Dry skin is a very common ailment, especially during winters. In medical terms, dry skin is referred to as "xerosis". A person's skin requires moisture and tends to become dry when enough moisture is not available when the oil glands cannot produce enough oil as required by the body. This can happen due to cold winter weather, heating in the house, bathing with too hot or too cold water, or rough towel drying.

These elements often remove the oily layer on the skin causing the skin to lose more moisture than gain. That is the reason oil-based moisturizing lotions or creams work better on dry skin when compared to water-based ones.

Dry skin is often very sensitive as it has a very low level of sebum. Due to it's inability to retain moisture, the skin looks very dry or parched, and feels highly uncomfortable and dull till it is moisturized. Due to intense sensitivity, the skin tends to flake, crack and chap at places of extreme dryness. Dry skin often seems to be tightly drawn over the bones and is indicated by tiny expression lines around some sensitive areas like the eyes and the mouth.

Diet is also one of the factors for dry skin ailments. Plenty of vitamins A and B can help the skin produce natural oils and avoid dry skin. It is also suggested to avoid excessive use of cosmetics, as they tend to bleach the skin of its natural oils.

Dry skin condition may also be inherited. In such cases the only option is to take good care of the skin. It is suggested to keep it moisturized all the time and ensure it does not worsen due to external conditions such as the weather.

In terms of medicine, dry skin often occurs when the thyroid is not active as it is supposed to be. Also, diabetes in a person causes the person to lose an excessive amount of fluids from the body, leading to dry skin complications. Dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema are some severe skin ailments. Another reason for dry skin is excessive smoking, which leads to dehydration of the skin.