It is rough, scaly skin that is dry to touch and less elastic than normal skin.
Some people describe it as feeling like sandpaper.
The main feature is a lack of water or moisture in the skin surface. It also appears to be caused by a relative lack of natural oils. However, the main problem is insufficient water to moisturise the skin. It is not a serious problem. Cracking' of the skin particularly of the legs can occur in older people, especially in winter.