Unless you live in a tropical paradise, you have probably suffered from winter itch. You know, that dry, flaky skin that doesn't cease to itch and burn and makes it torture to wear you warmest wool sweater. It's not your fault, it's the cold weather's. Cold temperatures result in decreased moisture in the air. Less humidity means less moisture. And less moisture in the air means less moisture for your skin. Not only is nature working against you, but so is your own home. The furnace sucks moisture out of the air, leaving the air in your home just as dry as the cold air outside. Your furnace heated home could have less than half the humitiy levels that you need for hydrated skin. Obviously you can't change the weather, and you aren't going to trade dry skin for a freezing home, but there some tips you can follow to prevent dry, itchy skin in the winter months.

Winter Skin Tip 1. Bypass baths. While a hot, steamy bath may be relaxing, it is also moisture draining. Rather than give up your bath altogether, turn down the temp of the water a little and add some oatmeal. Not only is oatmeal naturally soothing, it also helps the skin bind moisture.

Winter Skin Tip 2. There are few things more relaxing than a warm, quiet bath on a cold winter night. You already know that your skin will benefit from turning down the temperature of the water a bit, but here is an easy way to make that bath even more therapeutic. Just combine 2 cups of powdered milk with an essential oil of your choice and a couple drops of your favorite perfume. Then lie back and relax while the milk and essential oils treat your dry, sensitive skin. When you get out of the bath, use a skin moisturizer.

Winter Skin Tip 3. Here's another reason for putting out your cigarette once and for all. Now you have it. The chemicals in cigarettes produce free radicals that age your skin and leave it looking dry and flaky. Nicotine shrinks the blood vessels in the skin, making it more difficult for your skin to retain moisture. Because nicotine dehydrates your skin, it leaves it wrinkled and aged. Your skin will thank you for quitting the habit.

How to treat dry, sensitive skin in winter

Winter Skin Tip 4. Reduce the temperature. Of course, we can't control Mother Nature. Turn your attention to the temperature in your home. Artificially heated air is dry and harmful to your skin. Here is a little fact to make it really hit home. The air in the Sahara Desert has about 25% humidity. Your home may have as low as 10% humidity in the winter. Higher temperatures on your thermostat only mean harsher winter skin for you.

Winter Skin Tip 5. Don't divulge with alcohol and coffee. Alcohol and coffee are diuretics, which means that they draw moisture our of your already dehydrated skin. Instead of coffee, reach for a healthy cup of green tea. You get a small dose of caffeine while hydrating your body!

Winter Skin Tip 6. Seize sunscreen. Nothing new here. Sunscreen is essential to healthy skin. UV rays go through clouds and glass and have the same harmful effects on your skin on overcast days as they do on sunny days. Count on sunscreen for UV protection and skin cancer prevention.