How to prevent and treat dry skin

Be proactive this winter by moisturizing often and avoiding hot water.

January's cold, dry air can be harsh on the skin. It's even tougher to bear if you're an older adult. "As we age, we lose more water through the skin, and the skin barrier becomes more compromised. It can really be a problem," says Dr. Mathew Avram, a dermatologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital and an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School.