•  Itchy skin. The skin can be red from scratching it.

•  Chapped skin.

•  Skin cracks, peels, and/or flakes.

•  Aging. The body naturally produces less oil and moisture.

•  Cold winter weather. Dry air or heat.

•  Washing the skin often. Using harsh skin products.

•  Chronic and excessive sun exposure.

•  Allergies. An underactive thyroid gland. Diabetes. Kidney disease. Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

•  Drink 8 or more glasses of water a day.

•  Apply an oil- based lotion daily.

•  Wear rubber gloves when you wash dishes.

•  Take showers instead of baths. Use warm (not hot) water. Try sponge baths.

•  Apply a moisturizing cream while your skin is damp. Use products with lanolin.

•  If you do bathe, do so for only 15 to 20 minutes in lukewarm water. Pat yourself dry. Do not rub.

•  Put soap on a washcloth, not right on the skin.

•  Use a mild liquid soap, like Cetaphil lotion or use a fatted soap. Avoid deodorant, medicated, or alkaline soaps.

•  Don’t use moisturizers with fragrances, preservatives, or alcohol.

•  Use a night cream for the face.

•  Stay out of the strong sun. Do not use tanning salons. When in the sun, use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

•  Don’t scratch or rub dry skin.