Keeping skin from cracking in the winter Theresa Bullock of Moda Bella Salon & Spa, 1764 Main St., applies a skin-nourishing masque containing vitamins C, B and E to Amanda Wright (photo by Tina Gohr). By Jennifer Larsen News-Chronicle Dry winter air and temperature extremes as we move in and out of the chilly outside air can take a toll on skin. Experts say that dry skin, also known as winter itch or Xerosis, can be caused by many different factors. Cold air outside and dry air from home heating systems can cause a decrease in humidity, and a lack of moisture that can irritate skin. Winter itch can also happen when a person bathes too often, causing the natural oil from the top layer of the skin to be removed. Symptoms include itching and cracking and is most common on the hands, arms, thighs and lower legs. The thin skin on lips also may suffer in the winter and should be carefully protected, dermatologists said. There are many ways to combat dryness of the skin. Using luke warm water for bathing and wearing protective clothing like hats and gloves when outside in the cold Wisconsin air can be the first steps to prevention. Skin can be very sensitive to extreme temperatures. Also, reducing how often you bathe and using soap with moisturizers like Dove or Oil of Olay can decrease your chances of winter itch. Regular bar soap can be too harsh for the skin, especially when used every day. According to dermatologist Kolleen Zimmerman of Dermatology Clinic SC, those with dry skin should avoid using anti-bacterial soap or scented products that can irritate the skin. Applying alpha hydroxyl acid lotion to dry spots after bathing is also helpful, she said. "I usually suggest to use oil-based emollients like Cetaphil or Vaseline for dry skin," said Zimmerman. According to Ann Lyons, a skin care specialist at The Day Spa at Moda Bella, essential oils can also treat dry skin. "Oils such as sandalwood, lavender and ylang ylang, when mixed with a carrier oil like grape seed, work best," said Lyons. Also, if you need a want a more luxurious treatment, The Day Spa offers paraffin wax facials that exfoliates and removes dead skin layers. The treatment costs around $60, depending on the products used. Rubbing Vitamin E capsules on problem areas can be beneficial. The skin needs Vitamin E, an antioxidant, for protecting body cells and tissues from damage. The body also needs zinc, which heals and protects the skin. Zinc is present in Calamine, sunscreens and can be taken through oral supplements. A more severe form of dry skin, ichthyosis, is a rare, genetic skin disease that causes the skin to build up and scale. Normally, skin is constantly renewing itself by shedding dead skin. With ichthyosis, the dead skin just builds up. Although there is no cure, Zimmerman said that ichthyosis can be treated with medicated creams with weak acids that would get rid of the dead skin.