Everyone suffers from dry skin at some point however most individuals don't take proactive action to avoid it. Dry skin looks parched and has a tendency to easily flake; it is dry to the touch, often itchy and in some instances is overly sensitive. The reason that skin becomes dry is that the oil glands become under-active or even inactive and thus fail to produce adequate amounts of sebum that helps keep your skin lubricated. The skin is unable to naturally moisturize itself in the wake of all the environmental stresses that we come in contact with on a daily basis.

Tip to help cure and prevent dry skin:

1. Take luke warm baths or showers, hot water strips the natural oils from the skin. Showers and baths should be limited to 10 minutes. Moisturizing immediately after and shower or bath is extremely effective in locking in moisture.

2. Avoid diuretics, they suck you dry. This includes alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine.

3. Drink water, keeping hydrated is a must. At least 8 glasses of water is recommended to keep your body running at optimum levels. Remember to increase your levels during hot days or during physical activity.

4. Bath in oil. Hydrate your skin by soaking for approximately 5 minutes and then add a small amount of your favorite oil to the water to seal in the moisture.

5. Use a humidifier in your home or office. Central heating systems and air conditioners suck up moisture; you can counter this by adding your own moisture back into the air. Humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes so finding one to fit your requirements will be quite easy.

6. Put on moisturizers, whether you think you need it or not. Moisturizing should be part of your daily skin care routine, it is necessary for healthy skin and as an added bonus it will help keep wrinkles at bay. Moisturizing is a proactive act, not just a cure for dry skin.

7. Heavily moisturize your feet before bed and wear socks, it may feel strange at first but your feet will thank you for it. Adding the socks will ensure that the moisturizer completely absorbs into your skin. This trick also works for hands, just put on some gloves for a hour or two while watching TV or relaxing.

8. Avoid soaps that do not contain moisturizers in them, regular soap is drying, it strips everything the good and the bad. There are many options on the market today, it should not be a problem finding a gentle cleanser or body wash that is filled with moisturizers. Once you try one you will never go back, your skin will feel fantastic.

9. Gently exfoliate; dry skin needs help getting rid of the old. Exfoliating can be done by using a loofa or a gentle exfoliate cleanser. Which ever way you decide to go remember to be gentle, skin cells are microscopic you don't actually need to see them come off. Removing the layer of dead cells will allow for better penetration of the moisturizers and get rid of the flakey appearance.

Dry skin is definitely uncomfortable and irritating, but it can also be potentially dangerous. When skin becomes excessively dry; cracks and abrasions can appear which may become infected and lead to a host of additional problems. Dry skin also exacerbates skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is important to invest the effort in including moisturizing into your daily skin care regime, not only do you feel better and look better but it leads to healthy resilient younger looking skin.