The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. Skin contains hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Dermatitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea or psoriasis may cause the skin to become very dry too. The symptoms most associated with dry skin are: scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching, and cracks in the skin.

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. Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it's not common. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins can also contribute to dry skin or result in a chronic dry skin condition that's not relieved by anything else.

I put two tablespoons of coconut oil in my smoothies, which are made with fruits only - using a base of two bananas, then adding fruit, frozen or fresh-- blend well. When the skin is dry and dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne, zits, blemishes, or other breakouts; drink plenty of pure water. Good clear skin is usually a reflection of having a good working non-constipated digestive system.

Use as little soap as possible, if you have to use any, limiting its use to the armpits and genital area. Use bath oils and moisturizers, or better yet, coconut oil, daily. For any skin condition, it's always better to take a natural approach.

To see what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime. Coconut oil is very inexpensive - a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions. Dry skin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles; coconut oil helps prevent the onset by keeping the skin soft and supple. Apply coconut oil daily to your skin to heal, moisturize and soothe it. Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it's edible, so it's safe and so healing to the lips.

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.

If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you should see your doctor. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won't heal. If your dry skin lasts for a long time and is itchy or feels hot when you touch it, see your doctor.