Dry skin is a common condition that tends to get worse in low humidity, according to the University of Iowa Health Care. The face is commonly plagued by dry skin because it is directly exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Although dry, flaky skin on the face can be uncomfortable and cause unwanted fine lines and wrinkles, the Mayo Clinic mentions that it is rarely serious and notes that it is commonly caused by factors that you can at least partially control.
Step 1
Buy a facial moisturizer. It will seal water into your skin to help prevent your face from drying out. Reduce your risk of sun damage by getting a moisturizer that contains sunscreen, such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 or Neutrogena Moisture SPF 15, suggests University of Iowa Health Care.
Step 2
Take a short shower with a mild soap. Long, hot showers can rob your skin of its natural oils. Aim for no more than 10 minutes in shower water each day and keep the temperature warm to reduce skin dryness, suggests University of Iowa Health Care.
Step 3
Wash your face no more than twice per day. Any more frequently and you risk losing necessary skin oils that help prevent your face from drying out. Use a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil and, as with showering, use only warm water.
Step 4
Apply facial moisturizer after you wash your face, after you shower and before you go outdoors. Moisturizing within three minutes of your shower helps seal in water before it evaporates, says University of Iowa Health Care. Apply it once more before you go outside to help protect your skin from dry air and, when you come back inside, splash cool water on your face to ease the transition from one temperature to the next and then apply moisturizer again, says Health Services at Columbia University.
Step 5
Turn on a humidifier. Your air conditioner or heater can exacerbate your dry, flaky facial skin, but using a portable or furnace-attached humidifier will help add and maintain indoor air moisture, states the Mayo Clinic.
Step 6
Apply a moisturizing facial mask once each week. You should be able to find one at the store, but you can also make one at home. Health Services at Columbia University recommends concocting a moisturizing mask by mixing 1 tsp. mayonnaise, 1 egg yolk and 1 tsp. aloe vera plant pulp; apply it to your face, leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and remove it using warm water.
Step 7
Visit your doctor if your dry, flaky facial skin persists. She may recommend that you apply an over-the-counter cream that contains lactic acid and urea, states the Mayo Clinic. If she determines that you have a skin condition such as ichthyosis, she may prescribe a cream or ointment specific to your needs.
Things You'll Need
- Face moisturizer with sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher
- Gentle facial cleanser
- Home humidifier
- 1 tsp. mayonnaise
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp. aloe vera pulp
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