Dry skin may be a temporary condition due to change of environment, or a more long-term issue-either way, it can be helped.

Our skin is a protective layer encapsulating our body and its health is vital to how it looks and feels. Moisturizing is a vital part of skin care, especially for dry skin.

There are a number of causes of dry skin, such as insufficient levels of sebum (natural skin oils), nutritional deficiencies and skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema.

Dry complexions tend to be sensitive and need constant care. Exposure to dry winter winds, strong sunlight, pollution and central heating further exacerbates this condition.

Develop a skin regimen. Regular cleansing with soaps, cleansers and alcohol-based toners can leave dry skin feeling taut. To avoid this, try replacing these products with natural herbal cosmetics: a vegetable-based soap enriched with moisturizing herbs such as calendula or comfrey; and herbal-based toners such as pure rose or lavender water.

Sebaceous glands in the skin's outer layer (epidermis) secrete a natural oil sebum. This substance is essential in keeping the skin soft and supple. From the age of 25, the skin becomes progressively drier as levels of natural oils drop.

Some plants secrete complex carbohydrates called mucilage' that help moisturize, soften and smooth the skin. Try using cosmetics that contain herbs rich in mucilage, such as marshmallow and comfrey

Frequent hot baths and showers can deplete the skin of its natural oils. Add lubricating oils such as jojoba or wheat germ to your bath or shower gels to keep your skin moisturized and supple.

Aloe vera is renowned for its healing and moisturizing properties. It has a soothing effect of chapped skin. Aloe vera can be applied as a lotion or it can be purchased from most pharmacies as a concentrated gel to treat severe, dry skin disorders such as eczema.

Marshmallow, a real skin softener for dry, sensitive skin can be used in a variety of ways. Make an infusion with the light pink flowers to calm inflamed skin, try preparing a facial wash from a decoction of powdered root or mix the plant powder with beeswax for a soothing ointment. Marshmallow can be blended with glycerin and applied to rough, chapped skin. Marshmallow is gentle enough to even be used for boils and abscesses.

This humble cottage-garden plant, Comfrey, is rich in glutinous carbohydrates which work well in skin-softening facial washes. Prepared from the

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