With a Minnesotan December finally here, so is the cold, dry air that comes with it.  Suddenly you find your skin dry, cracked and itchy.

How did it happen?

When the temperature takes a plunge, so does the humidity in the air. This creates cold, dry air that leaves skin parched.

What can you do save your skin?

If you’re in possession of a humidifier, crank that baby up to a nice 45% to 55% humidity range. Don’t have a humidifier? Consider purchasing one if you plan to continue to live in Minnesota during the cold winter months.

Stop taking hot, steamy showers. It feels wonderful to stand in really hot shower, but the hot water can dry out your skin even more. Instead take short, lukewarm showers.

While in the shower, do not use a harsh soap to clean with. Winter time is a bad time to reach for that cheap dollar store body wash that does nothing for your skin except make it smell like flowers.

Instead, opt for a soap that is specially formulated to moisturize.

Moisturizing with a lotion right after a bath or shower helps lock in moisture more effectively.