My skin is so dry in the winter what do you do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My skin has been permanently wrecked by taking Accutane 20 years ago. Always insanely dry in the winter, and I get cracked, deep fissures in my heels, peeling lips, and cracked skin on the hands if I'm not careful.

I drink tons of water, so there's no room for improvement there.

The humidifier helps. As does a warm (not hot) and short shower, immediately followed with a good moisturizer. Aquaphor ointment works the best but I hate the feel. Lubriderm lotion works very well, so I usually use that. Both were recommended by my dermatologist.

Natural and organic stuff does not work for me. I've tried them all.

I have to wear closed shoes (no clogs in the winter and no flip flop/sandals in the summer), with socks, to help keep my heels under control.

Kiehl's lip ointment.

Um, the Accutane 20 yrs. ago has nothing to do with your dry skin today. Certainly, it will dry out skin while you're taking it, but if it's been 20 years - I'm afraid you just have dry skin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Moisturize from within.

Eat better. Examine what you typically eat, make changes and see whether there are differences. Such as whole milk inatead of skim, more oil in food rather than fat free. Drink enough clear water rather than Diet, flavored alcohol or sugar drinks.

Lower room heating temperature. Wear natural fiber, not polyester, nylon, etc. artificial materials.

Do not use soap, especially shower gels -they are very harsh on skin.

What do you use instead of soap or shower gels?

Wondering the same thing.