During the cold winter months, you may find yourself applying skin lotions more often than usual. Slathering the rejuvenating cream on parched skin certainly feels great, but places like the back are much harder to reach and therefore don’t get the relief that the rest of the body does. Here are some dry skin remedies that will work to keep your back and shoulders as hydrated and smooth as the rest of your body.

Step one: shower
Warm water is comforting in cold weather, but don’t turn the temperature up any higher. Warm water dries skin less than hot water. Also, reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower to prevent dryness.

Choose a moisturizing shower gel or soap and make sure there are no traces left when you finish bathing.

Step Two: Exfoliation
You can choose to exfoliate while you shower, but you can also complete this step before or after your shower. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the back, so moisturizers can better penetrate the skin. Apply a small amount of body scrub to the brush end of a long-handled brush. You can find them in most pharmacies. The long-handled brush is ideal for exfoliating your back, which is normally hard to reach. Use the brush to exfoliate the skin on your back in a circular motion, if you can. Be sure to rub shoulder width apart and also down to the lower back. Rinse off the body scrub completely when you’re done.

Step three: hydration
Once you’ve removed the dead skin cells, pat your skin with a towel so it’s just slightly damp. Immediately after bathing is when your body’s pores are most open, and hydration will give you the best benefits. Use a moisturizer or other natural skin cream to rub the lotion into your shoulders. Elbows are a typical problem spot, so make sure to apply your natural skin lotion there as well. If you have trouble reaching your back with just your hands, you can buy a lotion applicator for just a few dollars; Similar to your scrub brush, these applicators have a long wooden or plastic handle with an attached foam or sponge head. Pour a small amount of moisturizer into your applicator and rub it into your back. Repeat as needed and rinse applicator head after use.

When choosing the best moisturizer for dry skin, you should look for a formula that absorbs fairly quickly and won’t clog your pores. This will prevent your back from developing acne or looking greasy.

Finally, keep skin hydrated throughout the day with a humidifier in your home or office.