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. The outermost layer of epidermis consists of 25 to 30 layers of dead cells. Our skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity than the other organs in our body.

When the skin loses moisture it may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. 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.

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. When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated. Forced-air furnaces may make skin even drier than it already is.

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. Eating fruits that are red or orange in color will help improve you skin health and help to prevent acne. 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.

Cosmetics should be used carefully because they may dry out the skin or cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis; read the labels. Natural treatments should always be the first type of treatments to consider when you want to heal and take the best care of your skin. Only use mild cleansers or mild soaps if you must use a soap or cleanser.

Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it's edible, so it's safe and so healing to the lips. 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. To see what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime.

When you buy coconut oil, make sure you get the kind that hasn't been refined, processed and deodorized. If you have acne, eczema or any type of dermatitis coconut oil will treat and quickly heal these skin conditions too.

Skin that's not clean favors the development of pathogenic organisms; the dead cells continually slough off of the epidermis and mix with the secretions of the sweat and sebaceous glands and the dust found on the skin, to form a layer on its surface. The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed.

Call your doctor or naturopath when your skin feels itchy all over your body, with or without a visible rash. Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won't heal. Usually we can take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can't avoid it.