Dry skin can be a big problem even when it is not necessarily a disease, where the skin is red, scaly and itchy. It does seem to be part of the group that includes eczema and the problem is usually worse in autumn and winter.
Dry skin is most common on your face, hands, arms and legs and as you age, dry skin becomes more likely because as people get older, the number of sebaceous glands that give out a type of oil in the skin are reduced, as is the skin's ability to hold moisture.

It appears both the skin's ability to hold water and how well it protects the body, depends on the amount of fat the outer layer of skin contains. This outer layer is known as the epidermis.

Genes also play a role. If relatives suffer from dry skin, you're more likely to develop the condition. In extreme cases, fish-like scaling of the skin is sometimes seen (ichthyosis).

Over-use of soap and water, a dry, warm indoor climate, excessive sunbathing and other environmental effects have a great influence on how dry the skin can become.

To prevent dry skin try the following:
There's no reason to shower more than once a day. Don't shower in very hot water and avoid the over-use of soap. Use a mild soap with a skin-friendly pH value. · Dab skin dry – don't rub. Apply a moisturiser, while skin is still a little damp. Air your home, and turn down the heating. Do not over-indulge in sunbathing. Excessive exposure to sun rays can cause dry skin, wrinkles and skin cancer. To reduce irritation, wear light clothes made of cotton.
To treat dry skin, firstly use moisturisers and oily creams. There is no reason to buy expensive fragrant creams.
Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend some inexpensive perfume-free creams, and they may be able to give you some samples.
Depending on how dry your skin is, it may be best to use a relatively thin moisturising lotion or cream in the summer and switch to a thicker more oily moisturising ointment in the winter.

I don't know about anyone else but winter and this horrible cold is hell on my skin and makes it really dry, even to the point of being flaky and sore.

I have been told by my better half that moisturising shower gels and bath additives that don’t strip the skin of its natural oils can be used instead of soap when washing. Again, a pharmacist can recommend products.
Dry skin is a feature of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis and, in these cases, the doctor or the dermatologist may choose to treat the condition with a steroid cream that reduces inflammation.

Now I consider myself a man's man but this dry skin is a pain and I am happy to take all the advice I can about moisturising and bubble baths! I definitely find that oils are best, they keep the skin soft and moist.

For the dry skin use
- face pack
- face wash
- dont eat oily
- care with pollution.

Great tips! Thanks for that. Actually I think that the pollution side of things is very relevant. I have noticed that my skin is a whole lot worse when I am in the big city that it is when I am at home in the country. I was surprised though that you mentioned not to eat anything oily because I thought eating oily fish was good fro the sin. Maybe you meant greasy? Like chips or lots of fried food? That would not be good for the skin or anything else come to that! I think that the old advice is probably the best, moderation in everything!

Thanks again for the tips!