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Home > Look Great > Skin > 5 reasons your skin is dry

5 reasons your skin is dry

Dry skin can be itchy, flaky and downright irritating—but thankfully, it's also easily treatable. Here are five reasons your skin might be dry and what you can do to get some relief

By Jaclyn Law

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Web exclusive, December 2010

Are you suffering from dry skin?

If your skin is feeling tight, itchy or inflamed, or it’s scaling, flaking or even cracking, dryness may be to blame. Dry skin is a common problem that often affects the arms, thighs, lower legs, sides of the abdomen, and the lips. But why does it happen? And how can you treat it? We talked to Dr. Peter Vignjevic, a dermatologist in Hamilton, Ont., about the causes of dry skin and what you can do to get some relief.

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10 Comments

What about dry scalps? I try to drink as much water as possible .Any other suggestions?

Natural ones,please.

Submitted by harriet karch on Wed, 2012-01-18 9:43pm.

I agree! Drink more water!!! I fill up my 2litre bottle from the watercooler and have my plastic cup on my desk. I have usually drank it all by 2pm and since doing this - my skin is MUCH better. Green tea is awesome too. This seems to be an advertisement for the book.....

Submitted by Ruthie@Edmonton on Mon, 2011-10-17 2:53pm.

good advice and information

Submitted by susanbennett on Wed, 2011-01-19 9:43am.

Hi Adonis,
That certainly wasn't our intention. Would you please elaborate on why you feel that way?
- Jennifer Goldberg, Best Health Web Editor

Submitted by jeng on Mon, 2011-01-10 12:42pm.

Though all the slide advice is true and valuable, I agree that water consumption and moisture on the skin are basic to fighting dry skin. Using whatever lotions on damp skin is important. Otherwise friction from rubbing can agravate itching skin. Dont rub and scratch dry skin!. Pat dry after bath or shower or let air dry.

Submitted by Corry Bos on Fri, 2011-01-07 4:29pm.

This is directed towards white people

Submitted by Adonis on Fri, 2011-01-07 3:59pm.

WOW a Doctor not promoting drinking water! I agree, it sounds like a commercial.
Drink water!

Submitted by Wendy Yrjola on Fri, 2011-01-07 3:08pm.

Sounds like a commercial for skin creams and moisturizers!

Submitted by KerryAll on Fri, 2011-01-07 10:47am.

Interesting how there is not one reference to drinking more water! Lack of water consumption is the BIGGEST culprit. I have no itchy skin issues any more because I now stay well hydrated. I guess this is simply another marketing campaign - this time, the book. Just drink more water and you'll look younger too!

Submitted by S Keohane on Fri, 2011-01-07 9:06am.

How about listing the biggest reason for dry skin: dehydration! Drink more water and get A LITTLE bit of salt so you have some electrolytes and aren't just flushing your body. All the moisturizer in the world won't do any good if there isn't any moisture in your skin for it to hold in.

Submitted by AM on Sat, 2010-12-11 12:16pm.