The moisture levels in skin are controlled by lipids, which are oil based molecules produced by the epidermis (the skin's outermost layer.) Lipids are meant to create a barrier which keeps water in the skin. When the lipid barrier breaks down, water escapes, leading to dry skin. In addition, if this dry skin does not slough off regularly, it can build up further, leading to deeply dry patches all over your body.

Dry skin is sometimes more of a problem than at other times, but, in general, there are five main factors which cause dry skin:

Aging. As we get older, the skin produces fewer lipids, which means our skin becomes drier. In addition, cell turnover slows as we age, which can leave skin looking flaky and uneven.

Cold, windy, and dry weather. If we constantly move from cold weather into dry heat (such as when you've walked outside and go into your office building), skin can lose water due to the fact that there is so little humidity in the air. You can combat this by running an humidifier, which will keep the water level higher in the ambient air.

Genetics. Some people are born with fewer oil glands, which means their skin is drier. The challenge with dry skin is that since the lipid barrier has broken down, there is nothing to prevent dry skin from getting drier and drier, without significant intervention.

Smoking. Smoking is very bad for the skin. Smoking prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the skin, and also leads to premature wrinkling. The smoke dries out the skin's surface, allowing environmental toxins and pollution to enter.

Too hot showers and too long baths. It's funny to think that too much water can be bad, but it's true. Using very hot water and harsh soap can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Avoid too hot showers and strong soaps if you have dry skin. 

Scratchy wool clothing. These can rub off the oils and lead to red, rough, and chapped skin. Always wear something soft next to your skin, even if you wear a wool sweater over it. 

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Dry skin- that tightness in your face that never really seems to go away, no matter how much moisturizer you slather on.

If you have dry skin, it usually means that the normal oil glands in your skin are not providing enough moisture or lubrication- so your skin becomes parched and dehydrated.

Dry skin is often worsened by exposure to sun, wind, or extremes of cold temperature. Overuse of harsh soaps or chemicals, as well as extensive use of "all day" cosmetics (and those that contain metals like titanium (from my own experience) can make dry skin worse.

Dry skin is sometimes related to poor nutrition- especially a lack of the A and B vitamins. It has also been linked to genetic factors.

Dry skin is also one symptom of hypothyroidism (where your thyroid slows down and doesn't produce enough hormones). If you recently developed dry skin and are feeling sluggish or tired for no reason, be sure to go for a medical check-up as soon as possible.

Finally, dry skin can be aggravated by the use of certain over the counter medications, including antihistamines and diuretics.

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