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But sometimes, even when following good skin-care rules, dryness can still sneak up on you.

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Thats why we turned to board-certified dermatologists to explain whats causing your skin to feel especially parched in winter.

These tips will help keep your face and body nourished and flake-free until spring.

Your hand-washing routine needs a second step.

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He points to your hand-washing habits, which may increase during flu and cold season.

It belongs next to your sink all winter long.

Youre exfoliating too often.

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Once a week would be a safe frequency for exfoliating in the winter season, says Dr. Tran.

Leave it on once a week for 15 minutes to help alleviate discoloration and dullness.

You’re using lotion.

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Your skin needs a thicker blanket of moisture when it gets cold out.

For the face, we recommend Drunk Elephant La La Retro Whipped Cream.

It comforts mysensitive, itchy skin when the weather is particularly cold, she says.

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You’re moisturizing at the wrong time.

You’re using the wrong cleanser.

If your skin is flaking during the winter, your cleanser might be too harsh.

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Use hydrating skin cleansers instead, which are gentler on the skin barrier.

Addressing dryness alone may not get to the bottom of thirsty winter skin.

Besides improving hydration withmoisturizers, you may need to help reduce inflammation with an over-the-counter cortisone cream.

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Youre not addressing an eczema flare-up.

Maybe that troublesome patch of skin isnt just dryness after all.

According to Dr. Amin, the dry weather that comes with winter can trigger or even worseneczema.

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Its made with niacinamide, which helps soothe irritation and reduce redness, she explains.

We also love the Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer.

Your skin-care routine doesn’t involve plastic wrap.

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Read more winter beauty stories:

Now, watch Sydney Sweeney’s 10-minute beauty routine for sensitive skin.

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