Here's what you really need to know to deal with dry skin in winter, say these twin dermatologists

During the cold and windy months, many people can experience a common problem called "winter itch" — and tjhe soliution does not require a complicated regimen or expensive products, say two St. John's dermatologists. 

Dr. Joseph Coffey and Dr. James Coffey — who are also twin brothers — share a medical practice, as well as tips on getting through the winter months. 

The winter itch, which refers to dry, itchy skin, typically begins in November and lasts until March, Joseph says, and it can affect one out of two people over the age of 50.

The itchiness is caused by cold weather that dries the skin. Then, frequent scratching can cause skin redness and cracks, allowing natural bacteria that lives on the surface of the skin to enter and potentially cause conditions like eczema.

The solution, they say, is a simple one-minute action as soon as a person steps out of the shower.

"The key is to use a good barrier cream to make sure that you seal it in after you apply moisture on your skin in the morning after your shower," says Joseph.

James says daily showers are ideal.

"There's this old myth that if you bathe or shower too often, you'll dry out," James says. "That's not true."

"The only thing that adds water to your skin is water. Moisturizers don't add water. They're barrier creams. So if you get in the shower and get out, you have a two-minute window to seal that water in."

When a person takes a hot shower, the body temperature increases. As the body cools off through evaporation or air drying, the process can lead to skin dryness.

They recommend applying plain petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to wet skin immediately after stepping out of the shower, which helps trap water in the skin.

They also advise to avoid irritants like fragrance and lanolin, a common ingredient in wool, as they are the most common triggers of eczema.

Another common skin concern they say they see in patients is rosacea, a common skin inflammation.

"Rosacea, the 'Viking curse,' which most Newfoundlanders have a bit of," says James. "The red cheeks. One of the biggest triggers is cold. People are outside, not bundled up properly, and they're coming in, [and] their faces are flushed."