Prescription for dry skin: A clean diet

This winter, 81 percent of Americans will deal with dry skin. In the January 2008 issue of Reader's Digest, a few medical professionals weigh in on how to treat this flaky condition.

Two cents from a dermatologist: After a shower or bath, pat your skin dry and immediately apply a moisturizer containing dimethicone, cyclomethicone, collagen, or shea butter to seal in the product. Reapply at night.

The lowdown from an allergist: If your dry skin is itchy and looks and feels worse on the inside of your elbows, the back of your neck or knees, or your cheeks or hands, you may have eczema. Moisturizers may help but topical steroids may need to be prescribed. Look into allergies to lotions, foods, and other irritants too.

No nonsense advice from a nutritionist: Diet is definitely part of the dry-skin equation. Stay hydrated with water and water-based foods (women need 72 ounces of fluid per day; men need 100), limit caffeine and alcohol, consume enough good fats, and take in some olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fish too.