Cause of Dry Skin:

Dry skin occurs primarily from the loss of two very important things: lipids (oils) and water.

The outermost layer of skin is the barrier layer and it is largely made up of oil (lipids: free fatty acids, ceramides) and water. In this oil and water mixture, the lipids regulate the skin’s water content. Healthy skin retains water well, keeping it hydrated, smooth, pliable and soft. When the skin loses the protective oils, transepidermal water loss (the loss of water through the skin) increases to many times more than normal. This begins a 'snowballing' effect that eventually not only causes dry skin but continues to maintain dryness.

Furthermore, when water loss occurs, skin cells curl upwards, shrink, scales develop, and cell volume decreases (imagine a grape shrinking and shriveling into a raisin from water loss).

Can Dry Skin Get Acne?

While its true that dry skin produces less oil that can clog pores, acne can still occur in dry skin. Acne basically involves something clogging up or irritating the pore and causing an infection.Some people with dry skin get acne from rubber material (in helmets for sports, for example) rubbing against their chin and forehead, causing irritations.

Others have get acne from hard, vigorous scrubbing with body or facial scrubs.

Others may get halogen acne around the mouth and/or chin because of some of the food they eat or products they use (such as certain toothpastes). For more on this condition (peri-oral dermatitis).

Also, some people with dry skin get so desperate to soothe their skin that they use very rich moisturizers with heavy grease that can clog pores.

To hydrate dry skin, healthy moisturizers that are rich and hydrating but non-pore-clogging are advised such as VMV Hypoallergenics' SuperSkin Care Creammmy Rich Intense Moisture Milk

What To 'Dew' To Prevent Dry Skin?

Dry skin can become a self-sustaining cycle. Proper maintenance - gentle cleansing, rich hydration and protection - is important.

Use a hydrating (not de-greasing) cream cleanser, a non-drying toner (perhaps one with active anti-aging ingredients), and an intensive moisturizer. If your skin is very dry, skip the toner altogether. Look for products with no allergens or irritants.

When dry skin is compromised, it can be more prone to irritation and infection - both of which further contribute to dryness. In this state, be extra careful about what you apply. A product you think will give you relief could instead cause further damage and lead to increased dryness.

To prevent water and lipid loss, daily (and as needed throughout the day) use a moisturizer that is ultra-gentle and has lipid-loving ingredients like virgin coconut oil.

A great tip: after bathing, don’t towel dry completely. Instead, while skin is damp, apply moisturizer to replace the oils lost in bathing and to trap in water.