What Causes Dry Skin? The Complete Guide

Dry, tight, or flaky skin isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a sign that your skin barrier needs support. Understanding what causes dry skin is the first step toward restoring softness, comfort, and a healthy, glowing complexion. In this guide, we break down the most common triggers of dry skin and how to naturally rebuild your moisture barrier.

This article is part of our Dry Skin Education Series under Skin School → Skin Concerns → Dry Skin. For the full overview, visit our pillar page Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Skincare Solutions .

Why Does Dry Skin Happen?

Dry skin occurs when the outer layer of your skin—your moisture barrier—loses too much water and oil. A healthy barrier locks hydration in and keeps irritants out. When it's weakened, skin becomes tight, rough, flaky, or itchy.

Dry skin has many potential causes, and most people experience more than one at the same time. Below are the most common triggers dermatologists and skincare experts highlight.

1. Weather & Low Humidity

Cold air, wind, and indoor heating all pull moisture out of the skin. This is why dry skin often worsens in winter—the humidity drops, your skin loses hydration faster, and the barrier becomes more vulnerable.

• Winter dryness (hands, legs, face)
• Flaking or roughness from cold air
• Tightness after being outdoors

Humidifier use and richer moisturizers during this season can help rebalance dryness quickly.

2. Hot Showers & Over-Washing

Long, hot showers may feel amazing—but they strip the skin’s protective oils and disrupt your moisture barrier. This leaves skin feeling tight, itchy, or “squeaky,” which is actually a sign of over-cleansing.

Gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and lukewarm water can make a dramatic difference.

3. Harsh Ingredients & Stripping Cleansers

Many body washes and facial cleansers contain surfactants, artificial fragrances, or alcohols that remove too much natural oil. This leads to:

• Increased dryness
• Redness or irritation
• Skin that feels tight immediately after cleansing

Fragile, dry skin needs formulas that hydrate while cleansing—not strip.

4. Aging & Reduced Oil Production

As we age, the skin naturally produces fewer lipids (oils), which are essential for a healthy moisture barrier. This is why dry skin becomes more common over time, especially on the:

• Shins
• Hands
• Neck and chest
• Outer arms

Supporting the barrier with plant oils, butters, and antioxidants helps restore softness and resilience.

5. Over-Exfoliation or Strong Actives

While exfoliation is essential for smooth skin, too much scrubbing or too many strong acids can cause microdamage to the skin barrier. When the barrier is compromised, the skin loses water quickly and becomes easily irritated.

Gentle exfoliation—especially sugar-based scrubs for the body—helps remove dead skin without stripping moisture.

6. Lifestyle & Internal Factors

Dry skin can also be influenced by internal changes, including:

• Dehydration (not drinking enough water)
• Low intake of healthy fats
• Certain medications
• Hormonal changes

Hydration, nutrition, and consistent skincare routines all play a role in restoring comfort.

The Connection Between Dry Skin & Skin Barrier Damage

One of the biggest underlying causes of chronic dryness is a weakened skin barrier. Barrier damage happens when the lipid layer (your skin’s natural protective film) becomes depleted from:

• Harsh products
• Environmental stressors
• Over-exfoliation
• Lack of moisturizing

To learn more about how to identify and repair barrier damage, visit our guide: Skin Barrier Repair for Dry Skin .

How to Fix Dry Skin Naturally

Once you understand your triggers, the next step is building a hydrating daily routine. Our upcoming guide, How to Fix Dry Skin Naturally , will walk you through an easy morning and evening routine that helps restore comfort, glow, and long-lasting moisture.

In the meantime, dry skin responds best to:

• Sulfate-free cleansers
• Hydrating serums with aloe, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid
• Rich moisturizers with shea butter, cocoa butter, and nourishing oils
• Body oils to lock in hydration
• Whipped body butters to seal and soften

These gentle, nourishing steps help rebuild the lipid barrier while keeping skin soft and comfortable.

FAQ: What Causes Dry Skin?

What is the main cause of dry skin?

The most common cause of dry skin is a weakened moisture barrier, often from harsh cleansers, hot showers, low humidity, or natural aging. When the barrier breaks down, moisture escapes and the skin becomes rough and tight.

Why is my skin suddenly so dry?

Sudden dryness can happen after weather changes, starting a new skincare product, increasing exfoliation, or spending more time in heated indoor air. It may also occur during hormonal shifts or dehydration.

What deficiency causes dry skin?

Low levels of essential fatty acids or certain vitamins (like vitamin D) can contribute to dryness, though most dry skin comes from external triggers like harsh products or low humidity.

Can dry skin be fixed naturally?

Yes — gentle cleansing, hydrating serums, nutrient-rich moisturizers, and plant oils can dramatically improve dryness and help restore your moisture barrier.

References

• Cleveland Clinic — Dermatology insights on xerosis and dry skin triggers.
• American Academy of Dermatology — Guidance on skin barrier care.
• DermNet — Medical overview of dry skin and contributing factors.
• Journal of Dermatological Science — Research on moisturization and barrier repair.
• PubMed — Studies on humectants, emollients, and environmental effects on skin.