Winter SKIN RESCUE

With sweater weather and cozy fires also come chilly temps and drier air, which can mean not-so-fun skin issues like dryness, chapping, flaking and redness from head to toe. Easy GH Beauty Lab and dermatologist solutions are here to save the day(s).

- CATHARINE MALZAHN

TREAT YOUR FACE

This season, dryness, flaking and redness occur due to "weather changes that can dehydrate skin," says Maya K. Thosani, M.D., a dermatologist at Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. As temps cool and humidity lowers, skin "is prone to cracking and irritation," notes Nicole Y. Lee, M.D., owner of Epoch Dermatology in Garden City, NY.

EXPERTS SAY: To rehydrate skin and reinforce its barrier, switch to a rich face moisturizer at night, or try double moisturizing (use a hydrating serum and then a cream, or apply moisturizer twice, waiting for it to soak in), Dr. Thosani suggests. Use gentle cleansers to prevent stripping skin's natural oils, Dr. Lee says.

GH BEAUTY LAB PICKS: TEST WINNER KIEHL'S SINCE 1851 ULTRA FACIAL CREAM, $39, SEPHORA.COM; GH SEAL STAR MARY KAY HYDRATING CLEANSER, $20, MARYKAY.COM

TREAT YOUR SCALP

Indoor heating, colder temperatures, dry air and overwashing can lead to a dry scalp or a worsening of dandruff, says Janiene Luke, M.D., a clinical professor at Loma Linda University Department of Dermatology in Loma Linda, CA.

EXPERTS SAY: Combat scalp flaking with a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo containing an active ingredient such as zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide, Dr. Thosani recommends. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, serums and hair oils can also help hydrate dry scalp skin, Dr. Luke says. "Massage these into the scalp to help nourish and moisturize skin," she advises. Try GH Beauty Award winner Head & Shoulders Bare Pure Clean Shampoo ($10, Target) to treat flakes.

Q: What's the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin?