It's windy. It's dry. And it's sunnier here than in the Big Sky state.

So it's no surprise that Wyoming's climate takes a toll on our hair, skin and nails.

Clear skies and high elevation result in more UV radiation -- and the higher into the mountains you go, the stronger it gets.

"There's less atmosphere between you and the sun," so there's less particles to filter damaging UV rays, said Steve Gray, Wyoming's state climatologist.

In Casper, the average daytime humidity in the summer is in the 20-percent range.

"That's quite dry," Gray said. "We're often on the order of places we would see as desert climates."

So if you are shooting for that dewy look, pack up and head to Florida. Otherwise, check out these solutions to common hair, skin and nail problems.

The problem: Dry, itchy skin

"Bathing on a daily basis depletes your natural oil barriers," causing skin to lose water, said Rowan Tichenor, a dermatologist at Casper Dermatology Clinic. As you age, your oil glands become less efficient, especially after age 60.

The solution: Create a barrier

Apply olive oil on wet skin when you get out of the shower. Pat dry to avoid getting oil on your clothes. "It leaves just enough barriers," Tichenor said. You can also use baby oil or beauty oils, but Tichenor prefers olive oil because it has linoleic acid, something your body makes. No need to spring for extra virgin olive oil; the cheap stuff works just fine. Or try Neutrogena Body Oil, $13.99 at Target.

The problem: Cracked hands and feet

Hands and feet have a tough, outer layer of skin call stratum corneum, Tichenor said. It takes up moisture when you bathe and dries rapidly, sometimes causing cracks.

The solution: Moisturize

Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing. "It slows down the drying affect of the skin," Tichenor said. Reapply lotion every time you wash your hands. Try The Righteous Butter by Soap & Glory, $14.99 at Target.

The problem: Brittle nails

Oftentimes the barrier between the skin and nail is broken when cuticles are pushed back, Tichenor said. Then every time you get your hands wet water gets in there, which can lead to fungus or mold growth, causing nails to peel or have ridges.

The solution: Don't do it yourself

Only allow a trained nail technician to push back and trim cuticles. When moisturizing, apply lotion from wrist to fingertips so it doesn't get rubbed into the cuticles.

The problem: Dry, frizzy hair

Since the hair fiber is no longer living, it needs a constant renewal of moisture.

The solution: Cut it, then Moisturize

"The number one thing you can do is cut it off," said Marylou Arron, owner of Rocky Mountain Academy cosmetology school. "There are plenty of things on the market that are good, but it's just temporary." Not ready for a bob? Try not to over clean hair and use a deep conditioner every five shampoos, said Marla Homolka, owner of Sunrise Images in Casper. Try Shear Splendor Age-Defying Hair "Marinating" Oil for Chemically Treated, Chronically Dry Hair by Philosophy, $20 at www.sephora.com.

The problem: Sun-bleached hair

Sun exposure takes the shine out of hair and causes dyed hair to fade faster.

The solution: Protect it

"If you don't have some kind a protection on your hair it's gonna change the color, whether it's natural or colored," Homolka said.

Wear a hat, stay in the shade or use a sun shielding product to protect your hair. Try Color Conserve Hair Protector, $14 by Aveda.

The problem: Sunburn

Just a few hours in the sun can result in days of red, painful skin, not too mention an increased risk for wrinkles, liver spots, actinic keratoses and skin cancer.

The solution: Use sunscreen

Use a broad spectrum coverage sun screen. Some chemicals, like avobenzone, can break down, forming free radicals on the skin, Tichenor said. Try a product containing zinc oxide, which reflects the sun and doesn't break down. Plus, it works as soon as it's applied. When combined with titanium dioxide, you get full spectrum coverage. Use a lip balm containing sun screen, as well. Try Blue Lizard Australian Sun Screen — Sensitive or Baby, SPF30, $9.99 at Walgreens.

* Carol Seavey is the editor of Live Well. Reach her at carol.seavey@trib.com.