Do not use a wash cloth and do not scrub the skin. Pat your skin partially dry with a towel never rub yourself dry. Apply a moisturizer immediately after patting dry within three minutes. Find something that feels pleasing to your skin, so that you will use it. Ointments are most effective.
Creams are less helpful.
Since lotions are mostly made of water, they are the least helpful, but may be used on areas of the body which tend to get hot and sweaty. Avoid preparations which contain perfumes or preservatives that can be harsh on your skin. The winter season is rough on your skin. Outside, it s cold, dry, and windy. Inside, your furnace is blowing hot, dry air.