If you have dry skin then you should consider the fact that it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Since it is such a common ailment, most people don't concern themselves much when they notice they have dry skin. It is most commonly noted in your lower legs, arms, or flanks and is identified as dryness, cracking or scaling of the skin. There are several causes of dry skin including weather, diet, disease and side effect caused by certain drugs. Dry skin is caused by excessive or rapid loss of moisture from the skin. In part, dry skin is caused by trans-epidermal water loss, which worsens in older adults.

Why do I have Dry Skin?

Dry skin is caused by many factors. Below we mention a few:

Tanning - covering up a previous skin condition like acne, produces dry skin causing the skin to increase oil production.

Eczema - a chronic skin condition characterized by skin inflammation and irritation. Hypothyroidism - An underactive Thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) causes dry skin and delayed wound healing, fatigue, and depression. This is also the most common form of thyroid disease.

Vitamin A deficiency - This vitamin deficiency can lead not only to dry skin but also to dry hair, broken fingernails, and dry eyes.

Dermatitis - During winter months you may experience atopic dermatitis which causes itchy, red, dry skin. This condition usually appears on the elbows, back of the knees, wrists, neck, and face.

How to Treat Dry Skin Conditions

An oily cream or a dry skin moisturizer is used as an emollient in treating dry skin conditions; however, this may cause pores to clog and result in a whole new skin condition. However, a much more effective and gentler solution are products created with natural ingredients that maintain the skin's moisture.

Using an air humidifier is also useful if you suffer from dry skin, especially during winter. A small humidifier on the side of your bed will help your skin to retain moisture, but make sure your bedroom door is closed to keep moisture in.

There is a natural balm that offers natural eczema relief and dermatitis treatment. It can be used as a night cream and helps heal other skin conditions such as psoriasis, skin rashes and rosacea.