Extremely dry skin, although often uncomfortable, is typically caused by environmental factors that can be controlled. If you experience ongoing or severe dry skin, contact your dermatologist to schedule an evaluation to determine if your dry skin requires a prescription or treatment. Water loss is a common cause of dry skin; therefore, drinking water and applying plenty of moisturizer are common treatments for soothing dry skin.
Weather and Temperature
The most common causes of dry skin are the weather and humidity. Your skin is driest in the winter, when humidity and temperatures drop. According to the Mayo Clinic, the reverse can be true if you live in a desert climate; in these regions, humidity can remain low while temperatures can skyrocket, leaving your skin extremely dry.
"Central air and heating, wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry your skin," reports staff at the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, if you like your baths hot, you strip your skin of its lipid barriers, which can also lead to parched skin.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged exposure to the sun not only dries out your skin, it also damages it. According to the Mayo Clinic, ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate into your skin's deepest layer, or epidermis, breaking down collagen and elastin. Over time, sun exposure can cause your skin to wrinkle and sag, giving it a dry appearance and feel. Always apply plenty of high SPF sunscreen when outdoors and limit sun exposure to avoid skin damage.
Harsh Soaps and Chemicals
Soaps and detergents contain chemicals that strip water and lipids from your skin, reports the Mayo Clinic. Shampoo also can dry out your scalp; look for moisturizing shampoo and follow with a deep conditioning treatment if you find your scalp drying out from showering. Avoid using a loofah or exfoliating treatments when washing your body if you suffer from dry skin. Wash with a soft cloth and use soap intended for sensitive skin.
More Serious Conditions
If your dry skin does not subside after continuous moisturizing and avoiding the conditions listed above, a more serious condition may be to blame.
One disorder that can lead to dry skin is hypothyroidism, in which your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism reduces activity of your sweat and oil glands, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Flaking skin may also be a sign of eczema, a skin condition that can lead to painfully dry, itchy, inflamed or flaky skin. According to the Cleveland Clinic, causes of eczema can include allergic reactions such as to poison ivy, family history or athlete's foot.
Additionally, older people tend to have more problems with dry skin due to changes in the skin that occur as we age.
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