If your skin is flaking, itchy, cracked and/or red, you probably suffer from dry skin. This type of ailment can be exacerbated in the winter months, when cold weather, dry air and bitter winds conspire to rob your skin of moisture and nutrients. Moisturizing lotion is one of the first options many people turn to, but if you have extremely dry skin, it's likely that a simple lotion isn't going to soothe your skin. You need more firepower to heal your skin--and there are options available.

Take Colder Showers

Hot water--particularly during cold months--can scald and dry out your skin, exacerbating dryness problems. Lukewarm or cool water, on the other hand, will enable you to wash your skin without zapping it of its nutrients. Make sure you turn down the temperature even when washing your face in the morning or at night, according to EverydayHealth.com.

Cover Up in the Cold

Wear layers of protection over the parts of your body most susceptible to dryness, particularly your hands and face. Cold weather tends to bring dry air with it, since humidity in the air tends to crystallize and harden. You should also exfoliate less often during the winter, according to ABC News, since exposing fresh, healthier skin to the more immediate shock of the elements can dry out your skin and make matters worse

Reduce Your Bathing Frequency

Washing your skin removes oil that can help moisturize and protect it from the air. Warm or hot water can also draw natural oils from your skin and have a slight burning effect on your skin. While showering is important to personal hygiene, it doesn't always need to be done every day. If you can, try to go every other day, or at least keep your showers quick--15 minutes or less--to minimize damage to your skin.

Use a Humidifier

When the air outside is dry, your skin suffers. Depending on the type of insulation you have in your home, the heating system and other factors related to your home's construction, you may have dry air inside that's detrimental to your skin just like the outdoors. Combat this by purchasing a humidifier and running it inside your home to keep humidity in the air. Humidifiers are at their best when placed in the best room, helping keep your skin moist and reduce irritation while you sleep.