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Dry Patches On Face: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention
08/31/20238 min read
Every time you look in the mirror, you can’t help but notice all the dry patches on your face. No matter what you do, these stubborn areas don’t feel smooth. What causes this dryness, and what can you do to eliminate those pesky dry spots?
To help you face the world with confidence, let’s look at common causes of dry patches on your face. We’ll also discuss how to treat this condition and a few simple ways to reduce the chances of it coming back.
But first, let’s look at some other symptoms you may notice.
Table Of Contents
- Symptoms Of Dry Patches On The Face
- Causes Of Dry Patches On Your Face
- Treatment For Dry Patches On Your Face
- Preventing Your Face From Drying Out
Symptoms Of Dry Patches On The Face
The most obvious symptom of dry patches on your face is, of course, dryness. You may have areas that feel rough or flaky.
Other signs include:
- Itchy skin
- Burning feelings
- Redness or other discoloration
- Chapped or cracked lips
- Fine lines or wrinkles
You may notice dry patches over your entire face, or they could be isolated to specific areas. For example, you may notice dry skin around your nose or forehead.
Causes Of Dry Patches On Your Face
Your skin requires moisture to thrive. When there’s not enough moisture, it can become dry and irritated.
Many factors can contribute to this problem. Here are some of the most common.
Environmental Factors
Extreme temperatures, such as harsh winters and hot summers, can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Wind adds to this problem by blowing away your skin’s outermost layers, making it susceptible to moisture loss.
Direct sunlight poses a similar threat, with UV rays penetrating the skin and dehydrating it. Dry air can also exacerbate dry skin conditions.
Aging
As you age, your skin loses moisture and elasticity. With less natural oil to draw from, it becomes easier for dry patches to appear anywhere on your body, even on your face.
Irritants
What does your skin get exposed to regularly? Lotions, harsh cleansers, and soaps are common culprits that may irritate your face. So are things like perfume, strong chemicals, and some makeup products.
If you’ve just started to notice the dry patches, do some reflection. Have you recently started using anything new? Was your skin exposed to something unusual?
Your answers can provide clues about what could be causing the dry patches so you can avoid those irritants.
Skin Conditions
Some skin conditions cause dry patches of skin, and a few of them can affect your face. These include eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. If you’ve already been diagnosed with a skin condition, you could be experiencing a flare-up.
If not, and you suspect that the dry patches could be part of a more significant problem, have a dermatologist examine your skin and provide a proper diagnosis.
Bug Bites
Bug bites tend to itch, but that’s not the only symptom they can cause. You may also notice your skin drying out around the bite and feeling more irritated.
While most bites heal without special care, some can cause more serious problems, such as an allergic reaction or infection. If you have any concerning symptoms accompanying dry patches, you’ll want to talk to your doctor.
Hygiene Habits
In your quest to keep your face clean, it’s easy to accidentally dry out your skin. Hot water and frequent scrubbing can do more harm than good. So can using harsh cleansers and not moisturizing after washing.
Acne Treatment
If you’re struggling with acne, you could be overdoing your treatment. Strong chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and acetone can help clear your skin, but they can also dry your face out.
If you’re applying your acne products to your whole face, switching to a spot-based treatment plan may help.
Treatment For Dry Patches On Your Face
Now that you know what could be causing the dry patches on your face, let’s talk about some potential treatment options.
Moisturize Regularly
If there’s one thing that dry skin craves, it’s moisture. You’ll want to slather your face with a good moisturizing product at least once a day.
Choose one designed for dry skin, and look for hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, almond oil, and niacinamide.
Stay Hydrated
Your skin is 64% water. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help keep your skin looking and feeling healthier.
Keep a water bottle handy, and make sure you’re getting enough to drink.
Protect Your Skin From The Elements
No matter the weather, always protect yourself when you’re outside. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you’re going out in the sun, and layer up with scarves and warm clothing when it’s cold out.
You’ll also want to be cautious when it’s windy. Cover your face as much as possible with a scarf or neck gaiter to help reduce your exposure.
Also, take time to apply sunscreen before you head out. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can still damage your skin.
Treat Underlying Skin Conditions
If you’ve been diagnosed with an underlying skin condition, like eczema, ensure your treatment options are tailored to your needs. A special moisturizing product, such as our Daily Eczema Calming Cream, can help keep your skin hydrated.
Pick Your Products Carefully
Always read the labels on your skincare products to make sure they’re right for your skin type. In addition, choose a skincare company that uses soothing botanicals and other alternative formulas, such as Bodewell, to help you get the results you’re looking for.
Try A Cool Compress
If your dry patches are bothering you, applying a cool compress for a few minutes can provide relief.
Simply soak a washcloth in cold water, wring it out, and place it over the dry areas of your face. Hold it in place for a few minutes before removing it.
Put On A Moisturizing Face Mask
At least once a week, treat yourself to a nourishing face mask. It can help hydrate your skin and prevent dry patches.
You can make your own mask or purchase a pre-made one. Choose a recipe or formula with colloidal oatmeal, honey, and aloe vera to help keep your skin smooth.
Consult A Doctor
Sometimes dry patches stick around no matter how many treatments you try.
If that’s the case, it’s time to consult a skincare professional who can examine your skin and determine the cause of the dryness. They can then provide a customized treatment plan for you to follow.
Preventing Your Face From Drying Out
Once you get your dry patches under control, you don’t want them to return. Let’s look at some simple ways to prevent recurrences. These skincare tips can help keep your skin looking soft and supple instead of dry and scaly.
Increase Your Home’s Humidity Levels
Ideally, the humidity levels in your home should be between 30-50%. If it’s much lower than that, you’ll start noticing your skin feeling dry. To keep enough moisture in the air, run a humidifier, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time.
Implement A Skincare Routine Designed For Dry Skin
Better skin doesn’t happen overnight. You need to get into the habit of moisturizing regularly. To help, implement a simple skincare routine so your skin can get the hydration it needs every day.
Take Shorter, Cooler Showers
As mentioned above, long, hot showers or baths can suck the moisture out of your skin. To help prevent dryness, keep the temperature turned down a bit.
Additionally, limit the amount of time you spend in the water. Aim for 10-15 minutes and then get out.
Carefully Exfoliate
Removing built-up dead skin cells can help keep your face smooth while also allowing your moisturizer to penetrate better. Exfoliating can take care of this for you.
However, it’s easy to overdo it and cause further problems. Stick to gentle exfoliating products, and only use them once or twice weekly.
Face The World Again
Dry patches on your face may make you want to hide from the world. But with proper hydration, cleansing, and other self-care strategies, you can once again have smoother, more radiant skin.
And if your dry patches are from eczema, pick up a bottle of our Eczema Daily Calming Cream. This effective cream locks in moisture and helps strengthen your skin’s natural barrier so it can begin to heal itself.
But no matter what’s causing your dry patches, know that Bodewell is here for you. We want you to have more better skin days and are committed to helping you achieve exactly that!
Sources
National Institute on Aging National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Skin Cancer Foundation
