Dry Skin on Face

Dry skin on face is one of the common skin problems. It often feels irritated, tight, uncomfortable, and even itchy. Extremely dry skin looks chapped and cracked. Dry skin is unable to retain moisture and has a low level of sebum. It can cause aging skin, wrinkles, and sensitivity. Dry skin on face is common during winter but some people may experience this dryness throughout the year.

Causes of Dry Skin on Face

– Dehydration: This is the most common cause of dry skin on face.

– Environment: Wind, sun, extreme temperature and air conditioning can cause dry skin.

– Age: As you age, your skin becomes drier.

– Skin care products: Harsh cleansers, facial creams, and makeup sometimes make you facial skin dry. Skin care products that contain salicylic acids, alpha and beta hydroxyl acids, and topical Retinoids such as Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, and retinol exfoliate skin and remove too much oils.

– Poor diet: Alcohol and coffee dehydrate your skin. Vitamin A and vitamin B deficiencies also cause skin dryness.

– Heredity: If your mother or father has dry skin, you may too.

– Hormonal imbalance

– Illnesses: Diabetes and kidney disease can cause dry skin.

Remedies and Tips for Dry Skin

– Drink a lot of water to hydrate your skin. Experts suggest drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day but if you drink coffee or alcohol, you need to drink more water.

– Use gentle soap-free cleansers. Avoid using cleansers that contain salicylic acids, alpha and beta hydroxyl acids. Instead, use cleansers that are low pH.

– Avoid washing your face with too hot water as it can strip moisture from your skin.

– Apply moisturizer that contains vitamin E after cleansing to lock in moisture because moisture in your skin evaporates after you pat dry. If your dry skin is caused by certain skin care products, stop using them and switch to other products with milder ingredients.

– Eat healthy foods. If the dry skin on face is caused by vitamin A deficiency, you should eat more vitamin A rich foods such as carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, and other bright-colored fruits and vegetables.