What is the medical term for dry skin?

The medical term for dry skin is asteatosis. This condition is characterized by an insufficient amount of natural oils in the skin, which leads to dryness, flaking, and itching. Asteatosis can be further aggravated by factors such as cold weather, low humidity, and the use of harsh soaps or skincare products that strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier.

Understanding asteatosis is particularly important for estheticians, as it can inform treatment choices and product recommendations aimed at restoring moisture and barrier function in the skin. This term is distinct from the other options provided, which refer to different skin conditions that involve inflammation, excessive skin cell production, or changes in pigmentation, but do not specifically denote dryness.