Some examples would help. Otherwise I am just guessing. :) 

Some guesses. :) 

For skin looking dry or flat, presuming you are using an Iray shader, you should be able to mess with the glossiness settings (Weight, reflection, etc.), though some people will add a thin film. It could be as simple as having the light level a little high as well though. :) 

What are you trying to make symmetric? Are you talking about a pose? On the Parameters Tab, right click and there is a choice for symmetry.