I see a lot of people with dry skin. When I mention that their skin is dry, I’m frequently told “yes, I know, I use lotion”.  This misses the point, which is that if your skin is dry, the rest of your body’s internal environment is dry also. This means that discs and joints, which need to be hydrated in order to provide a good cushion, may be getting dry. Dehydrated discs and joints tend to be more frail and can crack more easily with trauma.  When people are made aware of this obvious connection, they understand why the lotion is not the total answer.  Getting the skin hydrated is more than just drinking more water and involves correcting deficiencies of fatty acids and certain vitamins.