REALLY dry skin

[sontron]

I have always had very dry skin and I have been, for the most part, able to treat it with over the counter products. This year, my face has become so dry that no matter what I do, I can not treat it. It is very flaky, sore, and the texture of my face has changed. It even hurts to smile. I have really tried almost everything. I am only 25 so this is not due to menopause. I stay out of the sun and I wear sunscreen even when it is minus 40 degrees out. I know that over treating the face can make it worse, so I have been very careful not to do that.

My question is, what causes this excessive dryness? Perhaps if I knew the cause, I could begin treating the skin from the inside rather than relying on creams, treatments, and ointments.

[Gabel]

My son has had extremely dry and cracked feet and hands(only on the thumb and first finger) every winter which is also swim season for him.  I have taken him to a dermotologist and tried steriod cremes and ointments and nothing has helped.  It works just as well as the foot repair creme I purchased over the counter for him.  This has been going on for a year and he is frustrated as I am too.  The doctor doesn't even know what to call it..eczema, psoriasis to name a few.  Is this just something he has to live with or can anyone help?  When it gets really bad it is painful and it looks like his feet are burned on the bottom.  It is not just his heels it is his whole bottom of his foot.

[loiloi]

It may not be possible to find the source of your dry skin (although the post by Caliber2005 was very good) I've had skin problems since birth as i was born by C/section and they washed me with chemicals. You don't say which products you've tried but here are the ones i consider most effective: Oiltum, Aveeno, Eucerin, Lutsine Hydrafnia and Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. All of these are relatively expensive but much better than cheaper brands like E45. Loiloi x

[Caliber2005]

Hi,
The extreme dryness of skin is actually a multi-faceted condition. You might have a dry skin right from the time of your birth or due to some external factors that have acted a havoc to convert your normal skin into dry skin. Lack of humidity in the environment can lead to dryness in your skin, most often.
Dry skin is caused due to lack of water particularly in the outer layer of your skin cells. Moisture is normally preserved in the stratum corneum by an exterior film of natural oil called sebum. Dry skin has less sebum and thus is sensitive. The skin dehydrates when too much water get evaporates from it. The dryness increases as we become older. The condition even worsens if you wash your skin repeatedly. This is because hot water and soap together works to eradicate the skin’s layer of natural oil.
Hope this helps.
Bye.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
The extreme dryness on your face could be due to the cold weather condition in your area.  Also, if you are using a strong facial cleanser, that could also cause the dryness.
It would be best to put some moisturizer after washing your face with a mild moisturizing facial cleanser.
I would also suggest for you to seek consult with your dermatologist.
Good luck.