Finding the best natural treatment for your dry skin can be a discouraging process. But knowing the facts and what has worked for others can be a big help and usually some simple cheap natural treatments quickly take care of the problem dry skin. Diligent application of a home remedy or two and/or a dietary approach may result in ending your dry skin problems forever.

The symptoms we most usually see associated with dry skin are scaling, which is the visible peeling of the outer skin layer, itching and cracks in the skin. As we age, our skin produces less of our natural oils that help retain its moisture.

Skin is one of the most important parts of our body; it's one of the organs of elimination and it's our largest organ. Our skin has many nerve endings that provide for a sense of touch and heat. We have the epidermis the outermost layer and the dermis the inner layer. The dermis is structurally divided into two important areas: a superficial area adjacent to the epidermis, called the papillary region, and a deep thicker area known as the reticular region.

Serious skin complications, including some dry skin conditions, can arise for people with type 2 diabetes. When the skin loses moisture it can crack and peel, or become irritated and inflamed. Forced-air furnaces may make the dry skin even drier than it is.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun, wind, cold, chemicals, or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps, can also cause dry skin. When the oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin, the skin becomes very dehydrated. Dry skin happens most often in winter when the cold air outside and heated air inside cause low humidity.

For dietary measures use olive oil or olive oil combined with fresh flaxseed oil in big, dark green salads every day to help your skin and immune system. Drink fresh raw organic carrot juice that you extract or juice, if you can, every day. Organic raw carrot juice is an excellent cleanser for the liver, great for the skin and contains a great deal of nutrients. This is all beneficial for dry skin, eczema, acne, zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other breakouts. You get the side benefit of a glowing tan. Also I can't stress enough the importance of drinking plenty of pure, filtered water - at least a quart a day.

And take fewer baths or showers because they will dry out your skin even more. Apply cool compresses to any itchy areas that you have. Try using a humidifier if the air is very dry and your skin condition is severe.

You can use a very thin layer of virgin coconut oil under your make-up, if you wear it, to moisturize and soften your skin throughout the day. To see what coconut oil can do for your skin fast, apply a little coconut oil throughout the day and a lot at bedtime. Use virgin coconut oil to remove your make-up at night, like I do. It leaves a fine layer of oil to nourish and heal your skin all night long.

Coconut oil is very inexpensive - a great, cheap home remedy for all types of skin conditions. I always buy coconut oil by the gallon. It's a lot cheaper for a whole gallon of virgin coconut oil than a small jar of department store, name-brand dry skin cream or skin moisturizers.

The skin is subject to a constant attack from without and can be affected by many conditions, diseases and ailments. Sunlight, water and air do play an important role in keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

See your skin doctor or naturopathic doctor if your skin doesn't improve in spite of all your best efforts. If you're still worried about your skin, or the problems just won't seem to go away then see your dermatologist. It's time to call your doctor for an appointment when all your home remedies and dry skin natural treatments do not relieve the dryness and itching.