After restoring moisture to your skin, follow these steps to protect it and keep it from drying out again.

1. Make moisturizing a part of your daily skin-care routine. As soon as you step out of the shower, slather your skin from head to toe with a moisturizing lotion (the thicker it is, the richer it is). For extra dry skin, consider an ointment or a cream.

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   You can also consider products with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or jojoba oil.

2. Develop other skin-friendly bathing habits. You should avoid hot showers and baths, and limit your overall bathing time between 5 and 10 minutes. Regular bar soap can contain ingredients such as fragrances and preservatives that can be harsh on your skin, so opt for a mild cleanser or liquid body wash instead.

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3. Avoid exposing your skin to harsh chemicals. That includes alcohol and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients can worsen dry skin and even cause burns in some cases, Shainhouse says.
4. Drink plenty of water. You may have heard that drinking water helps your skin look less dehydrated. While research isn’t definitive on the connections between drinking water and treating dry skin, good hydration may offer other health benefits.

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5. Dress appropriately for the weather. This goes beyond wearing sunscreen in the summer to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. “Remember to put on your gloves before you go outside into the winter air to prevent dryness and chapping,” Shainhouse says.