Skin doesn't become dry because it lacks oil, but because it lacks moisture. Only a lucky few of us have 'normal' skin; the rest of us have dry, oily or combination skin; if dryness is your skin problem, read on.

Skin is one of the most important parts of the body; it's our largest organ. 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. Our skin also receives less blood flow and lower gland activity than the other organs in our body.

Serious skin complications, including a dry skin condition, can arise for people with type 2 diabetes. If you break out on the skin around your eyes, it could be the shellac in your mascara; buy a shellac-free mascara like Ecco Bella's. Skin gets exposed to the elements, especially in winter, causing it to become drier.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can cause dry skin. Dry skin can be due to a genetic condition but it's not common. 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.

The next time you want to have a snack, instead of junk food, help your skin - have an apple, orange, peach, pear, banana, plum, grapes, cherries, berries, cantaloupe or any other fresh fruit. Eat at least two organic apples a day while working to clear up your skin; apples are good for skin health - organic so you can eat pesticide-free skin (most of the apple pectin is in the skin), which helps with constipation too. Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements, in liquid form, every day.

If you use moisturizers, use the thick, oily-type which work better for dry skin. Avoid all products that have an alcohol base. Use bath oils and moisturizers, or better yet, coconut oil, daily.

Use coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do; it leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish your skin all night long; but better yet, apply more coconut oil. Apply coconut oil to irritated or chapped lips as well; it's edible, so it's safe and so healing to the lips. Use can use bath oils and moisturizers every day, but coconut oil has the added power of healing.

Coconut oil is very inexpensive - a great, cheap home remedy for all skin conditions. To see what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply coconut oil several times a day and at bedtime.

The skin must be regularly cleaned or it'll become cracked or inflamed. The skin supports its own ecosystem of microorganisms, including yeasts and bacteria, which cannot be removed by any amount of cleaning.

Following some of the above treatments, your dry skin should be well on its way to recovery. Call your doctor or naturopath when your skin feels itchy all over your body, with or without a visible rash. See your doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn't improve in spite of your best efforts.