Dry Skin: Causes, Symptoms & Natural Skincare Solutions

Tight, itchy, flaky, or “rough” skin is more than just uncomfortable—it’s a sign that your skin barrier needs support. Dry skin is one of the most common skin concerns, affecting the face, hands, body, and even the scalp. The good news? With the right routine, you can nourish, soften, and protect dry skin naturally.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what dry skin is, common causes and symptoms, how to care for dry skin from head to toe, and how to build gentle routines using vegan, organic ingredients your skin will love, handcrafted in Texas.

This page is part of our Skin Concerns series under Skin School → Skin Concerns → Dry Skin, alongside our pillars on crepey skin and hyperpigmentation.

What Is Dry Skin?

Dry skin (often called xerosis) happens when the outermost layer of your skin doesn’t have enough oil (lipids) and water (hydration). A healthy skin barrier holds onto moisture and protects against irritants and environmental stress. When that barrier is compromised, skin can become:

• Rough or flaky
• Tight or uncomfortable after cleansing
• Itchy, especially on the body
• Dull or ashy in tone
• Prone to fine lines or micro-cracks

Dry skin can be a natural skin type, a temporary condition (for example, in winter), or a sign that your routine and environment are stripping away too much moisture.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Dry Skin

You may be dealing with dry skin if you notice:

• Tightness: Skin feels tight after cleansing or showering.
• Flakes or rough patches: Especially on cheeks, legs, arms, or hands.
• Itching: A frequent urge to scratch, particularly on the body.
• Dullness: Skin looks matte, ashy, or “flat” instead of glowy.
• Fine lines: Dryness exaggerates fine lines and texture.

If dryness is severe—with cracking, bleeding, or pain—it may be a sign of an underlying condition and is a good reason to visit a dermatologist.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin is usually the result of a weakened or overwhelmed skin barrier. Common causes include:

• Weather & low humidity: Cold, dry air and indoor heating pull moisture from the skin.
• Hot showers & baths: Prolonged hot water strips natural oils.
• Harsh cleansers: Sulfates, strong surfactants, and heavy fragrances can disrupt the barrier.
• Over-exfoliation: Too many scrubs or acids can leave skin sensitized and dry.
• Aging: Natural oil production decreases over time.
• Lifestyle: Dehydration, low intake of healthy fats, or certain medications.

For a deeper dive into triggers and how the skin barrier works, we’ll be sharing a dedicated guide on What Causes Dry Skin? The Complete Guide.

Dry Skin on the Face vs. the Body

Not all dry skin is the same. The face, hands, and body can each need slightly different care:

Dry Skin on the Face

Facial skin is thinner and more delicate, especially around the eyes and cheeks. It’s often exposed to sun, wind, and pollution, and can be more reactive. A facial dry-skin routine should focus on:

• Gentle, non-stripping cleansers
• Hydrating serums with humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin)
• Barrier-supporting moisturizers with plant oils and butters
• Daily sun protection

Dry Skin on the Body

Body skin, especially on the legs, arms, and back, can become very dry and flaky—particularly after hot showers or shaving. A body routine can often tolerate richer textures like:

• Whipped body butters with shea, cocoa butter, and coconut oil
• Body oils to replenish lipids and lock in moisture
• Gentle body scrubs to remove rough, flaky buildup

We’ll be supporting this pillar with focused routines like Best Natural Ingredients for Dry Skin and How to Repair Your Skin Barrier When You Have Dry Skin.

Natural Skincare Solutions for Dry Skin

At Glimmer Goddess®, we believe in supporting dry skin with plant-based, naturally derived ingredients that nourish and protect instead of stripping or suffocating the skin. Key ingredient categories for dry skin include:

• Humectants: Attract water into the skin (e.g., glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera).
• Emollients: Smooth and soften rough texture (e.g., shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil).
• Occlusives: Help lock moisture in (e.g., plant oils, butters, waxes).
• Antioxidants: Help protect against environmental stress (e.g., vitamin C, green tea, sea buckthorn).

Our formulas are designed to layer these elements together—delivering hydration, nourishment, and barrier comfort without heavy silicones or harsh synthetics.

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing for Dry Skin

Cleansing is where many dry-skin routines go wrong. Foaming, sulfate-heavy cleansers and very hot water can remove too much of your skin’s natural oils. Instead, look for cleansers that:

• Are sulfate-free
• Feel silky or creamy rather than squeaky
• Leave your skin soft—not tight—after rinsing

For the body, our sulfate-free body wash and gentle exfoliating scrubs can be paired to keep skin clean and smooth without over-stripping.

Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation (Face & Body)

Dry skin often builds up in flaky layers, making texture rough and dull. Gentle exfoliation helps remove this buildup so your moisturizers and oils can absorb better.

• Face: use mild, non-abrasive exfoliation 1–3 times per week, avoiding overuse.
• Body: sugar-based scrubs can polish away rough patches while delivering moisture.

Our Organic Whipped Sugar Fondant Exfoliating Body Scrub is a perfect example—using organic sugar cane and hydrating oils to soften flaky areas on legs, arms, and body.

Step 3: Moisturize & Seal in Hydration

After cleansing (and exfoliating on certain days), your skin is ready to drink in moisture. A dry-skin routine layers hydration and nourishment:

• Step 1: Hydrate with aloe-based toners or humectant-rich serums.
• Step 2: Nourish with moisturizers that include plant oils and butters.
• Step 3: Seal with body oils or whipped body butters on especially dry areas.

On the body, our Ultimate Nourishing Organic Whipped Coconut & Vitamin E Body Butter and Organic Luxury Firming Body Oil deliver rich moisture and lasting comfort to dry legs, arms, and torso.

Shower & Daily Habits That Help Dry Skin

Small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference for dry skin:

• Switch from very hot water to lukewarm showers.
• Limit shower time to 5–10 minutes.
• Pat skin dry instead of rubbing with a towel.
• Apply oils or body butter to damp skin to lock in moisture.
• Use a humidifier in very dry indoor climates.

We’ll support this pillar with routine-based guides like The Best Natural Shower Routine for Dry Skin and Winter Dry Skin Survival Guide.

Lifestyle Tips for Dry Skin Support

Topical care is essential, but lifestyle also plays a role in how dry your skin feels:

• Hydration: sip water regularly throughout the day.
• Healthy fats: include avocado, nuts, seeds, and omega-rich foods.
• Gentle fabrics: avoid rough, scratchy textiles directly on the skin.
• Fragrance awareness: choose fragrance-free or lightly scented options if your skin is easily irritated.

Combined with a consistent routine, these habits help your skin feel softer, calmer, and more comfortable.

When to See a Dermatologist for Dry Skin

While many cases of dry skin respond beautifully to gentle, natural care, you should consider a dermatologist visit if you notice:

• Cracks that bleed or won’t heal
• Severe itching that interrupts sleep
• Rashes, oozing, or signs of infection
• Thickened, red, or very inflamed patches

Professional guidance can help rule out conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or other concerns that may need medical treatment alongside your at-home skincare.

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FAQ: Dry Skin & Natural Skincare

What is the main cause of dry skin?

The main cause of dry skin is a compromised skin barrier, often from low humidity, hot showers, harsh cleansers, or natural age-related changes in oil production. Your skin loses water more quickly than it should, leading to tightness, flaking, and discomfort.

How can I fix dry skin naturally?

Focus on gentle cleansing, hydrating serums, rich moisturizers, and body oils or butters, plus daily sun protection. Avoid very hot water and harsh scrubs. Consistent routines with plant-based ingredients can dramatically improve how dry skin looks and feels.

Is dry skin the same as dehydrated skin?

No. Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. Many people have both. Oils, butters, and occlusives help dry skin; humectants like glycerin, aloe, and hyaluronic acid help dehydration.

Which ingredients are best for dry skin?

Look for humectants (like glycerin and aloe), emollients (like shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil), and nourishing oils (like sweet almond, rosehip, and squalane). Avoid harsh sulfates and overly drying alcohols.

References

• Cleveland Clinic — Dermatology insights on dry skin and xerosis.
• American Academy of Dermatology — Guidance on dry skin care and barrier support.
• DermNet — Clinical overviews of dry skin, eczema, and related conditions.
• Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Research on moisturization and barrier repair.
• PubMed — Studies on humectants, emollients, and skin barrier function.