[Between factoids and facts, between dry skin and rough skin].

The concept of dry skin as supported by cosmetologists and the layman is inadequate. This misnomer entails diverse physiopathologic disorders sharing an abnormal and uneven retention of corneocytes. The term xerosis is more appropriate to cope with such a definition. Treatments aim at removing the corneocytes in excess by opening the corneodesmosomes. A topical supplementation in hydrating and emollient agents is beneficial. The application of lipids similar to those normally present in the intercellular space also shows efficacy.