Dry Skin: Natural Causes & Skincare Routines That Actually Work

Dry, tight, or flaky skin can make everything from makeup to shower time uncomfortable. The good news? When you understand what’s drying your skin out and how your skin barrier works, you can build a routine that keeps dryness in check using vegan, organic ingredients your skin will love, handcrafted in Texas.

This Dry Skin hub is your starting point. Here you’ll learn what causes dry skin, how it shows up on the face and body, how to support your barrier, and which Glimmer Goddess® products fit into a simple, effective dry-skin routine. We’ll also link to our full Dry Skin blog series for deeper dives:

• What Causes Dry Skin?
• How to Fix Dry Skin Naturally
• Skin Barrier Repair for Dry Skin: Natural Solutions
• Dry Skin on Legs & Arms: Why It Happens & How to Treat It Naturally

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin (xerosis) happens when your skin doesn’t have enough water or protective oils. The outermost layer, your moisture barrier, becomes thin or disrupted, allowing hydration to escape and irritants to sneak in.

Common signs of dry skin include:

• Tightness or discomfort after cleansing or showering
• Visible flaking or rough patches
• Dull or ashy appearance, especially on legs and arms
• Fine lines that look more noticeable when skin is dehydrated
• Occasional itching or sensitivity

For a deeper dive on root causes, visit What Causes Dry Skin?.

Why Dry Skin Happens (Face & Body)

Most dry skin is caused by a combination of:

• Environment: cold weather, low humidity, indoor heating, wind
• Harsh cleansing: sulfates, over-washing, very hot water
• Age-related changes: less oil production and slower barrier repair
• Lifestyle: long hot showers, not moisturizing after bathing
• Health factors: certain medications, skin conditions, or dehydration

Our blog How to Fix Dry Skin Naturally explains how to address these triggers with simple, clean swaps.

Dry Skin & Your Moisture Barrier

Your skin barrier works like a protective shield made of lipids (oils), ceramides, and cells. When it’s healthy, skin feels comfortable, hydrated, and resilient. When it’s damaged, water escapes more easily and your skin becomes dry, rough, or reactive.

Supporting your barrier is the most important step in long-term dry skin relief. Learn how in Skin Barrier Repair for Dry Skin: Natural Solutions.

Daily Dry Skin Routine (Face)

Morning

1. Cleanse gently: use a non-stripping cleanser with hydrating ingredients.
2. Hydrate: apply a humectant-rich serum, such as hyaluronic acid.
3. Moisturize: seal in hydration with an emollient cream or lotion.
4. Protect: always finish with SPF on exposed areas.

Evening

1. Cleanse with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
2. Layer hydration: use a serum or essence with humectants.
3. Barrier support: apply a richer cream or facial oil where skin is driest.

Daily Dry Skin Routine (Body)

In the Shower

• Use lukewarm, not hot, water.
• Choose a sulfate-free body wash that doesn’t strip your skin.
• Limit long showers when air is already dry.

After the Shower

1. Pat skin dry — avoid rough towel rubbing.
2. Apply lotion or oil within a few minutes to lock in moisture.
3. Spot-treat extra-dry areas (elbows, shins, hands) with richer butters or targeted products.

For step-by-step care on arms and legs specifically, see Dry Skin on Legs & Arms: Why It Happens & How to Treat It Naturally .

How Glimmer Goddess® Helps Dry Skin

Our dry-skin-friendly formulas focus on organic oils, butters, humectants, and soothing botanicals — without harsh sulfates or heavy synthetic fragrance. Many customers with dry or combination skin love:

• Moisturizers and lotions from our Organic Hand & Body Moisturizers collection
• Gentle body washes that cleanse without stripping
• Whipped body butters and body oils for extra-dry zones
• Our Organic Eczema Lotion for itch-prone, very dry, or sensitive areas

For even more targeted ideas, explore How to Fix Dry Skin Naturally.

{% render 'clickformai-product-card' %}

Dry Skin FAQs

What is dry skin caused by?

Dry skin is usually caused by a mix of factors: cold or dry weather, indoor heating, harsh soaps or body washes, long hot showers, genetics, and age-related changes in oil production. Certain medications and health conditions can also contribute.

How do you fix extremely dry skin?

Focus on three pillars: gentle cleansing, rich moisturization, and barrier support. Use lukewarm water, switch to sulfate-free cleansers, apply a hydrating lotion or cream within minutes of bathing, and add richer butters or oils to very dry areas. Be consistent — most people notice improvement within a few weeks.

Can dehydration cause dry skin?

Yes. Not drinking enough water and consuming lots of diuretics (like caffeine or alcohol) can make dryness worse. Hydrating from within supports your skin, but topical moisturizers and barrier repair are still essential.

Is petroleum jelly (Vaseline) good for dry skin?

Occlusives like petroleum jelly can help seal in moisture, especially on very dry or chapped areas. Many people prefer pairing a more elegant, plant-based lotion or cream underneath, then using occlusives only as a final, targeted step if needed.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology — Guidance on dry skin causes and care.
• Cleveland Clinic — Recommendations for treating dry, itchy skin.
• DermNet — Clinical overviews of xerosis and barrier function.
• Journal of Dermatology — Research on moisturizers and barrier repair.
• PubMed — Studies on humectants, emollients, and occlusives in dry skin management.