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Dry Skin On Face: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment
04/21/20238 min read
Dry skin can plague you anywhere. But it’s much harder to hide when it develops on your face and messes with your self-confidence. To help you feel better about yourself, let’s look at some common symptoms and causes of dry skin on the face.
Then, we’ll discuss some of the best treatment options to restore moisture to this sensitive area.
Table Of Contents
Symptoms Of Dry Skin On The Face
When you’re dealing with dry skin on your face, your skin is lacking moisture. But that’s not the only symptom you may notice. Dry skin can also cause:
- Flaky or itchy patches of skin that may be red or scaly
- Fine lines and wrinkles that seem more prominent than usual
- Skin that feels tight or tender
- A dull complexion with a lack of radiance and shine
- Burning sensations in the skin
- Discoloration, with areas of lighter or darker skin
- Bleeding or cracking of the skin
These symptoms may come and go depending on the season, climate, or other factors. But if you’re experiencing these signs consistently, it’s time to figure out what could be causing it.
Causes Of Dry Skin On The Face
Now that you know what dry skin on your face looks like, let’s talk about why your skin is drying out in the first place. Several factors can contribute to dry facial skin, including:
Extreme Weather Or Climates
Where do you live? Does the area experience any extreme high or low temperatures? Is the air dry, or is it a humid area?
No, these questions about the weather aren't for small talk. They're important to consider when it comes to your skin's health. Both hot and cold weather can dehydrate your skin, leading to dryness and other symptoms.
The wind can also be a factor. If you've ever experienced wind-chapped cheeks or lips, you know how brutal this element can be to your skin.
Your Age
When you're young, your skin is naturally plump and heals easily. It's often soft and supple, without any action on your part. As you age, the natural production of oils and other substances that lubricate the skin decreases.
This can lead to dry patches on your face, wrinkles, and fine lines. You’ll also notice that your skin is thinner and takes longer to heal.
Harsh Skincare Products
While you can't control the weather or stop yourself from aging, you do have a say over what you put on your skin. Some skincare products contain ingredients that can be too strong for sensitive skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
This includes cleansers, scrubs, makeup removers, and toners that contain alcohol or other astringents. You should also avoid drying acne medications, such as Benzoyl Peroxide and glycolic acid. These products can strip the natural oils from your face and damage the protective barrier.
Long, Hot Showers
It's not just the products you put on your skin that can cause dryness, but also the water temperature used when cleansing. Long, hot showers are relaxing and luxurious, but they can also strip your skin of the natural oils it needs to stay soft.
Hormones
Different events in your life cause your hormone levels to fluctuate. So if you're pregnant, going through menopause, or taking certain medications, your hormones could contribute to dry skin on your face.
Allergies
Certain foods, skin products, and environmental exposures can trigger allergic reactions in some people. These reactions often cause dryness or other symptoms of irritation.
Underlying Skin Conditions
While sometimes dry skin is just dry skin, other times it may be a sign of an underlying skin condition. The most common conditions that cause dry skin are:
Eczema
Known as the rash that itches, eczema causes itchy, red patches to form on the skin. The skin in these patches can feel rough and dry.
Psoriasis
When your skin cells regenerate too quickly, they form red, scaly patches with a silver or white hue. This condition, called psoriasis, can cause dry, thick skin.
Rosacea
This chronic skin condition can cause redness, sensitivity, swelling, and burning on your face. In addition, the National Rosacea Society notes that about half of the people with rosacea experience dry skin.
These are just three of the many conditions that can cause dry skin. If you believe you may be dealing with an underlying condition, it's important to speak with your doctor or dermatologist for a thorough exam and a proper diagnosis.
How To Treat Dry Skin On Your Face
The good news is you don't have to suffer from dry skin on your face forever. Many treatment options are available to help reduce the symptoms and keep your skin healthy and vibrant. Let’s look at a few simple ways to help hydrate your skin.
Apply Moisturizer
You need to use moisturizer regularly to keep your skin feeling better. Don’t wait until your skin is dry and cracked to start applying this product. It’s best to use it even when your skin is normal and healthy, just to keep it that way.
Make sure to read the ingredient list before you purchase a new moisturizer. You want one with hydrating ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal or vitamin B3 (niacinamide). These can lock in moisture for longer-lasting protection.
It’s also essential to look for a moisturizer designed with any underlying skin conditions in mind. For example, our thick Eczema Daily Calming Cream can help soothe your skin if you have eczema.
And when you’re out and about, our travel-sized Eczema Daily Calming Cream: On-the-Go can keep your skin hydrated no matter where life takes you.
If you have psoriasis, our Psoriasis Calming Cream contains safflower seed oil and coconut oil to moisturize your skin and reduce scaling.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Your skin needs water to stay hydrated, so drink plenty. Dehydration leads to dryness and other symptoms that can compromise your skin’s health.
Stay Out Of The Sun
The sun's rays may feel nice on your skin, but they can be harmful. Too much sun exposure can cause dryness and wrinkles, so stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
In addition, slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen when you go outdoors to protect your skin. And wearing a floppy hat to shade your face is also a good idea.
Take Shorter Showers
Long, hot showers are no good for your skin. To avoid damage, turn the temperature down and keep an eye on the clock. Only stay in the water for 10 or 15 minutes.
While you're showering, use gentle cleansers, but don't scrub too hard, as this can cause further irritation.
When you get out, pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Then, while you're still damp, apply moisturizer to your face and any other part of your body that needs some extra hydration
Humidify Your Home
Dry air can suck the moisture right out of your skin. To help keep your home environment moist, invest in a humidifier.
These come in all shapes and sizes, so find one that works well in your space and adds moisture to the air.
Try A Cool Compress
If your dry skin feels irritated, a cool compress can help. Soak a washcloth in cool water, squeeze out the excess moisture, and lay it over the part of your face that’s giving you trouble.
Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Then, apply a moisturizer to help lock in the water.
Change Your Diet
Your skin needs certain nutrients to thrive. Unfortunately, your diet could be contributing to its dryness. If you’re drinking a lot of soda or trying to follow an extremely low-fat diet, changing things up a bit could help.
Opt for nutritious drinks and whole foods. And consume plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids to help keep your skin hydrated.
Visit A Doctor
If your dry skin doesn’t improve with home remedies, it’s time to speak to a doctor. They can diagnose any underlying conditions and provide treatments that may help.
Restore Your Confidence
Don't let dry skin on your face drag you down. With the right treatments, your skin can feel soft again, giving you the confidence to face the world.
Follow the tips above and remember to keep your skin moisturized with a product designed for your specific skin troubles. Our Eczema Daily Calming Cream and our Psoriasis Calming Cream are excellent choices!
Good luck on your journey to beautiful skin. When you keep these tips in mind, you're sure to succeed!
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology Association National Institute on Aging National Library of Medicine National Rosacea Society
