How to keep your skin moist

Before you slap on all the creams and lotions to ensure your skin stays moist all day long there may be some other suggestions you can try that may prove far more effective -- and cheaper.

Not that moisturizer is a bad thing -- but some of the ingredients can actually dry out skin more than anything -- although these "creams" feel great going on. Always looks for all-natural ingredients like essential oils and shea butter and cocoa butter. The more chemicals you put on your skin (even though they make the cream feel great) may be, in turn, drying you out over the course of the day.

Here are some tips:

-- Take fewer baths, and don't use water that's too hot.
-- Apply moisturizer or cream throughout the day (remember, get all-natural moisturizers).
-- Use gentle products. Stay away from harsh soaps, detergents and other products that may dry the skin.
-- Don't rub or scratch your skin, as it will only make symptoms worsen.
-- If your skin begins to look scaly, try applying a salicylic acid cream or ointment.