Understanding Dry Facial Skin: Causes, Symptoms, and Expert-Recommended Treatments

Photo by Marie-Michèle Bouchard on Unsplash

Dry, flaky, or itchy skin on your face can cause ongoing discomfort and feelings of self-consciousness in some. While dryness and flaking are usually temporary—and can affect all skin types at any age—it is most common in people with chronically dry or sensitive skin. Learn the main causes and how to prevent them.

What Causes Dry Skin On Your Face?

Dry skin, also known medically as xerosis or xeroderma, occurs when your skin doesn't have enough water or oil. Several factors can lead to dry skin:

Environmental Factors: Living in a dry climate, using dry indoor heating, traveling to low-humidity areas, and exposure to chlorine in swimming pools or excessive sunlight can all contribute to dry skin.
Hygiene Habits: Taking frequent, long, hot showers or using harsh alkaline soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness.
Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis can cause dry, itchy, and scaly patches on your face.
Medications: Some medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs and isotretinoin, can contribute to skin dryness.
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can result in dry and dull skin.
Medical Conditions: Thyroid disorders, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and endocrine disorders like diabetes can also affect your skin's moisture balance.
Understand The Symptoms
If your face has dry skin, you may experience symptoms like flakiness, itching, tightness, redness, and an ashy appearance. In severe cases, dry skin can lead to superficial skin cracks and potential infections.These are our tips on how to treat those symptoms.
1. Adjust Your Shower Routine: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, limit your shower time to 5-10 minutes, and avoid showering excessively. Use unscented soap designed for sensitive skin.
2. Choose Gentle Cleansers: Opt for facial cleansers without harsh ingredients like alcohol, retinoids, and sulfates. Look for ingredients that retain moisture, such as polyethylene glycol, silicone surfactants, and lanolin.
3. Limit Face Washing: Unless necessary, wash your face only once a day, preferably at night. Avoid over-exfoliating; limit it to once a week to reduce irritation.
4. Moisturize: Use a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer regularly, especially after showering. Oil-based moisturizers with ingredients like petrolatum work well for dry skin.
5. Lip Care: Use a lip balm containing petrolatum, petroleum jelly, or mineral oil to relieve dry, chapped lips.
6. Choose Comfortable Clothing: In cold weather, protect your face with a soft cotton scarf, avoiding rough fabrics like wool. Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent for sensitive skin.
7. Use A Humidifier: Low humidity can worsen dry skin. Place a humidifier in rooms you spend time in to add moisture to the air.
8. Watch Your Diet: Certain foods like citrus fruits, very spicy foods, and excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate dry skin.

Choosing Products For Dry Skin

When buying products for dry skin, look for:

Mild & Gentle Formulas: Avoid harsh products that may worsen dryness.
Ingredients That Attract Moisture: Hyaluronic acid can help your skin retain moisture.
Ceramides: These replenish your skin's natural barrier and prevent disruption.
Non-Comedogenic & Fragrance-Free: Opt for products developed with dermatologists that are gentle on sensitive skin.

Skincare Products For Dry Facial Skin

Mad Hippie Face Cream: A powerhouse blend of Peptides and Antioxidants, including Niacinamide & Acai. This light, fast-absorbing formula delivers deep hydration, soothing, and rejuvenating your skin naturally. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, and Green Tea Extract, it revitalizes your complexion.
Derma E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream: A rich, fast-absorbing formula that combines the power of Hyaluronic Acid, nature's moisture magnet, with potent antioxidants like Green Tea and Vitamin C-Ester. Vitamin A and E soften and renew, while Panthenol and Aloe Vera soothe and hydrate.
Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Facial Souffle Moisturizer: This luxurious soufflé delivers intense nourishment without a greasy feel, thanks to its blend of Coconut Water, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Seed Oil. Enriched with Guava, Banana, and Hibiscus extracts, it revitalizes and hydrates, leaving your skin supple and cared for.
Bulldog Original Moisturizer: Specially crafted for men, this moisturizer guarantees all-day hydration without any greasy or sticky residue. Bulldog's carbon-neutral certified formula, ideal for dry and normal skin, harnesses the power of aloe vera, renowned for its moisturizing and soothing properties.

Remember, treating dry skin is a combination of adjusting your skincare routine and addressing any underlying factors. If dryness persists despite these efforts, consult a dermatologist for further guidance.