Dermatologist shares tips to prepare skin for winter weather

CLEVELAND (KABC) -- Our mini-heatwave may make you think we're living in eternal summer, but as soon as the sun goes down, your skin clues you into the cooler weather we're headed for.

The humidity levels are dropping and dermatologists say other things we do adds to the dryness we feel.

"As we approach winter the air becomes cooler. Cooler air is drier, which then makes the skin drier. We also tend to turn the heat up in our shower and warmer water washes away more of the body's normal oils, making us more prone to dry skin," Dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang from the Cleveland Clinic explains.

Piliang says the lack of moisture can cause your skin to become itchy and irritated, a bit flaky and even red. But you'll minimize your risk if you start moisturizing now with a thicker cream.

"In the winter you want to switch to a heavier cream-based moisturizer," Piliang said. "Sometimes these come in jars. Look for ones that are marketed for eczema skin and ones that have ceramide or extra lipids in them."

You may also want to change up your soap. Dr. Piliang recommends you use one that's designed for dry skin.

"In the winter when we're mostly covered up you really don't need to soap yourself from head to toe. You can focus on the areas that tend to get smelly and dirty, so armpits, groins, hands, feet, and face."