Normal skin has a soft, supple texture because it is fully hydrated. For skin to feel soft, pliable and "normal," its top layer must contain a minimum of 10% water and ideally between 20% and 35%. To help protect the outer layer of skin from losing water, the skin's sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is a complex mixture of fatty acids, sugars, waxes and other natural chemicals that form a protective barrier against water evaporation. If the skin doesn't have enough sebum, it loses water and feels dry. When environmental factors cause more water evaporation it overwhelms the ability of sebum to prevent water loss, the skin will then shrivel and crack.

Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a very common problem, it affects people of all ages, even infants. One or more of the following factors are usually involved:

*Decreased production of sebum is often a factor in the elderly, since the number of sebaceous glands in the skin tends to decrease with age. More elderly people also may have decreased blood flow to the skin, causing sebum production to drop.

*The loss of existing sebum usually is caused by excessive bathing or showering, excessive scrubbing of the skin while washing, or harsh soaps that dissolve the protective layer of sebum. In some cases, the result is dry skin over the entire body, especially among athletes who shower several times a day. In other cases only the hands are affected, for example, in food handlers, homemakers, health care workers, house cleaners and others who frequently wash their hands.

*Extreme conditions such as a hot, dry, climate can overwhelm the skin's natural protective barrier, causing moisture to evaporate. This is an important reason for dry skin among people who live in hot desert climates. Excessively dry indoor air also can cause dry skin and "winter itch", particularly in people who use forced-air heating systems. Among outdoor athletes, frequent exposure to wind and sun can evaporate moisture from the skin, making the surface feel itchy and dry. Even swimmers can get dry skin, since the chemical content of pool water actually draws moisture from the skin.

Dry skin is a common problem in people with diabetes or skin allergies (atopic dermatitis). Less often, it can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism, kidney failure, or Sjogrens Syndrome. Dry skin is one of the side effects of some medications, especially some acne products that are applied directly to the skin.

Usually people will notice that their skin is flaky and slightly more wrinkled than normal, but sometimes the only symptom is itching. Symptoms may sometimes worsen during the winter months, especially if you spend a lot of time indoors.

With dry skin, you can generally make the diagnosis yourself. You can begin by examining your normal skin care routine. Do you often take long, hot baths or showers? Do you shower several times a day or scrub your skin surface with harsh soaps? Do you have a job that requires frequent hand washing?

Next, examine your environmental risk factors, both indoors and outdoors. Do you live in a dry climate? Do you usually spend your winter months indoors without a humidifier? When you do go outdoors, do you protect your skin with appropriate clothing or with a sunscreen on exposed surfaces? When was the last time you used a moisturizer?

Once you begin to take care of your skin properly, the flakiness and itch of dry skin should improve within one or two weeks. In many cases, a good skin care moisturizer cream will begin to make your skin look softer and suppler within minutes.

Without proper care, dry skin can become a chronic problem that can lead to skin thickening, cracking and bleeding. This may increase your risk of skin infections.

You can help to prevent dry skin by taking these steps:

1. Take only one shower or bath daily. Wash with comfortably warm (not hot) water, using a soap that either has a high fat content or contains glycerin. Limit your bath time to 10 to 15 minutes, and avoid scrubbing.

2. If you are an athlete, shower off quickly after a workout or game. Use warm water, and bring your own mild soap, "gym" brands may be too strong.

3. When you finish your bath or shower, apply moisturizer while your skin is still wet. Petroleum jelly or a thick cream is best for sealing skin moisture.

4. Cover exposed skin when you play outdoors. If you can't wear protective clothing because of hot weather or game regulations, apply a sunscreen with a moisturizer. If you are a swimmer, apply a light layer of a water resistant gel before you enter the pool.

5. If your indoor air is dry during winter months, use a humidifier to raise the humidity level.

As necessary during the day, apply a good skin care moisturizer cream that contains at least one of the following ingredients:

*Colorless carotenoids, UV light activated, they provide powerful

antioxidant protection against the environment.

* Shea butter, evening primrose oil, and meadowfoam seed oil

provide rich emollients to enhance the skins natural barrier

function and increase hydration levels.

* Parsol® 1789 and other sunscreens shield against aging UVA

and UVB rays.

* Chamomile, cornflower, and matricaria flower extracts. This

special blend soothes the skin.

Avoid overusing antiperspirants and perfumes, since these products can dry the skin.

If you have a simple case of dry skin, begin by trying the suggestions outlined in the Prevention section. If your dry skin persists, contact your doctor's office for advice.

Call your primary care doctor or a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems) if you have:

Dry skin that doesn't respond to nonprescription treatments

Severe itching that interferes with your ability to work or sleep

Dry skin that cracks and bleeds, or becomes red, swollen and painful

Overall, the prognosis is excellent. You can often prevent dry skin by making a few simple changes in lifestyle. If dry skin develops, there are many soothing and effective treatments available. Most can be purchased without a prescription.