It's that time of year again. Dry air = flaky, scaly, itchy skin = yuck! Fortunately, dry skin in the winter is not inevitable, but many of us have to work hard at avoiding it.

Most people think skin gets dry because it lacks oil, but it is really because it lacks water. Therefore, all treatments are aimed at replacing water in the skin and environment.

Everyone has natural oil coating our skin that is produced by oil glands. The skin is made up of several layers of cells and thousands of oil glands. Oil keeps skin from losing moisture and makes it soft. Washing the skin strips away the oil, which then has a drying effect, which can eventually lead to cracking and inflammation.

When it's humid, the skin retains moisture better. But when humidity drops, as it often does during winter months, our skin loses the ability to moisturize itself.

Most skin conditions get worse in the winter months because there's not as much humidity in the outer layer of the skin. When the cells in the outer layer get dry, their edges curl up and the skin gets a rough feeling.

In the winter we not only have lower humidity, we also wear heavier clothing, often for longer periods of time.

We may take hotter showers or baths to warm up after being out in the cold air. If you are in the winter sun a lot (for example, if you are a skier), you're not only getting sun from the sky, but also the reflection from the snow.

All of these actions can combine to make our skin even drier.

But there are several things you can do to prevent dry skin.

The most important is to MOISTURIZE! Keep your skin lubricated.

The greasier the moisturizer, the better it replaces and locks in moisture.

One of the best is petrolatum (e.g. petroleum jelly).

But there are many products on the market, including bath oils, creams, and lotions.

A few possibilities are Aveeno Lotion, Moisturel, Purpose, Lacticare, Neutrogena, Lubriderm, Curél, Dermasil, and Cetaphil Cream. Lotions that use alpha hydroxyl acids can be effective.

Follow the directions on the product you choose. Use it on a regular basis.

Some other tips for prevention:

Avoid long showers or baths.

See if you can wash your hair in the sink instead of staying in the shower a long time.

Shower every other day during the winter months, rather than one or even two times a day.

Avoid using very hot water as it dries out your skin more.

Limit your use of soaps, as they can be very drying.

Choose a mild, gentle soap, not a harsh antibacterial, deodorant, or perfumed soap, which strip away natural oils.

When toweling yourself dry, don't rub.

Blot the skin so there is still some water left on it.

Applying a coating of baby oil can also help.

Combat the effects of dry indoor heat by lowering the temperature (when you are able to control the thermostat).

Use a humidifier if you can, or put a shallow pan of water near a heating source.

Drink plenty of water.

Skin needs to be hydrated from the inside also.

If you like to swim during the winter months, don't use soap after being in the pool.

Be sure to rinse off the chlorine with cool to warm water.

Use a lip balm with an SPF to help prevent chapped lips.

Spend a few minutes a day moisturizing your skin and taking these extra precautions, and you can avoid the unpleasant, flaky skin you've had during past winters.