Dry, flaky skin is a barrier problem — the skin isn't retaining moisture effectively. Fixing it means rebuilding the barrier, not just adding more moisturizer.
get startedDry skin is a skin type characterized by insufficient sebum production and a thinner-than-average lipid barrier. The skin doesn't produce enough oil to seal in moisture, leading to water loss from the epidermis, a tight or uncomfortable feel, and a surface texture that looks flaky or rough. It's distinct from dehydrated skin, which is a temporary water-deficit condition that can affect any skin type.
Patients with dry skin often come in after cycling through moisturizers without finding one that works, or after a skincare routine change left their skin more reactive and flaky than before. Many have tried to address it on their own for years.
Dry skin has both intrinsic and extrinsic drivers.
Genetics: Sebaceous gland activity and barrier lipid composition are largely inherited. True dry skin type is structural.
Age: Sebum production declines with age, particularly after menopause. Skin that was previously normal-to-oily can shift significantly toward dryness in the 40s and 50s.
Environmental factors: Low humidity, cold temperatures, and heated indoor air all accelerate transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Product damage: Harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, and the use of actives without adequate barrier support can strip or compromise the lipid layer, creating or worsening dryness regardless of skin type.
Dry skin typically presents as:
Dry skin tends to worsen with age. Sebaceous gland activity naturally declines, and the lipid composition of the barrier changes — the ratio of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol that maintain barrier integrity shifts in ways that reduce moisture retention. Hormonal changes, particularly during perimenopause, can accelerate this dramatically.
Environmental accumulation compounds the picture — UV damage and chronic low-grade barrier disruption from years of product use both reduce the skin's ability to self-repair over time.
Dry skin responds best to a barrier-first approach that addresses the structural deficit rather than just adding surface moisture.
At CAMI, dry skin treatment starts with the routine. Most patients with chronic dry skin are either over-cleansing, under-moisturizing, or using actives that are disrupting the barrier they're trying to maintain. We'll identify what's breaking the barrier down before recommending what rebuilds it.
In-office treatment for dry skin is most effective as a complement to a well-optimized routine — not a replacement for it.

Care guided by experience, precision, and a deep understanding of natural beauty.
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