Scientifically known as xerosis, dry skin typically isn't a serious condition. It can however be unsightly and cause some discomfort. Dry skin in more severe cases like inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis, can sometimes cause disfiguration and cause much psychological distress to the person affected.

The good news is that most cases of dry skin are caused by environmental factors that can be fully or at least partially controlled. Such factors include exposure to hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, exposure to air conditioning or central heating over the long-term and bathing excessively.

Chronic or severe cases of dry skin problems may require an evaluation by a professional healthcare practitioner.

In most cases, dry skin is just a temporary problem but it can occur sporadically over long periods of time. Skin on the arms, lower legs and the sides of the abdomen are generally dryer than others but this pattern can vary from person to person. Factors such as age, state of overall health, environment, and amount of time spent outdoors, and the root cause of the problem can also play a role in the signs and symptoms that may occur.

Dry skin that occurs as a result of normal aging may include skin that appears shrunken or dehydrated, intense itching, a feeling of skin tightness ( especially after showering, bathing or swimming), skin that feels and looks rough as opposed to smooth, redness, fine lines or cracks, slight to severe flaking and scaling or peeling.

Most dry skin is caused by environmental factors such as:

Weather - Skin is generally driest in winter as temperatures and humidity levels are lower than other seasons. Many existing skin conditions tend to become worse in the winter as well.

Hot baths and showers - The lipid barriers of the skin can become broken down from showering or bathing frequently, especially if the water is hot and the bathing is over a long period.

Central heating and air conditioning - When humidity is reduced from factors such as central air and heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces the skin can become dried.

Harsh soaps and detergents - Lipids and water can easily be stripped from the skin as a result of soap and detergent use. This particularly true of deodorant and antibacterial soaps.

Certain conditions such as psoriasis, thyroid disorders, alcohol and drugs and dehydration can also alter the function and appearance of the skin.

The regimen outlined below includes a safe, natural approach to treating & preventing dry skin:

Healthy sources of fat can help to eliminate dry skin from the inside out. Start  increasing your intake of Omega-3 on a daily basis by consuming a high quality fish oil supplement. I recommend using Carlson's liquid fish oil and cod liver oil, which I personally use and, in my opinion, is one of the best fish oil supplements on the market today.

Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts & grains. Increase raw food intake.

Eat foods high in sulfur as it helps keep the skin youthful & smooth. Such foods include garlic and onions.

Yellow and orange vegetables should be highly consumed as they are high in beta-carotene; a precursor to vitamin A.

Keep the skin well hydrated by drinking at least 2 quarts of pure water each day.

Avoid, fried foods, animal fats, soft drinks, chocolate sugar potato chips & other junk foods.

Lavender water is beneficial to almost all skin types. You can replenish lost moisture by spraying an herbal or floral water mist on your skin throughout the day.

Supplementing with the following may also be beneficial:

Primrose oil (up to 500 mg daily) - Contains linoleic acid; an essential fatty acid need by the skin.

Vitamin A with mixed carotenoids (25,000 IU daily for 3 months, then reduce to 15,000 IU daily) - Strengthens & protects the skin tissue.

Vitamin B complex (take as directed on label) plus extra vitamin B12 (1,000 - 2,000 mcg daily) - Combats stress & beneficial for the aging process.

Kelp (1,000 - 1,500 mg daily) - Provides a balance of minerals needed for good skin tone.

Selenium - (200 mcg daily) - Promotes skin elasticity & is a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamin E (400 IU daily) - Shields skin from free radical damage.

Grape Seed Extract (take as directed on label) - Improves collagen.

Aloe Vera - When used topically has effective soothing, healing and moisturizing properties.

Calendula & comfrey - Both have skin-softening properties.

* Important notes: It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using any alternative therapies to treat xerosis. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.