If you've got dry skin you probably never really feel comfortable in your face - it'll be tight and look dull and grey.

It's often flaky too (particularly around the nose) and develops lots of tiny fine lines which can make you look older than you are.

Dry skin occurs when the protective barrier of oil in the lower level of the skin starts to break down and water evaporates from the skin into the air.

A number of things can destroy this barrier:

• it can be genetic;
• central heating and cold temperatures are common causes (which is why beauty companies sell more moisturizer in January than in any other month); or
• you can lose skin oils if you're on a diet too low in fat.

The problem with dry skin is that it will make you old before your time; not only is it prone to natural wrinkling but UV rays penetrate deeper into dehydrated skin, increasing sun damage. Getting those moisture levels back up to scratch is therefore vital for your looks.