General:
* Arid
* Parched
* Desiccated
* Dehydrated
* Bone-dry
* Powdery
* Dusty
* Crisp
* Brittle
More specific:
* For skin: Chapped, flaky, rough
* For food: Stale, hard, tough
* For climate: Barren, scorched, waterless
Choose the best synonym based on the specific situation and the nuance you want to convey.