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.