What it is
Skin that lacks adequate moisture and becomes rough, flaky, tight, or prone to irritation and cracking, often worse in cold or dry environments.
Emerging evidence
Dry Skin
Skin that lacks adequate moisture and becomes rough, flaky, tight, or prone to irritation and cracking, often worse in cold or dry environments.
CategorySkin
Reviewed by Ciara Magee · Functional Health
26 March 2026
At a glance
Dry Skin at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- People describe skin that feels tight, itchy, or uncomfortable — particularly after bathing, in heated environments, or during winter. Visible flaking, roughness, or 'ashy' appearance particularly affects elbows, knees, shins, and hands. Cracking at the knuckles, heels, or corners of the mouth is common in severe cases. Many notice that their skin condition worsens when they are stressed, unwell, or nutritionally depleted.
