Weather: Dry skin is “often worse when environmental humidity is low,” Chasin says. That’s why your hands and face tend to get cracked and itchy during the winter. And those who live in the desert suffer from dry heat.

Neglect: Another cause of dry skin is from “loss of water and protective oils in the outer layer of skin,” Breslow says. So when you use harsh chemicals or wash your hands excessively with soap and water, your skin dries out.

Diet: Sweets, smoking, caffeine and alcohol are huge factors in the health of your skin. The latter two “act as diuretics and are guaranteed to make your skin dry,” Chasin says.

Click through for the 8 best doctor-recommended tips for dry skin.