Dry skin is caused by a lack of moisture or oil in the skin and is especially common during winter months when heating systems can dry up the air.

Bathing with hot water, the skin's aging process, spending time in the sun and exposure to other factors can also lead to dry skin such as low humidity, using alcohol based lotions, using or coming into contact with certain chemicals and cleaning products, pregnancy can cause dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, fungal skin infections, heatstroke, sunstroke, hypothyroidism, uremia Ichthyosis and Vitamin A deficiency.

Inherited factors and metabolic factors like an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss are also believed to be causes of dry skin.

The skin produces a natural lubricant called sebum which keep the skin moist, supple and protects it like a layer of damp-proof or a water-proof clothing if you like. Sebum works with other natural skin producing oils to basically protect your skin from foreign substances or the element of the weather.

With dry skin however this protection breaks down resulting in moisture loss which is most common in older people but does affect younger people too as the sebum glands can be underdeveloped, especially in babies who can also suffer with dry skin.

This is a natural skin condition, it isn't a disease or contagious and occurs in most people during their life-time. Indeed, you may already have dry skin without even noticing it.

The tell-tale signs are itchy, flaky, scaled or chapped skin and dry skin can effect most parts of the body but is usually commonplace on the arms and legs, especially around the hands, elbows, knees and feet areas. If you relatives suffer with dry skin, the chances are so will you too.

Dry Skin Cure

There is no known cure for dry skin as there are so many contributing factors, however there are a number of self care skin care procedures and dry skin products available to combat and treat dry skin.

Dry Skin Treatment

There are various forms of treatment and options open to dry skin sufferers to combat and help ease the condition. More on Dry Skin Treatment...