What Causes Dry Skin? 7 Common Causes and How to Prevent Them

Dry skin can develop when the skin loses moisture too quickly or produces less natural oil. Common causes include cold weather, hot showers, harsh cleansers, ageing, frequent washing, certain skin conditions, and some medications. Identifying your triggers can help you choose suitable skincare and prevent recurring dryness.

7 Common Causes of Dry Skin

1. Cold Weather and Low Humidity: Cold weather and low humidity can increase moisture loss from the skin. Indoor heating and air conditioning may also contribute by reducing humidity, leaving skin feeling tight, rough, or flaky.

What helps: Use a moisturiser suited to your skin, avoid prolonged exposure to very dry air, and consider a humidifier if your indoor environment is particularly dry.

2. Hot Showers and Frequent Washing: Long, hot showers and frequent bathing can remove some of the skin’s natural oils. This may weaken its ability to retain moisture and make dryness more noticeable.

What helps: Keep showers short, use lukewarm rather than hot water, and gently pat your skin dry. Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp. Dermatologists recommend short, warm showers and moisturising immediately afterwards. Source: American Academy of Dermatology.

3. Harsh Soaps, Cleansers and Skincare Products: Strong soaps, some detergents and overly aggressive skincare products can strip skin oils or cause irritation. Frequent exfoliation and using too many active ingredients may also leave skin feeling dry or sensitive.

What helps: Choose a gentle cleanser and introduce new skincare products gradually. If your face feels tight after cleansing, consider switching to a less stripping formula.

Explore Foxtale’s skincare range to compare products suited to your skin type.

4. Ageing and Naturally Dry Skin: Skin can become drier with age as natural oil production decreases. Genetics and individual skin characteristics can also influence how readily your skin becomes dry.

What helps: Keep your routine consistent with gentle cleansing and regular moisturising. If dryness increases suddenly or becomes persistent, consider whether a new product, medication, or health condition could be contributing.

5. Skin Conditions Such as Eczema and Psoriasis: Dry skin can be a symptom of an underlying skin condition. Eczema may cause intense itching and inflamed patches, while psoriasis can cause thick, scaly areas. Other conditions, including hypothyroidism, may also contribute to dryness.

What helps: Basic skincare may ease mild dryness, but persistent itching, inflamed patches, or widespread scaling need medical assessment. A dermatologist can help identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

6. Certain Medications and Treatments: Some medicines and medical treatments can cause dry skin as a side effect. Examples may include diuretics and certain cholesterol-lowering medicines. The likelihood and severity depend on the medicine and the individual.

What helps: If dryness starts after beginning a medication or changing its dose, speak with your healthcare professional. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.

7. Frequent Contact With Water, Detergents or Irritants: Repeated handwashing, dishwashing, cleaning products and occupational exposure to water or chemicals can contribute to dry, irritated skin, particularly on the hands.

What helps: Use suitable protective gloves when handling detergents, choose gentle cleansers where possible, and moisturise after washing your hands.

Evidence note: The causes above are consistent with guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology and Mayo Clinic.

What Causes Dry Skin on the Face?

Dry facial skin can result from cold or dry weather, hot water, harsh facial cleansers, over-exfoliation, ageing or an underlying skin condition. It may feel tight after washing and look rough, flaky or irritated.

To manage dry skin on your face:

• Cleanse gently: Avoid products that leave your skin feeling stripped or tight.
• Moisturise regularly: Apply a suitable moisturiser after cleansing, while the skin is slightly damp.
• Avoid over-exfoliation: Reduce exfoliating acids and scrubs if your skin becomes irritated.
• Use sunscreen: Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daily sun protection.
• Review recent changes: Consider whether a new skincare product or medication coincided with the onset of dryness.

For more targeted guidance, read our guides to repairing the skin barrier for dry skin and choosing skincare ingredients for dry skin.

Is Dry Skin the Same as Dehydrated Skin?

No. Dry skin is generally associated with lower natural oil production, while dehydrated skin lacks water. Dry skin is often a skin type, whereas dehydration can affect people with oily, combination, or dry skin. Both can cause tightness, but the distinction can help you choose the right skincare approach. Read our guide to dry skin vs dehydrated skin.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

See a dermatologist if your dry skin persists despite gentle skincare, becomes severely itchy or painful, develops deep cracks or bleeding, or is accompanied by significant redness, open sores, or widespread scaling. These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment.