The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as to the epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin. The dermis is structurally divided into two areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region.

When the skin loses moisture it may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics, and antihistamines, can contribute to dry skin conditions; check with your pharmacist or doctor and read the drug insert - you can get one from your pharmacist. Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may contribute to dry skin.

Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it's not common. Environmental factors, such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Serious skin complications, including a dry skin condition, can arise for people with type 2 diabetes.

I can't stress enough the importance of drinking plenty of pure, filtered water - a minimum of a quart a day. Good clear skin is usually a reflection of having a good working non-constipated digestive system. The two most common problems that affect your skin are: not drinking enough water and not eating enough fiber.

Use as little soap as possible, if you have to use any, limiting its use to the armpits and genital area. Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may dry out the skin or cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis; read the labels. Take fewer baths or showers; they'll dry out your skin even more.

Use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up, if you wear it, to moisturize and soften your skin throughout the day. Dry skin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles; coconut oil helps prevent the onset by keeping the skin soft and supple. Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it's edible, so it's safe and so healing to the lips.

Use can use bath oils and moisturizers every day, but coconut oil has the added power of healing. Coconut oil is the best healing, soothing, and moisturizing treatment I've found for dry skin; in fact all types of skin conditions, skin eruptions, pimples, acne, milia, irritations, cuts, burns, fungus, etc.

Many skin conditions can be converted into clear, healthy skin by using natural home remedies. Functions of the skin are disturbed when it's not clean; it becomes more easily damaged, the release of antibacterial compounds decreases and it's more prone to develop infections.

Call your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won't heal. If you're still worried about your skin, or the problems persist, see your skin doctor.