It's Fall and most stores have taken the bathing suits off the racks and are displaying sweaters, winter coats, hats and gloves. Snowmobiles will soon replace skimobiles and moist, warm weather will become dry, cold and harsh. It's time to look for a good remedy for winter skin - dry, chapped, chafed and itchy. Shielding Lotion is now recommended by hundreds of dermatologists as dry skin treatment and here are some additional tips that may also help:



* Use a humidifier. Integrating it into your central heating system is best, but if you have one that's portable, using in the bedroom at night is most effective for preventing dry skin.

* Use sun block on sunny days - especially if you're on the slopes - 15 SPF is usually strong enough, but the higher you go, the more protection you need.

* If you're going to be out in the cold for a long time, or you're involved in outdoor sports, you need to prevent overheating and becoming too cold or wet - all of which will cause dry skin. The best way to accomplish all three is to dress in layers. Silk is best next to the skin. It's good insulation, is soft, lightweight, and allows the skin to breath. It also dries quickly so your skin doesn't chafe from being continually wet. Avoid cotton, it retains moisture. Wool is moisture resistant, and retains its insulating qualities while wet. However, it's not very comfortable right next to the skin. Silk undergarments are readily available in sporting goods stores - pants, tops, and liners for gloves and socks.

* As comforting as a long, hot bath or shower can feel when you come indoors from the cold, that hot water will cause dry skin just as easily in the winter as the summer. It's also best to use as little soap as possible to avoid washing off protective natural oils.

* As soon as you get out of the shower, pat dry (rubbing chafes the skin and the towel absorbs too much of the skin's natural oil) and apply a Shielding lotion immediately. It will keep the moisture locked in, and protect you from both the dryness indoors and the harsh elements outdoors. Don't forget your hands and face.

Just following the few simple steps above will help you weather the winter unscathed, and without the cracked, chafed, itchy dry skin that is characteristic of the season.