Many people complain that their skin gets dry during the cold winter months. While others complain that summer heat wrecks havoc on their dry skin. In the end it seems that no matter the season, dry skin can be a problem.

Each season comes with its own set of problems. Winter wind and cold weather is notorious for drawing out the moisture from your skin. Summer means more pool time, which means more contact with irritating substances such as chlorine.

Dry Skin Care & Winter

You may think that a skin moisturizer will solve your dry skin problems. However, this is not usually the case. The problem is that what you use on your skin is just as important as how to use it.

For example, dry skin does require a creamy moisturizer (or an oil, like rose hip oil, if you find you have very dry skin), but you should also apply it immediately after your skin has been exposed to water. This means: get out of the shower, towel off until you skin is damp, and apply your moisturizer. This simple step will help conserve the shower water on your skin and trap in moisture.

If you have dry skin then you should use a cream cleanser or olive oil to cleanse your face. Soapy cleansers are the worst choice for dry skin. The soap will dry out and irritate your skin while the water needed to lather up the cleanser will take some of your skin's moisture with it as it evaporates.

Other helpful tips that will help avoid dry skin and provide dry skin relief during the winter include:

*avoid fireplaces or open flames

*drink plenty of water

*use a humidifier to restore moisture to the atmosphere

Dry Skin Care during the Summer

If you think that during summer your dry skin problems will decrease, you may be in for a surprise. The reason most people suffer from dry skin during summer is: more exposure to water. Water strips both the natural oils and moisture from your skin.

It is vital that you follow a few suggestions if you want to enjoy the beach and avoid dry skin problems. First off, take your moisturizer and sunscreen with you wherever you go. Both of these products will help protect your skin and keep it moisturized.

If you've decided that you want to go to the pool, simply make sure to rinse the chlorine from your body as soon as you get out of the water. Pat your skin dry and immediately reapply your moisturizer and sunscreen. This will protect your skin from chlorine exposure and keep the pool water from robbing your skin of moisture.

The same is true if you go to the beach. As soon as you get out of the water, rinse off the salt, pat dry and apply your moisturizer and sunscreen.