February 12, 2007 In much of the nation, the heaters have been
working overtime this month. With the cold weather, low
humidity, and increased heater use, many people can see the
damage that has been done (or is being done) to their skin. "The
skin the largest organ of the body is made up of a thin outer
layer (called the epidermis) and a thicker outer layer (called
the dermis). Below the dermis is the subcutaneous tissue, which
contains fat. Buried in the skin are nerves that sense cold,
heat, pain, pressure, and touch. Sebaceous glands secrete a
lubricating substance called sebum. Deep within the skin are
your sweat glands, which produce perspiration when you are too
hot." American Medical Association (A detailed drawing that
shows a cross section of the skin is available at the above
site.) While dry skin may not seem like a big deal to some, it
could be argued that the one organ that it is the easiest to see
and monitor should also be the easiest to care for. "Dry skin is
common. It happens more often in