate dry skin.
  
  
• Cover areas of exposed skin. When outdoors, wear gloves, scarves and hats to protect areas of exposed skin.
  
  
• Protect the lips. Applying lip balm or petroleum jelly to the lips can help prevent the lips from chapping.