While they might seem helpful, taking very hot showers during winter would further strip your skin of the little residual oils, leading to even more moisture loss. Rather than scalding hot, use warm or lukewarm water for your showers and spend less time in the shower. Likewise, after your shower, pat your skin dry (instead of rubbing) to retain more moisture. 

Moisturizing with an emollient moisturizer right after bathing, especially when your skin is still wet (not dripping wet) will help lock in hydration.

The best moisturizers or oils for winter are emollients and occlusives like cocoa and shea butter, rosehip oil, jojoba oil and petroleum jelly products. Unlike humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine, which may worsen dryness when unable to draw water in low humidity, emollients and occlusives deeply hydrate the skin in low humidity.

Emollients soften the skin by adding oils and occlusives because they form a protective barrier that reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), locking in moisture. Occlusives like petroleum jelly are particularly beneficial in harsh, dry environments.

The skin is sensitive during winter and sensitivity is particularly worse when the skin is dry. To prevent any case of irritation and allergies, avoid alcohol-based products, scratchy fabrics, harsh soaps, and products that contain fragrance especially if you are fragrance sensitive.

Also be careful with skincare staples like vitamin C, retinoids and exfoliating acids as they may irritate your skin.

Hydrating the skin is not only moisturization but also hydrating from the inside by drinking lots of water. This translates to better skin and general health overall. 

Additionally, replace coffee with tea, avoid alcohol, and go for meals that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. 

In winter, the air is generally dry even when indoors, but you can soften the dryness with a humidifier. The humidifier will amp up the moisture in your home, alleviating skin dryness as the skin absorbs moisture from the now-hydrated air.

Place the humidifier in places you spend the most time and if you can afford to place it all around the house, that is even better. Finally, crank up your heater to be warm and comfortable as opposed to hot and dry.

The may seem counterproductive, but it isn't. The primary agent in every skincare routine is sunscreen and this also applies to winter as winter sunlight can be just as damaging as non-winter periods. Apply sunscreen when you are stepping out of your house, preferably one with an SPF that is above 30. 

Pay attention to your hands as you would other parts of your body. Your hand is one of the most susceptible to drying because it has thinner skin, fewer oil glands and is almost always exposed. Keep it as moisturized as possible and moisturize right after washing to replace lost natural oils. If you must dry, pat dry instead of rubbing dry. 

To further protect your hands, wear gloves outdoors. Your first glove choice should be one made of wool, but if wool is itchy, wear the wool glove over a non-wool glove or go for leather gloves.

Your feet like your hands must be properly cared for. Use strong lotions and oils for your feet and exfoliate to get rid of dead skin to allow easy penetration. If exfoliation is insufficient, consider a foot peel.

Dry skin tends to have a lot of dead cells and exfoliating helps get rid of dead skin to allow for easy moisture absorption.

Exfoliate with chemical or manual exfoliants containing AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), then moisturize with occlusives right after because AHAs can be drying. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week as too much can cause dryness, oversensitivity and irritation. For very dry skin, go for chemical exfoliants as a physical one could have unwanted effects. Avoid exfoliation if your skin is cracked or raw as exfoliating will do more harm than good.

Protect your lips by applying lip balm frequently. This will help prevent and manage dryness and cracking. Go for lip balms that offer SPF. You can also use occlusives or ingredients like shea butter, and olive oil for hydration.

Dress warmly and while at it, limit contact with wool and other scratchy fabrics to avoid irritation. If needed, wear light fabrics like cotton and silk underneath these fabrics.

During winter, prioritize hydration, and to do this, keep lotions away and go for emollients and occlusives for better hydration. Also, opt for hydrating cleansers especially if you have very dry skin as foaming cleansers can be drying. Finally, limit the usage of products that contain retinoids, AHAs, alcohol and fragrance as they can be stripping.