The use of natural or synthetic cosmetics to cover the appearance of the face and condition of the skin, like pore control and covering blackheads, is common among many cultures. Xeroderma, the medical name for dry skin, occurs most commonly on the lower legs, arms, the sides of the abdomen and thighs and is a very common condition.

Our skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity than the other organs in our body. The average square inch of skin holds 650 sweat glands, 20 blood vessels, 60,000 melanocytes, and more than a thousand nerve endings. Skin contains hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands and blood vessels.

When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes dehydrated. 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. Dry skin can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid.

Bathing or showering too frequently, especially if one is using harsh soaps, may contribute to 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 skin loses moisture it may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed.

I can't stress enough the importance of drinking plenty of pure, filtered water - a minimum of a quart a day. Eating fruits that are red or orange in color will help improve you skin health and help to prevent acne. Concentrating on a diet, of mostly fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked), and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement in your skin within 30 days.

Drink plenty of pure, filtered water or spring water every day; at least a quart or more. Use as little soap as possible, if you have to use any, limiting its use to the armpits and genital area. Apply cool compresses to any itchy areas.

After a soothing bath or shower at night just before bedtime, apply a thin layer of coconut oil over your entire body; it'll even last on your skin through your shower in the morning. To see what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime. I buy coconut oil by the gallon; it's cheaper for a whole gallon of coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand moisturizer.

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

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. The skin is subject to constant attack from without; it can be affected by many conditions, diseases and ailments.

Make sure to call your skin doctor or dermatologist when you have any open cuts or sores from scratching that won't heal. If nothing seems to work it might be more than dry skin, so you should see your doctor. And did I mention to drink lots and lots of water every day?