Moisturize: If you have dry skin, you should slather yourself with moisturizer on a daily basis. It is particularly important to do so immediately after you shower, bathe, or wash your hands, while your skin is still damp.

Take shorter showers: Bathing or showering too often strips the natural oils from your skin, causing it to become dry. Hot water also robs the skin of moisture.

Skip the scented soap: Instead, choose a mild cleanser. Unscented bath soaps, or those labeled "for sensitive skin," are the best choices for lathering up in the bath or shower if you are prone to dry skin. Fragrant soaps and body washes can also lead to dry skin and itchiness.

The same rule goes for laundry detergent. Avoid perfumed or scented detergents and fabric softeners. Detergent names or labels often contain the word "free" to indicate they do not contain perfumes or dyes.

Do not use cleansing toners, colognes, body mists and splashes, aftershaves, or similar products that contain alcohol. Alcohol dries out the skin.

Drink plenty of water and fluids. This helps keep your skin moist from the inside out.

Avoid coarse, scratchy, or rough fabrics, such as wool, which can make skin feel itchy. Choose softer fabrics, like 100% cotton or silk.  Keep this in mind when choosing clothing and bedding.

Dry air and low-humidity climates can pull water from your skin. Running a humidifier in your home, particularly when you have the heat on, can restore moisture to the air. Aim for a humidity level of about 45%-55%.

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