21 very surprising reasons for your dry skin and what to do about it
If you're wedded to the daily lubrication of your entire body but your extra layers of body cream don't seem to be satisfying your dry skin, it could be time to look into other causes.
While dry skin seems inevitable in winter given the punishing temperatures outside and blasts of central heating indoors, they're not the only reason our skin feels like sandpaper. In fact, if you're wondering why your skin feels flaky and dull looking while we're in deep summer (or so we're told because the weather doesn't seem to agree), it's because dry skin does not discriminate against weather conditions.
Spot the difference.
You may experience dry skin during the summer as hot weather and high humidity levels can increases water loss from the body, leading to the dehydration of the skin. In fact, try not to focus too much on the weather as that's likely to overshadow the real reasons for our sudden skin thirst, such as an impaired skin barrier or lack of omega fatty acids in our diet. Both of which can be a year-round issue.
What are the full symptoms of dry skin?
When your skin is parched, it can lead to severe dryness. Aside from the obvious dull and dry look, if you start noticing flakes and rough patches, as well as cracks that make you wonder if you're secretly a snake shedding its skin, then you are suffering from dry skin. Here's the kicker, if you then start experiencing random itchyness all over, then that can be a sure sign of dry skin too.
Sometimes your skin also starts to feel a little painful to the touch and will appear looser, lacking of elasticity, almost like a piece of parchment paper. When you get to that stage, it's probably best to contact a dermatologist who will be able to correctly diagnose you, as those might be symptoms of more severe conditions.
Ahead the most common moisture-sappers – and all importantly, how to dissolve dead cells and get your skin back to being a smooth, flake-free canvas.
Reasons your skin is dry at a glance:
- Weather
- Too many hot showers
- Room isn't ‘moist’ enough
- Ditching eating fruit
- Alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Not drinking enough water
- Using a moisturiser that's too heavy
- Applying your hyaluronic acid serum all wrong
- Skipping SPF
- Using acne treatments and retinol
- Not going to bed early enough
- Over-washing without moisturising immediately after
- Exposure to harsh chemicals
- Using fragranced products
- Certain medical conditions
- Certain medications
- Not exfoliating enough
- Using harsh soaps, cleansers and hard water
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- You're simply ageing
1. Weather
As we know during the winter months, cold air and low humidity can cause your skin to become dry and irritated. However, winter is not the only time of the year the weather will turn on your delicate skin. Any dry conditions such as a dry summer's day, or poorly ventilated spaces like in public transport or some offices can actually trigger your skin to dry out.
2. Too many hot showers
It can be tempting to crank up the temperature in the shower, but Rick Woodin, lead dermatologist at ZO Skinhealth, warns against this guilty pleasure, explaining that “excessive heat from hot water combined with body soap will soften skin and slowly begin to strip away its natural protective barriers.”
“If you expose your skin to hot water for an extended amount of time, it's more prone to becoming dry, red and itchy,” Rick continues. And before you jump in the tub, “baths can even be worse than showers,” he says.
Sadly, the best solution is to lower the temperature, or keep your hot showers short (around ten minutes). And, if you're having a bath, add a few drops of oil into the water. “Also make sure to only use body soap in the essential areas only (like underarms and groin), and moisturise right after showering,” says Rick.
3. Your room isn't ‘moist’ enough
Central heating in winter, or having your fan on during ultra balmy temperatures can sap skin of moisture. Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, advises placing bowls of water near your radiators or windows. Or, invest in a humidifier – this way, moisture will be released back into the air and your skin can benefit. Especially in the bedroom where many of us spend seven to eight hours sleeping.
4. You've ditched eating fruit
The absence of fruit and vegetables can have a detrimental effect on our skin. The UK’s leading nutritionist and author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar, Dr Marilyn Glenville, explains “what we eat has an effect on the mechanisms that are associated with skin ageing. These benefits will be reflected not only in terms of good health but also in the condition of the skin.” For instance, “vitamin C helps in the manufacturing of collagen,” says Dr Glenville, which is essential for keeping our skin looking plump, hydrated and healthy. Better start packing an orange for your afternoon snack...
It's worth remembering that nutritional deficiencies in general could be the cause of your dry skin. A diet lacking in certain nutrients, such as essential fatty acids, can also be a contributing factor.
5. Alcohol and caffeine consumption
Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics and this essentially means that they increase the product of urine. Dr Catherine Carney from Private Addiction Rehab Clinic, Delamere says: “Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that when consumed, it can cause the body to remove fluids from the blood via the body’s renal system at a faster rate.”
This is why when you're on a night out drinking, you can ‘break the seal’ and need to go more often than if you were drinking water throughout the day. The extra production of urine causes the body to lose fluids more quickly than usual and as a result, our body is then stripped of moisture and the skin may become dehydrated, leading to dryness, dullness and flakiness.
And yes, it's more than you think.
6. Not drinking enough water
An obvious one, but drinking enough water is an issue that many struggle to keep on top of. “To really hydrate well, the average person should consume approximately two to three litres of water per day”, says Dr Michael Barnish, Medical Director for REVIV UK. “This is water and not tea, coffee, juice or alcohol, which actually dehydrates the body, meaning we may need more water per day to keep hydrated.” So start sipping.
7. Using a moisturiser that's too heavy
If you think you’re solving the problem by diligently layering up your face and body cream, you could be, quite literally, masking the issue. Many of us respond to dry skin by slathering on the heaviest moisturiser we can find. Dr Rekha Tailor, Medical Director of the Health & Aesthetics Clinic, says this can do more harm than good.
“Thick and greasy moisturisers can weaken the skin’s barrier function and alter the skin's natural function of self-hydration. The skin becomes addicted to the use of moisturiser and therefore is unable to regulate itself. It is the skin's own self-regulation that keeps it looking youthful, therefore the need for the skin to self-regulate is extremely important.” Try these:
8. Applying your hyaluronic acid serum all wrong
Hyaluronic acid is the OG of skin hydrators, with a single gram holding up to six litres of water. But there is one caveat: there must be moisture in the air for it to grab onto in the first place.
So if you're slathering hyaluronic acid onto dry skin in a room where the heating is cranked up and humidity levels are low, you could actually be drying out your skin instead. “Hyaluronic acid will draw moisture from wherever it can find it to hydrate the surface of your face, including the deeper layers of your skin if there is no humidity in the air,” says aesthetic doctor Dr Sophie Shotter.
A good solution is to create a moisture sandwich: spritz on a face mist such as Rare Beauty Always An Optimist 4-in-1 Mist or Biossance Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid Toning Mist; apply your hyaluronic acid serum and top it all off with a ceramide moisturiser to lock hydration into the skin.
9. Skipping SPF
SPF is a year-round requirement for obvious reasons (preventing skin cancer and protecting your skin's DNA). But did you know that UV rays are also incredibly dehydrating for skin that already skews dry, sapping it of water? For this reason make your final layer of skincare a cream-based sunscreen with ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture.
10. Using acne treatments and retinol
Salicylic acid is a core tenet of many on-the-spot products as it unclogs pores and reduces the inflammation that often leads to pigmentation marks. The only downside is that it can be drying, says skin and laser expert, Debbie Thomas, “which may lead to flaking and then irritation, so it is important not to overuse it and to balance active products containing salicylic acid with nourishing ones.”
Flaky red skin is a common side effect of retinol, too, because it speeds up cell turnover and the skin's self-exfoliation. Aesthetic doctor and skin expert Dr Ana Mansouri recommends staggering your retinol usage by “starting gently at a strength of 0.25% to 0.3% and slowly working your way up.” Also look for formulas containing niacinamide to offset the dryness.
11. Not going to bed early enough
No joke, your Netflix addiction could be drying out your skin. As entertaining as Succession is or binging sessions of Love Is Blind, limit your episodes and make sure you hit the hay early for the sake of your skin's rejuvenation.
Lack of sleep causes pH levels to drop and skin becomes unable to produce the moisture it needs. “Getting your eight hours a night promotes a healthy lifestyle, enabling your body to rest properly and your skin to repair each day,” says Dora Walsh, Registered Nutritionist at BANT.
“If you’re finding it hard to sleep, you can help your body to drift off by following some key rules,” she continues. “Make sure you don’t eat too late or drink coffee post-lunch or alcohol. And make time to unwind and take a screen break before getting into bed.”
If it's good enough to help soldiers relax, we think it's worth a shot.
12. Over-washing without moisturising immediately after
Ever since the pandemic (unlocks sad but core memory), we’ve all naturally became accustomed to washing our hands and body more frequently, with many of us opting for harsher, antibacterial products and hand sanitisers laced with high percentages of alcohol.
Granted, washing hands frequently (and despite any particular virus), should be a habit we rightly become accustomed to – just don't forget to moisturise afterwards and, where possible, look for a hand wash and hand sanitiser that also contains hyaluronic acid. Good options include This Works Stress Check Clean Hands and Hand Shield.
13. Exposure to harsh chemicals
Exposure to harsh chemicals such as chlorine in swimming pools or chemicals in cleaning products can also cause dryness and irritation on the skin because these chemicals can disrupt the natural barrier function of the skin, leading to moisture loss and dryness.
Make sure to use protective clothing and gloves when handling chemicals, and avoiding prolonged exposure to these substances. In the case of unavoidable exposure such as, chlorine in swimming pools, use gentle, moisturising skincare products that can help repair the skin's barrier and replenish moisture loss.
14. Using fragranced products
Fragrance can irritate skin, causing cracked, sore patches to bloom across the body. While synthetic fragrances are often blamed for this reaction, allergic contact dermatitis can also be triggered by essential oils, which, according to skincare expert Paula Begoun, “impart scent through a volatile reaction, which can sensitise the skin.” If this is the case, try Paula's Choice Calm Mineral Moisturizer and Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, both of which are fragrance free.
15. Certain medical conditions
Skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema can make your skin more prone to dryness. Seemingly unrelated conditions such as diabetes and lupus can also affect blood circulation to the hands, limbs and other body extremities, which increases the risk of dry, cracked and irritated skin.
If you're worried that your dry skin is the result of something more serious, speak to your GP who can find the most appropriate treatment for you.
16. Certain medications
Medical drugs as we know it can always carry side effects and dry skin is a relatively common one. Some medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines, and antidepressants, can cause dehydration by increasing urine production or reducing fluid retention in the body, which leads to dehydration and consequently turn the skin dry and flaky.
Other medications, such as retinoids, isotretinoin, and some chemotherapy drugs, can also affect the skin's natural oil production, which can also lead to dryness. These medications can reduce the production of sebum (the natural oil produced by the skin) – which helps to keep the skin moisturised and protected – so in turn, can make skin dryer.
To prevent dry skin caused by medications, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential side effects of any medications being taken.
“When I first learned of the Ozempic trend, I felt sick to my stomach.”
17. Not exfoliating enough
There's a delicate line between over exfoliating in winter and not buffing enough. In winter, skin gets extra dry so there's an accumulation of dead cells on the skin's surface. If you fail to remove them, they act as roadblocks to the hydrating serums and moisturisers that you're applying. Better still, exfoliation signals to the deeper layer of skin to ramp up new cell production, which adds to its juicy glow.
18. Using harsh soaps, cleansers and hard water
Using harsh soaps or cleansers can cause dry skin because they can strip away the natural oils and moisture from the skin. The outer layer of the skin, contains natural lipids and fatty acids that help to maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent moisture loss and by using those harsh soaps and cleansers you can actually disrupt this barrier function by removing them, which can leave the skin feeling tight, dry, and irritated.
It's also worth taking into consideration if your home taps carry hard water. Hard water is packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium, and although they sound great, in excess they can actually disrupt your skin barrier. They can team up to strip away your skin's natural oils and ultimately leave skin feeling very dry.
19. Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, can cause changes in the skin's oil production, leading to dryness. For example, menopause can cause a decrease in oil production which can lead to dry skin and other related symptoms like itchiness and flakiness. It can also reduce moisture retention, which means that the skin now has a weaker ability to retain moisture. This can also happen during pregnancy, where hormone levels can cause the skin to become less effective at retaining water, leading to dryness.
20. Genetics
Some people may be more prone to dry skin due to genetics. Genetics can play a role in causing dry skin because some individuals may inherit genes that affect the structure and function of the skin's natural barrier. Research has shown that some individuals may have genetic variations that affect the composition and function of the skin's barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness and other related symptoms.
For example, some individuals may have genes that cause them to produce less natural oils, which can contribute to dry skin. While some of us are born with genes that make us more prone to health condition that causes dry skin as a symptom. Some conditions that lead to dry skin include allergies, eczema, diabetes and kidney disease.
21. You're simply ageing
Skin goes through a lot of changes in your 30s as its repair system slows down. One knock on effect is drier skin, which is also exacerbated by a steady decline in oestrogen – “a hormone that contributes to hydration and collagen levels,” adds Dr Mansouri. To compensate for a decrease in the amount of oil your skin produces, include omega fatty oils – from cold-water fish, such as salmon and mackerel, walnuts and flaxseed oil – in your diet and scan the ingredients list on your moisturiser for barrier-building ceramides.
Now you know what's up, scroll down to shop our pick of 23 best moisturisers to combat dry skin:
Best moisturiser for itchy skin
This calming Cicaplast balm is a true hero product especially for those with sensitive skin, as it’s gentle but effective. An immediate soothing solution for itchy and dry skin.
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Best eye cream for dry skin
Dry skin can manifest itself on the eyelids. The skin around your eyes can quickly become itchier and looser and rubbing can only make it worst (don't rub). Instead, apply this no-greasy, cooling and soothing gel and massage it in using the tool so it can penetrate the skin more efficiently. Overtime you will also notice the reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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Best body moisturiser for firming
Shea butter, anti-oxidants and targeted peptides, this multi-tasking cream has it all to firm, replenish and protect.
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Best spray-on body moisturiser
Spray moisturisers are a welcome invention in icy temperatures. When you want to go from hot shower to pyjamas faster than the speed of light, this spray nozzle will cover your surface areas quickly, hydrating your limbs in a flash.
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Best body butter
The Garnier Superfood for hair has proven popular, but their body butter superfood range lives up to its hair counterparts. It’s formulated with 97% natural origin ingredients that provide up to 48 hours of hydration, leaving skin feeling silky without any clingy or greasy residue.
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Best body moisturiser for scent
The ultimate luxury; Jo Malone London’s Pomegranate Noir body cream is soft and velvety, instantly absorbing into skin, leaving a rich sensual scent that will last for hours. Combine with a spritz of the fragrance or one of the brand's dozens of complimentary scents.
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Best body moisturiser for a subtle glow
For those with dry skin this is a miracle-worker. It will nourish, hydrate and restore your skin's natural glow.
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Best all-purpose oil
This all-purpose oil is like a warm hug when it touches the skin. Is rich, but gentle enough to be applied to face and hair. It cloaks the skin in antioxidant protection and absorbs easily without leaving you feeling sticky. Cooling, healing and comforting.
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Best body moisturiser for hydration
Other than the fact it's fun to say, this bum bum cream has won beauty addicts over with its super hydrating and rich texture that somehow manages to leave no residue. Plus, it contains caffeine to stimulate blood flow and leaves a nutty scent that's totally addictive.
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Best body moisturising serum with bonus exfoliation
We love AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) for our skincare — but why should it stop with the skin on our face? The re-texturising ingredient is highly effective on the whole body and helps lift away dead skin cells to promote fresh, glowy skin. And, REN have even added some probiotics to boost the skin barrier and leave skin feeling soft and nourished.
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Best body moisturiser for cult status
An OG cult classic, if you’re not already familiar with The Body Shop’s famous Body Butters, where have you been? But the brand has taken things a step further with 100% vegan formulas and recycled plastic and aluminium packaging. Each is made with 95% natural-origin ingredients and delivers 96(!) hours of moisture. We have to say though, the Shea Butter one is hands down the hero.
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Best body moisturiser for body and mind reset
The ultimate pampering experience but from home. This Rituals of Sakura Body Cream is part of the family of refillables, which allows you to indulge by slathering a velvety-rich cream for intense nourishment. It's infused with antioxidants, vitamin E, and Centella Asiatica (that works hard to improve your mental clarity as well as your dry skin), leaving you with your softest skin yet.
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Best body moisturiser for sensory experience
Can't go on holiday right now but want to feel like you're there, this Ouai Body Creme might just take you there. This luxurious cream boasts a whipped texture that glides effortlessly over your skin, leaving a velvety finish without any greasy residue. Enriched with cupuaçu butter, it nourishes your skin to leave it feeling renewed.
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Best luxury body oil
This body oil might just be the opulence in a bottle you've been searching for. It's rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing intense hydration, nourishment. Unlike many other body oils, this formula absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue or blocking pores, making it the perfect choice for those who want a silky, smooth finish. It's free from mineral oil, parabens, artificial fragrance, and colour, making it suitable for all skin types.
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Best foaming hydration cleanser
Add a dose of fun to your shower routine with Sundae Body's Pomegranate Fizz Whipped Shower Foam. It's encased in a whipped cream-esque can, that spread the cleanser over your hands and body as if it was cake. The luxurious foam formula gently cleanses while nourishing your skin with vitamin C-rich kakadu plum and exfoliating AHAs from finger lime. Available in an array of delectable scents, including this refreshing Pomegranate Fizz with a cocktail of pomegranate, peach blossom, and blackcurrant. Indulge in the sweetly scented and creamy texture of this shower foam and leave your skin feeling bright, smooth, and revitalised.
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Best body butter
This Fenty Skin Body Cream is infused with seven luxurious oils, including Kalahari melon, baobab, sunflower, coconut, and the hyper hydrating jojoba. It delivers nourishment and luminosity and deeply conditions and repairs the skin's moisture barrier due to the Shea butter and mango butter, while the glycerin provides max hydration and a beautiful lasting sheen. Perfect for all skin types and the bonus: it's refillable.
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Best nightime cream for sensitive skin
Suffering from acne prone skin that is too sensitive for some actives and dries out quickly? Try this buttery-soft cream packed with niacinamide and bakuchiol that works hard overnight to lift and brighten your complexion so you can wake up in the morning with plumper and hydrated skin.
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Best natural body oil
Indulge in a luxurious experience with this epic Mirror Water scented oil blend. This vegan-friendly, 99.65% naturally derived oil that hydrates, nourishes and softens your skin, leaving a non-greasy textured finish.
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Best body moisturiser for intense hydration
This cult favourite is enriched with beta-carotene, sesame oil and squalane for an all-over intensive moisturiser that will leave skin soft and smooth and gently scented, thanks to the softening cocoa butter. You’ll see results after just one or two uses.
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Best speedy body moisturiser
A speedy but effective method to moisturiser your body, in the shower while you're still warm.
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Best body moisturiser for natural ingredients
With a host of holistic properties, this Ayurvedic brand aims to balance your natural skin ‘dosha’. This particular lotion is recommended for 'vata' skintypes who suffer with a dry and uneven skin tone. The remedy? Turmeric, liquorice, sweet almond oil and patchouli to soften, smooth, and even reduce scarring.
Best in-shower moisturiser
Low on time. Fear not, this is the ultimate body product that moisturises your body while wet. This naked, free of packaging body conditioner is also packed with luxurious ingredients such as Fair Trade Organic Cocoa Butter, Cupuaçu Butter, Fair Trade Shea Butter, Almond Oil, and Argan Oil that work together to deeply moisturise and condition your skin even post-shower. Say goodbye to the hassle of post-shower moisturising and hello to hydrated and nourished skin.
