Problems with dry skin? Here's what to do

Choose the right body lotion

‘A good moisturiser is paramount if you want to keep your skin in good condition,' says Simple skincare expert Caroline Frazer. ‘A quality hydrator will act as a barrier against the elements and can prevent dryness.' Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture Body Lotion For Dry Skin, from £4.99 for 250ml (available nationwide), is fast-absorbing, long-lasting and designed to reach the deeper layers of the skin.

Garnier Hydralock Soft Moisturising Milk, £2.99 for 250ml (available nationwide), gives intense hydration for up to 24 hours and is great value.

For an exotic treat, try the new Ark Nourishing Body Lotion, £23.75 for 200ml (www.arkskincare.com), which contains a host of high-end ingredients including skin-conditioning silk proteins. It's like a facial for the body.

Opt for ultra-rich

Very dry skin needs extra TLC and Dead Sea Spa Magik Skin Softener, £9.95 for 330ml (01580 211055), is just the thing to provide it. It contains magnesium to soothe and calm, plus potassium and sodium to help boost the skin's water content. It's also mildly medicated to help soothe minor irritations.

Or try Eucerin Dry Skin Replenishing Cream, £9.29 for 75ml (from larger Boots stores), which contains five per cent urea, a powerful natural moisturiser found in skin.

'More than' moisturisers

Get more for your money by using a deeply hydrating potion that does more than just moisturise. The new Bioenerjii Germanium Cream, £13.75 for 50ml (from health-food shops and sports stores nationwide, or www.enerjii.com) can help ease muscle pain as well as nourish dry skin. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, too. Liz Earle Superbalm, £14.75 for 30g (www.lizearle.com) rescues parched hands, heels, elbows and lips. You can even use it to smooth ends and de-frizz your hair.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil, £9.78 for 150ml (from Boots and Superdrug), helps prevent and diminish the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dry damaged skin and fine lines and wrinkles.

Don't forget your feet

If there's one area of the body most likely to look leathery, it's the thicker skin of the feet. Soften it up with a hydrating product such as Vie at Home Cosy Toes Intensive Foot Treatment Balm, £8.50 for 100ml (0845 300 8022). It contains Pro Vitamin B5, Vitamin E and Sweet Almond Oil to help keep your feet hydrated - plus an odour-neutralising complex, too.

Wild Organics Mellow Peppermint Conditioning Foot Cream, £13.50 for 75ml (www.qvcuk.com or 0800 504030) will revive, refresh and soften, or for a deeply hydrating overnight treat, try Scholl Intensive Night Treatment, £5.99 for 50ml (0800 074 2040). It comes with socks so the product won't end up on your sheets!

Slough off dryness

‘Dead skin cells can leave skin looking flaky, dull and dry,' says Atoshi Ghosal, Dove skincare expert. ‘But regular exfoliation will remove these, improving the texture of your skin and helping moisturisers to penetrate more deeply.' However, it's just as vital to be kind to your skin. ‘Over-exfoliation can damage the protective barrier function of the skin, so be gentle,' says Nina Goad of the British Skin Foundation.

St Ives Apricot Deep Cleansing Body Scrub, £4.99 for 300ml (from Asda and Sainsbury's) is made with 100 per cent natural exfoliators. For sensitive skin, this should leave your body soft and hydrated.

And remember ...

Cold temperatures can their toll on your skin's hydration levels, so you'll need to give it extra attention when the thermometer dips. ‘In winter, the skin becomes dry due to the lack of moisture in the cold air - which contains up to 30 per cent less moisture than warm air - leading to flaking and a dry, uneven skin tone,' says Dr Mayou. But it's not just the cold that can cause problems. ‘Warm weather can cause dehydration, which results in dry skin too. Drinking plenty of water will help keep skin hydrated in the harsh winter months'

Read more tips for coping with dry skin

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