Our top layer of skin contains water which keeps our skin feeling soft and supple. To protect the skin’s surface water our skin produces sebum which is an oily substance which protects the skin from water evaporation. If the skin’s sebaceous glands don’t produce enough sebum the skin can lose moisture and feel dry. If other factors further dry out the skin such as extreme weather conditions the skin can become flaky and cracked.

​

Dry and dehydrated skin can appear cracked, itchy and potential scaly. Dry skin can naturally occur, it can also be caused by extreme weather, hot water, certain chemicals that react with your skin, allergies or underlying skin conditions such as contact dermatitis. Conditions which cause dry skin can usually be treated with products that you can get over the counter. During menopause dropping oestrogen levels mean our bodies also start to dry out, which extends to our skin. Many women report feeling skin has lost its plumpness and vitality – it feels tight, sensitive and much more prone to dryness.