Skin is not dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks water. Symptoms most associated with Xeroderma (dry skin) are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin. The good news is that today, there are several types of natural treatments to choose from for your dry skin.

Skin also harbors many nerve endings that provide the sense of touch and heat. Skin is considered one of the most important parts of the body. The skin is often known as "the largest organ of the human body".

The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.

The skin loses moisture and may crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Forced-air furnaces make skin even drier. Environmental factors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

Use as little soap as possible limiting its use to armpits and genitals. Drink plenty of water every day. Use a humidifier if the air is dry.

Eat at least one organic apple with the skin on every day. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Concentrating on a diet of lots of fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement within 30 days. Good skin is often a reflection of a good digestive system. Fatty acids are particularly important to people with dry skin.

Use bath oils and moisturizers, especially coconut oil, which is the best natural product fr dry skin, at least daily. Also use a thin layer of coconut oil under your make-up to moisturize your skin all day. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil and massage it deep into the skin. Apply coconut oil anytime to heal and soothe your skin.

Sunlight, water and air play an important role in keeping the skin healthy. The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. The skin supports its own ecosystems of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning.

Skin doctors are called dermatologists. Usually, these days, we can take care of dry skin without seeing our doctor, but sometimes we can't avoid it. See your doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn't improve in spite of your best efforts.