Cold Weather Solutions

Skin is made up of several layers, each performing a different task. The role of the uppermost layer, the stratum corneum, is to keep water in and irritants out. Dermatologists refer to it as skin's barrier -- the living equivalent of plastic wrap, shielding what's underneath from drying out. "The barrier is your skin's first layer of defense against external irritants like ultraviolet, heat loss, and cold. It needs to remain healthy and intact. When the skin's barrier function isn't right, we say it's compromised," says Alex Kowcz, vice president of U.S. research and development for Eucerin. "A compromised barrier is the reason behind most skin complications, including dry skin." Maintain healthy barrier function with a few simple steps.

Reduce lengthy, steamy showers. Make it quick (5 to 10 minutes) and lower the temperature from hot to warm.

Swap out drying soap and foaming cleansers for soap-free cleansers.

Don't over-scrub skin. To promote cell turnover, look for a gentle exfoliating wash.

Add a humidifier to your bedroom to restore moisture to hair, skin, and lips.

Nourish your lips with a balm containing petrolatum, shea butter, and glycerin. Beware of phenol and alcohol (they're drying) and methol, which can irritate lips.

Moisturize smart with a lotion that reinforces the skin's barrier.

Humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, which bind water to skin's surface.

Emollients including triglycerides, oils (mineral, avocado, castor, and jojoba), and lanolin, which soften skin and reduce roughness.

Occlusives including fatty alcohols (including cetyl or cetearyle), waxes, and petrolatum, which create a seal to prevent water loss from skin.

But avoid drying ingredients: ethyl and methyl alcohol and fragrance.