Dry skin is one of the most frustrating and common skin problems that each of us face in the winter season. Pollution, harmful rays and constant weather changes wreak havoc on the skin and make it dry and sensitive. When skin becomes dehydrated, it loses its elasticity and becomes cracked, scaly and sometimes itchy. So what can you do to soothe that cracking skin of yours? In this article we'll offer some home remedies that may look trivial, but are some of the most important methods for protecting your skin.

Do Not take Shower Too much

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Your skin naturally produces oil that acts as a barrier between it and the harsh environment of the outside world. Although a shower may leave your skin clean, the hot water flows this oil from your skin, stripping it of its protection and leaving it feeling dry, tight and itchy. If you take long, hot showers and your itching is most severe on your lower legs and forearms, dry skin is the likely culprit for your discomfort. How you ease this irritating itch depends on what causes it. If you're prone to allergies, your itchy skin might result from your soap, your perspiration or even the water itself. An overly hot shower that dries your skin could also leave you scratching. The solution? Take a shorter shower and try putting a moisturizer on.

Drink Water Regulary

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Humans aren’t like plants. Water doesn’t go straight to the skin. It goes through the intestines, gets absorbed into your bloodstream, and is filtered by the kidneys. Then it hydrates cells. When it comes to moisturizing skin, drinking water is essential. As water is lost in large quantities every day, you need to replace it somehow. The unfortunate truth about drinking water and the skin is that water will reach all the other organs before it reaches the skin. So it's important to apply water to our skin and keep it there. We need about six to eight glasses of water per day. This will not only show a visible difference in hydration, but it can prevent wrinkles, as well.

Use Sunscreen

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Wear sunscreen every day. This is probably one of the most important and difficult tips to remember. Even in the winter, exposure to the sun’s rays speeds up the aging process in the skin. This exposure increases the risk of developing dry skin, wrinkles, age spots, and spider veins. Daily use of a sunscreen can slow these sun-induced signs of aging and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on all skin that will be exposed. On the other hand, recent studies by nutritionists show that eating natural, raw foods and less meat is even more important in protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Les Caffeine

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Caffeine is diuretic. An excess amount of either or both substances can result in dry skin because they cause individuals to urinate more often. This, in turn, results in a depletion of water. So if you're drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol, remember to stay hydrated.

NO Smoking

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Smoking is probably the worst thing you can possibly do for your body, including your skin. Nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes destroy the skin's elastin and collagen, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Smoking also takes a toll on the skin's blood vessels, restricting oxygen flow and subsequently causing your skin to appear dull and sallow. Habitual smoking can also lead to those pucker lines around the mouth.