Xeroderma is a very common condition.

Skin contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels. Skin consists of loose connective tissue and elastin. Skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity.

The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The blood vessels in the dermis provide nourishment and waste removal to its own cells as well as the epidermis.

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.

Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma are scaling (the visible peeling of the outer skin layer), itching, and cracks in the skin.

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 dry skin, can arise for people with diabetes.

The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed.

Dry your skin gently and thoroughly, patting not rubbing. Apply moisturizers just after a bath or shower, when your skin is still damp. Avoid products that are alcohol-based.

You want to work from the inside out too. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. The two most common, sluggish, digestion culprits that affect your skin are not enough water and not enough fiber.

For an easy fiber boost, mix in two tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds in raw applesauce, from 2-3 apples, made in your food processor.

If you also have eczema or acne, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too. Coconut oil is very inexpensive, therefore, a good, cheap home remedy.

Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long. Apply coconut oil to heal and soothe your skin.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning.

Unclean skin favors the development of pathogenic organisms - the dead cells that continually slough off of the epidermis mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin to form a filthy layer on its surface.

Go to your skin doctor if dryness and itching are preventing you from sleeping. See your doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn't improve in spite of your best efforts. And did I say to drink lots and lots of water every day!