The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin. As a result, the skin becomes dehydrated.
Skin gets exposed to the elements especially in winter.
Dry skin could be due to a gene READ MORE http://1stholistic.com/beauty/skin/skin_dry.htm
Factors which contribute to dry and cracked skin include:
Inherited factors
Metabolic factors such as an underactive thyroid gland, or excessive weight loss.
Increasing age, resulting in d READ MORE http://dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/dry-skin.html