Moisturizing, exfoliating, and using a humidifier can help control and prevent dry facial skin in the fall and winter.
The skin naturally produces an oil called sebum that keeps the skin moisturized and protects cells from infection. Skin that doesn’t produce or replenish enough oil can become dry, itchy, flaky, rough, look dull or rough.
In addition to conditions like eczema, potential causes of dry or dehydrated facial skin include cold weather, dry air, and exposure to harsh chemicals in soap or other products. In most cases, people can get rid of dry skin with the home remedies and over-the-counter treatments below.
Moisturize daily
Moisturizers, ointments and creams improve the skin’s natural barrier function, promote water retention, and can soothe and hydrate dry skin.
Moisturizing overnight can give good results. People should apply moisturizer to their face before bed and wash with a gentle cleanser in the morning. Gentle, facial-friendly moisturizers often contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramide. Avoid products containing alcohol, artificial flavors or colors, and dioxane. Many natural products also contain oils that moisturize the skin, such as aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Use gentle detergents
Soap contains fragrances, colorants, and other chemicals that can irritate and dry the skin. People should choose mild, fragrance-free detergents and avoid products containing alcohol and artificial colors.
Exfoliate dead cells
The skin continuously creates new cells and eliminates old cells. When dead skin cells stick to the surface, people may notice dry patches and clogged pores. Exfoliating helps remove excess skin cells, which can reduce dry patches and improve the overall texture of the skin. Mechanical exfoliation methods include using facial brushes, towels, exfoliating creams…
Chemical exfoliation is a gentler method than mechanical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). AHA dissolves dead cells on the skin’s surface, while BHA penetrates deeper layers of the skin to remove dead cells from pores. Both AHA and BHA increase cell regeneration, making skin soft and supple.
People can use mechanical and chemical exfoliants individually or in combination. Be aware that using too much of these products can make your skin drier. People using an exfoliant for the first time should test it on a small area of their face and wait a few days to see how their skin reacts before using it on a larger area.
Adjust your bathing habits
You should use warm water when bathing or washing your face, because hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Soaking in water for too long can also remove sebum from the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends showering and bathing for 5-10 minutes or less to improve dry skin. After bathing or washing your face, people should immediately apply moisturizer to lock in moisture.
Do not bathe or soak in a hot tub for more than 10 minutes to avoid drying your skin. Image: Thanh Van
Use a humidifier
Continuous use of air conditioners and heating appliances in the home causes moisture loss from the air and skin. People with dry facial skin should limit the use of these devices and add a humidifier to add moisture to the air in the home.
Medicine
Dermatologists may prescribe topical ointments or creams for people with skin conditions or whose dehydrated skin does not respond to conventional treatments. The type of medication depends on the cause of dry skin. Medicines often contain hydrocortisone, a steroid that helps keep the skin moisturized.
To prevent dry facial skin, people should wash their face with a gentle cleanser, apply sunscreen every day, and drink plenty of water. Cut down on caffeine intake, limit direct exposure to sunlight, avoid artificial tanning, and quit smoking.
If you continuously have dry skin despite taking the above measures or your skin is too dry and affects your daily activities, you should see a dermatologist. Excessively dry skin can increase the risk of infection and other complications.