Dry skin can make your skin look older than it is, and look and feel unattractive. Nothing beats that wonderful smooth skin feeling when your skin is glistening, moisturised and soft. You not only feel better but look better too.

The cold winter months can be hard on the skin, and many people find they suffer from dry and flaky skin as we tend to be in a constantly heated environment and the weather outside is cold and windy. Both these factors can be quite damaging on the skin.

When you find that when you wear your tights the static is more noticeable, your feet look dry and feel hard and your outer skin layer visibly peels, its time to take action.

• One of the most important things is to maintain moisture in your skin. The cause of dry skin is not always lack of oil produced by the skin, but could also be that there is not enough moisture trapped in your skin.
• One of the best ways to trap moisture is by generously applying a light body oil, when your skin is still slightly damp after having a shower. This is a fabulous way of retaining moisture and will keep your skin supple and soft throughout the day. So as soon as you are out of the shower, towel dry your body very lightly and massage in botanical oils such as Jojoba, Rosehip, Sweet Almond, Coconut or the Fushi unfragranced oil blend with over six wonderfully nourishing oils. Not only will this deeply moisturise, but it will nourish and replenish hungry dry skin with vitamin E and antioxidants. What's great is you can add a few drops of aromatherapy oil to the body oil of your choice, and customise a fragrance that you like most.
• Avoid using harsh soaps and showering or bathing too often. Many mainstream shower products contain chemical detergents that strip the skin of its natural oils, and contributes towards dry, rough skin. Try and use a natural wash or natural shampoo. Another good tip is to use a bath sponge and use very little of the actual product as the sponge will help create extra foam.
• If possible try to use a humidifier in your home and at work, during the winter months.
• Foods that can help dry skin are foods that contain essential fatty acids, try to include these in your diet everyday. Oils such as Flax Seed oil and Hemp Seed oil are full of EFA's and help keep the skin smooth and healthy by nourishing it from within. Include high fibre snacks such as figs, dates, dried fruit, raw seeds, and raw nuts.
• Use a natural cream moisturiser daily for dry and normal skin. For people who have sensitive skin, try and use a moisturiser without lanolin or perfume for best results.
• Even with hair care, certain shampoos containing harsh chemicals often deplete the natural oils on your scalp causing the skin to become irritated and dry. Fushi Scalp Soother Shampoo contains no chemicals whatsoever and is excellent for soothing dry flaky and irritated scalps. Try switching to a natural shampoo that contains no harsh chemicals to help protect your scalp.
• Drinking lots of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Warm water is recommended highly in Ayurveda, especially for the winter months.