What is thought to be taking place when dry skin occurs is that the intracellular matrix (the substances between skin cells that keep them intact, smooth, and healthy) has become depleted or damaged, creating water loss.

In order to prevent dry skin, the primary goal is to reduce the damage to, as well as preserve and enhance, the intracellular matrix.

Avoid harsh cleansers, or products with irritating ingredients as they can disrupt the outer layer of the skin, destroying the intracellular matrix which will eventually cause skin to flake and feel rough.

Constant exposure to arid environments, cold weather, as well as air blasting from heaters or air conditioners are all problematic because they destroy the skin's matrix.

Sun damage plays a major role in producing dry skin at any time of the year.

Unprotected sun exposure creates a damaged outer layer of skin where skin cells adhere poorly to each other and the result is that the surface of new skin being formed is continually unhealthy and impaired.

Sun damage also disrupts and destroys the skin’s intracellular matrix. Whenever there is bright sunlight, the skin is subject to sun damage.

Keep in mind that the sun’s damaging rays come through office and car windows. Sun protection is vital to the health of skin.

Improving cell turnover is another important consideration in getting rid of dry skin and improving the appearance.

Dry skin does not shed as it should and those built-up layers of dead skin cells can feel rough and look flaky, regular exfoliation can handle this.

Genetically, aged skin is also a cause of dryness, because as levels of oestrogen drop the skin becomes thinner and the fat deposits under the skin (part of the skin's protective barrier) become thinner or depleted altogether.

By the way, while drinking eight glasses of water a day is great for your body, it doesn't work to improve or reduce dry skin.

The causes of and treatments for dry skin are far more complicated than this.

Tips for dealing with dry skin:

• Eat Essential Fatty Acids: Add to your diet Omega 3 (flax seed, hemp seed, walnuts, soy, fish such as mackerel and sardines and enriched eggs) and Omega 6 (sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, and hemp, walnuts, and evening primrose oil). Omega-6s and Omega-3s are recommended to be taken in the ratio of 3:1
• Wear sunscreen: Sunlight causes skin damage, which means it slowly becomes less and less able to hold moisture or feel smooth. 
• Use rich moisturisers: Anything thin or watery will leave your skin incapable of warding off the environmental causes of dry skin. Apply and reapply moisturiser: If you have dry skin, you really can’t use too much. So whenever your skin starts feeling dry, put more on. It is also important to be diligent about reapplying moisturiser every time you wash your hands. Don’t forget to keep a moisturiser in your bag, in your desk, and in every bathroom in your home.
• Avoid soap or drying cleansers—use only gentle cleansers: This cannot be stressed enough.
• Never use a cleanser that leaves a dry feeling on your skin and that includes from the neck down. Do not overscrub skin, you can’t scour away dryness.
• Avoid soaking in the bath tub or taking long showers: As wonderful as a leisurely bath or shower feels, too much water is bad for skin because it breaks down the skin’s protective covering (intracellular matrix) destroying the substances that keep skin cells intact. Keep showers and baths as short as possible.