What skin condition is characterized by excessive dryness and flakiness?

The skin condition characterized by excessive dryness and flakiness is dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin occurs when there is a lack of moisture in the outer layer of the skin, leading to a tight, flaky, and sometimes itchy appearance. This condition can be caused by various factors, including environmental influences like cold weather, low humidity, and sun exposure, as well as lifestyle choices such as inadequate water intake and over-exfoliation.

While conditions like psoriasis and eczema also involve dryness and may exhibit flaking, they are specific, chronic inflammatory skin disorders with distinct symptoms beyond mere dryness, including redness and inflammation. Therefore, dehydrated skin refers specifically to moisture deficiency, making it the most accurate choice concerning excessive dryness and flakiness.