You're not alone if you suffer from dry facial skin. This condition is a common problem, especially during the winter months when the humidity level drops. You may experience cracking, peeling or inflammation when your skin loses moisture. Make changes to your daily routine and keep your skin moisturized to minimize dryness.
Causes
Dry facial skin stems from a variety of factors. In addition to low humidity, your skin care routine may harm your face. Avoid hot baths and showers, as well as harsh soaps. Sun exposure also dries out your skin. Sunshine causes damage deep in the dermis, where fibers break down more quickly than normal, resulting in dryness and premature wrinkles.
Treatments
Use a moisturizer daily and take short showers or baths. Talk with your doctor about using a nonprescription cream that contains lactic acid or urea. Such creams can minimize skin dryness and irritation. Your doctor also may prescribe a hydrocortisone cream if your skin is itchy. Use a humidifier to keep your skin moist if your condition is a result of low humidity. A humidifier helps your skin retain moisturize, which prevents your face from becoming flaky and itchy.
Considerations
Take time to properly care for your face. Gently blot your skin with a dry towel after washing. Immediately apply facial moisturizer to your skin. Use an oil- or cream-based moisturizer, which will help your skin retain moisture.
Misconceptions
Always apply sunscreen before going outdoors. Your skin needs protection from the sun's harmful rays, even if it's a cloudy day. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen also is important if you're spending time in the snow. Snow reflects as much as 85 percent of the sun's rays, according to KidsHealth.
Warnings
Talk with your doctor about your dry skin. Medical conditions, such as psoriasis and thyroid disorders, may cause dry skin. Your doctor can examine your overall health and rule out an underlying cause.
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