Why Is My Skin So Dry? Insights From a Dermatologist

If you’re wondering why is my skin so dry, you’re in the right place. Dry skin can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you can’t figure out the cause or how to treat it.

Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, says that dry skin is one of the most common conditions she sees. It’s caused by a mix of daily habits, environmental factors, and natural changes in the skin.

Below, Dr. Kopelman will share more about what causes dry skin and what you can do about it  so that your skin feels and looks its best.

Why is my skin so dry? Common Causes

There are many reasons your skin may be dry, and everyone is affected differently. Dr. Kopelman explains that dry skin is usually caused by a combination of habits, environmental factors, and changes within the skin itself.

Skincare Products

Skincare products are one of the most common causes of dry skin. Dryness can be caused by harsh cleansers, over-exfoliating, or layering products that contain alcohol or fragrance. Even acne or anti-aging skincare products can disrupt the natural moisture barrier if they aren’t balanced with hydration. 

Frequent hand sanitizer use can also dry out the skin. Many formulas contain alcohol, which strips the skin’s natural oils and worsens dryness, especially on the hands.

Dr. Kopelman recommends choosing fragrance-free skincare products and using creams instead of lotions for maximum hydration.

Aging

Aging plays a major role in skin health. As we get older, the skin produces less oil and loses important components of the skin barrier, making it easier for moisture to escape.

This is why dry skin becomes more common with age, especially after bathing. Dr. Kopelman recommends applying moisturizer when the skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration.

Shower Habits

While hot showers can feel relaxing, they’re a frequent cause of dry skin. The hot water strips the skin’s natural oils, especially when showers are long or paired with strong soaps.

Over-showering can also prevent the skin from restoring its natural oils. Shorter showers, warm water, and a gentle body wash can help protect sensitive skin and reduce moisture loss.

Medical Conditions

Underlying skin or medical conditions can contribute to dry skin. Eczema and psoriasis often cause itchy, flaky skin, while hormonal changes like menopause may also affect hydration.

Certain medications can cause dry skin as a side effect, even if they’re unrelated to skin conditions. Dehydration, whether from illness or not drinking enough water, can also worsen dryness.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, like weather, often affect skin hydration. Cold air, low humidity, indoor heating, and air conditioning all pull moisture from the skin, which is why many people notice dry skin in winter.

Swimming in chlorinated pools can also dry out the skin. Chlorine strips natural oils and weakens the skin barrier over time.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle can directly affect your skin. For example, stress and diet affect skin health.

When you’re stressed, your body releases stress hormones that can disrupt the skin barrier, increase inflammation, and worsen dryness or itching. Diet also matters, as whole foods provide the nutrients needed for healthy skin cell function.

How to Improve Dry Skin

If your skin is dry, addressing the underlying causes is key. Dr. Kopelman also recommends the following for a consistent and simple skincare routine that supports healthy skin.

• Use gentle, non-foaming cleansers
• Moisturize within minutes of bathing while skin is damp
• Choose creams or ointments over lotions for very dry skin
• Look for ceramides, glycerin, petrolatum, and hyaluronic acid
• Take shorter showers and bats with cooler water
• Exfoliate less often

Why is my skin so dry? FAQs

Restore your skin health with answers to common questions below.

What's the main reason for dry skin?

There are several reasons you might have dry skin, including harsh skincare products, really hot showers, medical conditions, and environmental factors. If you’re unsure what’s causing your dry skin, a dermatologist can help identify the issue and recommend treatment.

What am I lacking when my skin is so dry?

Dry skin often signals a weakened natural moisture barrier or not enough hydration. This can happen from harsh skincare products, frequent hot showers, low humidity, or dehydration. Supporting the skin barrier with gentle skincare and better daily habits can help restore moisture.

How do you fix very dry skin?

If your skin is very dry, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water, use moisturizing skincare products, and take lukewarm baths and showers. While this often takes time, you can help hydrate your skin overnight by applying a gentle moisturizer and using a humidifier.

Why is my skin so dry? Conclusion

Dry skin is common and often caused by multiple factors, including skincare habits, environment, lifestyle, and natural aging. Understanding the cause makes it easier to choose the right skincare routine. And with the right approach, you can improve your dry skin over time.