Extremely dry skin (young)?!

Have you had this dry skin all your life? If so you may have ichthiosis. This is an inherited skin condition. The most dry is the outside portions of your arms and legs and opposite your elbows and knees are very smooth. My face is very smooth but is flaky. My legs and arms are very rough to the touch. Check with google questions about ichthiosis.
The only lotion I have found that helps is A M Lactin and you get that over-the-counter at most drug stores.

I have had ichthiosis for 77 years now and am still looking for a cream or lotion that is better than A M Lactin.
Good luck.

Dry skin could be due to a genetic condition. Poor diet. Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamin A and the B vitamins, can also contribute to dry skin.

Avoid the use of tap water when cleansing dry skin. The deposits are too drying on the skin. And never, ever use hot water. Use mineral water to freshen your face. Don't use a washcloth-a rough texture can irritate. In the morning, apply a spray of mineral water on your skin misted on with a plant sprayer. (Do not use a sprayer that had been used for spraying insecticides.) Lightly pat dry.

Dry skin needs plenty of thorough but gentle cleansing, regular stimulation with massage and generous quantities of oil and moisture. It also needs extra careful protection. Washing dry skin with soap and water not only removes grime but also the natural oils protecting the skin. A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look.

Use non detergent, neutral-pH products to cleanse your skin. Avoid using any commercial soap. And always touch your face gently. Double-cleanse with a cream, leaving a light, thin trace of it on the skin after the second cleansing.

Follow a bath or a shower with a mild application of baby oil. Massage your face with moisturizer evey morning and evening.

I have dry/combination skin and my skin seems to get really dry in the winter, like now. I would recommend Cetaphil Moisturizering Cream. You can purchase this at your local drugstore (CVS, WALGREENS, WALMART, ect). It's about 10-12$, I don't remember the price much, but it varies at different locations. Hope I helped :)