What can I do about the dry skin I get every winter

asks rtell:
A. Extremes of weather can really dry out skin. In winter, it's the low humidity, icy weather and overheated homes and offices that play havoc with your skin. And it's not just people with dry skin who suffer - oily skin can dry out, too, because the problem is lack of water, not oil.

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Q. So, what can I do about low humidity
A. Open the windows in your home to let air circulate every day. Place a bowl of water near the radiator in your office or bedroom.

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Q. Does the amount of water you drink make a difference
A. Yes. The easiest thing you can do to help your skin is drink one to one and half litres of water a day - any more and you may place a strain on your kidneys. As well as replacing moisture in your skin, it flushes out all the toxins.

You should also cut down on caffeine (from coffee, tea and cola drinks) and alcohol. Both are dehydrating and they restrict the amount of nutrients your body can absorb.

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Q. Does what you eat make a difference
A. Yes, it can make a huge difference to your skin. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables - they're rich sources of vitamin C and antioxidants which help keep your skin healthy. Keep a fruit bowl on your desk or by the fridge to nibble on during the day.

Essential fatty acids (found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, fatty fish - sardines, mackerel, tuna and salmon) are essential for healthy skin.

A deficiency in zinc can lead to flaky skin, dry hair and brittle nails. Eat more zinc-rich foods - seafood, cheese and nuts, tinned sardines, wholemeal bread, lentils and brown rice.

Take an antioxidant supplement (vitamins A, C and E) to give your skin a boost.

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Q. Anything else
A. Exercise brings blood to your skin's surface, supplying more oxygen and nutrients. If you don't visit the gym or do any sport, try a brisk walk three times a week, or a daily bounce on a mini trampoline.

Stop smoking - the chemicals in cigarettes rob your skin of nutrients and cause it to age prematurely.

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Q. What should I put on my skin
A. Don't use bubble baths or soap which can dry out your skin. Instead look for special non-soap face cleansers and choose moisturising bath lotions.

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Avoid putting very hot water on your skin. And if you bathe a lot, put lots of moisturising body cream on afterwards.

Lips are especially vulnerable - keep them protected with Vaseline.

Use moisturising face masks and wear a moisturiser with a sunscreen of SPF15.

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By Sheena Miller

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