Dry skin on your face can cause uncomfortable itching and embarrassing redness. Many people experience dry facial skin from time to time. However, if your skin is constantly dry, you may want to find the cause so you can prevent it in the future. Fortunately, in most cases, this is easy to do.
Time Frame
If you only get dry skin on your face during the winter, it’s probably caused simply by the lack of humidity in the air. Even though dry skin can occur at any time of year, many people only experience it in the winter, reports University of Wisconsin Health Services. Cover your face when you go outside, and when inside, set the thermostat set at 70 degrees or below. Also, a humidifier may help your dry skin by adding moisture to the dry heat indoors. If you can’t afford a humidifier, you can place a shallow pan of water near a radiator or heating source or leave the bathroom door open when you shower, suggests University of Wisconsin Health Services.
Considerations
Frequent bathing or washing of your face can strip away the protective oils that your skin naturally produces. Take fewer and shorter showers and use warm water instead of hot to help to retain your skin’s oils, recommends Columbia University Health Services. Dry your face by patting it instead of rubbing it, and apply a moisturizer that contains humectants immediately after washing in order to hold in moisture.
Prevention/Solution
In the most basic terms, dry skin is caused by a simple lack of moisture in the skin, and the treatment is to return moisture to the affected areas according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center of Penn State University. If your astringent or facial cleanser dries out your skin, stop using it and find a gentler product. Choose a good moisturizing cream and apply it daily. If you are acne-prone, avoid oil-based moisturizers.
Expert Insight
Columbia University Health Services offers a couple of tips for preventing or relieving dry facial skin. Give yourself a five minute facial massage each day to increase blood circulation to the capillaries that nourish your skin. Additionally, make a moisture mask by mixing a teaspoon of mayonnaise with one egg yolk. If you own an aloe vera plant, put a teaspoon of the pulp in the mixture. Once a week, apply the mask mixture to your face and let it set for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, wash it off using warm water.
Warning
If you have tried and failed to find relief at home, you may have a skin condition that requires prescription medication. If you develop a rash, itchiness that keeps you awake at night or cracks in your skin from the dryness, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Member Comments