Asteatosis

/ˌeɪstiːəˈtoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A medical condition of abnormally low or absent secretion of sebum (natural skin oil), causing dry skin.

Etymology

From Greek a- 'without' plus stear 'tallow, fat' plus -osis 'condition.' Derived from classical Greek medical terminology for describing deficiencies in bodily secretions.

Kelly Says

Asteatosis is the medical term for having really dry, flaky skin due to lack of natural oils—it's the opposite of oily skin. Interestingly, people can have this condition in patches while having oily skin elsewhere, which is why dermatologists need such precise terminology.

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