In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan;

Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone.

– Christina Rosetti

Yes, maybe this winter hasn’t been as bleak as some others, but battling the wintertime elements – or even exposure to low-humidity indoor air – still can do a number on skin and hair.

Instead of simply moaning about their dried-out condition, you can take some simple steps to prevent or minimize damage.

If dryness is rashy, painful, severe or prolonged, consult a family doctor or a dermatologist.

Stay hydrated

Because it’s not hot, and they’re not sweating, people often forget about drinking enough water in the winter, says Lydia Gerken, manager of the health and beauty department at Three Rivers Co-op and Natural Grocery, 1612 Sherman Blvd. “Hydration is really what determines how moist or supple your skin is, especially during the winter,” she says. Eight daily glasses of water is a rule of thumb, Gerken says, and switching out dehydrating coffee and sodas for water can help.

Hot, hot … not!

“Hot water removes your natural skin oils more quickly. Warm water is best for bathing,” according to a tip sheet prepared by the American Academy of Dermatology. The academy also recommends limiting time in the shower or tub to five to 10 minutes a day and moisturizing right after bathing when skin is still moist and before shaving.

Limit sanitizers

Health authorities recommend the use of hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of germs, but many contain a high percentage of alcohol, which can dry skin, according to the dermatology academy. Frequent use can chap and crack skin, which can allow germs to enter. Use sanitizers sparingly when soap and water is not available, or switch to less-drying formulas that dermatologists can recommend.

Learn to love gloves

Exposed extremities tend to take the brunt of the elements, dermatologists say, so cover your hands outdoors. Also protect your hands with rubber or latex gloves when doing dishes or laundry by hand. And that old remedy of soaking hands for a few minutes in warm water, putting on a salve or rich lotion and then wearing light cotton gloves to bed can soothe dryness.

Check the label

Sodium lauryl sulfate, a degreaser, acts as a sudsing agent in shampoos and soaps and can be harsh and drying. The dermatology academy recommends gentle hair and body cleansers. Gerken says switching to less-sudsy products with botanical oils or other moisturizing ingredients may be an option.

Brush your scalp

Flakiness and flyaway hair are common winter problems that have their roots in the scalp, says Latasha Peden, cosmetologist with Ravenscroft Beauty College. Brushing might seem to lead to more static, she says, but it’s actually good for removing dry, and dead skin cells from the scalp. Natural hair oils also are more evenly distributed if you brush, she adds.

Switch products

Try a shampoo or conditioner product with tea tree oil for flakiness or a slightly heavier conditioner or leave-in spray oil to add shine for winter dryness, Peden says. And, don’t neglect a trim, she says. Hair dries out at its older ends and will look better with them removed.

Use moisturizers

Gerken says it’s a good idea to carry a moisturizing lotion to combat the effects of frequent handwashing. Also keep a moisturizer by the sink and tub, and don’t forget to use moisturizing lip balm. With scores of products on the market, what you use is largely a matter of personal preference, she adds, noting a higher cost doesn’t mean a product is better.

rsalter@jg.net