How to treat: River Lloyd, a hairstylist at the Peter Coppola Salon in New York City, suggests spraying Static Guard onto a hairbrush and brushing it through hair. “It always works,” he says. When to see a professional: Flyaway hair accompanied by an itchy, flaky scalp indicates dandruff. If the condition doesn’t improve after you use an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo ($11; target.com) for two weeks, see a dermatologist. How to treat: Twice a day, slather elbows with a hydrating body cream. To soften extra-rough elbows, apply an additional layer of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly before bed to seal in moisture, says Lenora Felderman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Then, if you’re really motivated, cover them with terry cloth wristbands to keep your sheets clean and let the moisturizer work during the night. Dr. Rogers also warns against scrubbing. “Instead, apply creams with acids to eat away at rough unwanted skin. One of the best over the counter options is Glytone Ultra Softening Heel and Elbow Cream ($54; amazon.com). When to see a professional: If your elbows are still scaly after a week, you might need a stronger, prescription cream, says Jeanie Leddon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Lafayette, Colo. Redness and inflammation could also indicate psoriasis, a genetic disease. How to treat: “In the winter especially, there are so many things that can cause a dry, flaky face, but most commonly, it is simply dried out, irritated skin,” Dr. Rogers says. “Stop using any anti-aging or treatment products, products with fragrance or essential oils, and just using a thick bland moisturizer and gentle cleanser like RESTORE Face Wash ($42; violetgrey.com) It is even safe to use a bit of over the counter hydrocortisone cream before your moisturizer for a few days to help settle things down.” When to see a professional: If skin sheds excessively, a light chemical peel can remove the dead top layer of skin in one office visit. If flaky areas are itchy and irritated, you may have an allergy. A dermatologist can prescribe the appropriate cream. How to treat: Flushed features should fade soon after you come indoors. To speed up the process, apply a warm―not hot―compress to the skin for a few minutes. When to see a professional: If redness persists―especially if it’s accompanied by whiteheads or visible blood vessels―seek medical treatment for rosacea, a form of acne. A dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics or perform a laser treatment to reduce the appearance of blood vessels or redness. How to treat: For an extra moisture boost, apply a thick layer of hand cream before bed, and sleep wearing white cotton gloves. The gloves allow better absorption of the cream. When to see a professional: Cracked, raw hands that sting or burn when you apply creams (or, worse, when you get them wet) should be treated by a doctor. “Severely dry hands may have eczema, psoriasis, or an allergy,” Dr. Hawk says. “Oral antibiotics, internal cortisone, ultraviolet light treatments, or strong external ointments may be necessary.” How to treat: Coat lips a couple of times a day with a heavy-duty emollient that seals moisture into skin. “That should rehydrate lips within a day or two,” Dr. Felderman says. When to see a professional: Painful cracks at the corners of the mouth are signs of perleche, a type of yeast infection, or a cold sore, which may require a prescription ointment. How to treat: Smooth and hydrate wind-ravaged skin with a nourishing cleanser. Wash with warm―not hot―water and follow with a moisturizer. Soothe sore, irritated patches with a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream. Try Aveeno Maximum Strength 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream ($7; walgreens.com). When to see a professional: If itching and soreness persist for more than three or four days, ask a dermatologist for a stronger prescription cream, which should accelerate the healing process. How to treat: “Apply a thick coat of cream and wear cotton socks to bed,” suggests Deborah Sarnoff, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Your feet will sweat a bit during the night, and the moisture will be deeply absorbed.” To increase absorption, place some hydrating balm in a small saucepan of warm water, slather the warm salve on top of the moisturizer, then put on socks. Reapply moisturizer in the morning. When to see a professional: Painful cracks that don’t heal in a week or two probably need a prescription-strength cream. “Cracked, itchy feet could have a fungus or suffer from eczema or psoriasis,” says Dr. Hawk. Make an appointment with a dermatologist or a podiatrist. How to treat: Apply non-medicated saline tears or non-medicated eyedrops, such as GenTeal Mild Lubricant Eye Drops ($15; amazon.com). Reapply as often as necessary. Over-the-counter medicated eyedrops should be used sparingly, since prolonged use can cause a rebound of redness, says Susie Hahn, an ophthalmologist in Bayside, N.Y. If the skin around your eyes feels irritated, moisturize the area. “But avoid creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids, which can be irritating,” says Dr. Fortson. When to see a professional: If non-medicated drops don’t help after a week, make an appointment with a dermatologist or an allergist.
