A: Using the right cleanser for your body is a good first step, but there are a couple of other things you can do to help with winter dryness. Here are a few ideas:

Take warm, rather than hot, showers.

Alternate between "sponge baths" and regular showers, so you aren't exposing your whole body to soap and water every day.

Use a gentle cleanser like Dove Ultra Moisturizing Body Wash, Oil of Olay Sensitive Body Wash, ShiKai Moisturizing Shower Gel, Fresh Milk Soap, or Renee Rouleau Honey Tangerine Shower Gel.

Use a moisturizer every day. The best time to apply it is just out of the shower when your skin is still damp. A few I like are Renee Rouleau Honey Blossom Body Lotion, Fresh Milk Lotion (milk chocolate is especially indulgent), L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion, SoySoft Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion and St. Ives Collagen Elastin Micro-Powered Moisture Extra Relief Dry Skin Lotion. I also like to keep a bottle or tube in my purse or in the car so I can keep my hands soft all day.

Protect your skin by wearing gloves when you clean, use household chemicals, or wash dishes.