Dry skin originates when the substances (intracellular matrix) between skin cells become depleted or damaged leading to a depletion of water in skin. Products that improve skin’s moisture in the long term not only restore the skin’s texture but reduce damage and protect the skin’s moisture barrier. Avoiding harsh cleansers, exposure to harsh, cold weather, UV exposure, low humidity and the hot air blasts from winter furnaces are all preventative steps that will help maintain your skin’s moisture balance. Improving your skin’s cell turnover with gentle exfoliation will also improve the appearance of dry skin and will allow moisturizes to penetrate the skin easier. As we age, the fat deposits under our skin that form part of the skin’s protective barrier become depleted and add to the problem of drier, thinner skin as we age. Gentle moisturizing cleansers and exfoliating AHA’s or physical cleansers will be helpful and rich moisturizers that hydrate the skin and protect the skin’s moisture barrier are key to improving the texture and appearance of dry skin.