While we all wish we could point to one specific cause for dry skin, the reality is that there are a variety of different factors at play. According to board-certified dermatologist
Mamina Turegano, MD, FAAD, dry skin can be attributed to age, cold weather, bathing for too long in hot water, harsh soap, medication, and medical conditions like eczema and allergies.
Regardless of the cause, dry skin manifests the same way for everyone. ”The basic premise is the same—an inability for skin cells in the outermost layer to retain their normal function and hold moisture,” says Antony Nakhla, board certified-dermatologist, skin cancer surgeon, and founder of Eighth Day.