How to get rid of dry flaky skin on face

If you live in a cold climate during the winter, chances are you're freezing, bundled, and trying to look somewhat pulled together despite the elements. And underneath it all, you're probably dealing with a tight, itchy, and flaky face. We asked two New York City-based dermatologists how to cope with winter skin.

Swap out your face wash for an oil cleanser

"Oils cleanse the skin, plus they have inherently hydrating properties," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. His pick: Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil ($32; dermstore.com)—a soothing, soap-free formula (eczema skin approved!) that helps prevent the drying effects of water.

Slather on a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid

This ingredient is a humectant that pulls water into the outer layer of the skin and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, says Dr. Zeichner. He likes Neutrogena Hydroboost ($29; ulta.com), an editor-tested, refreshing, gel-like formula that feels light yet acts like a heavy moisturizer. To maximize hydration, apply it when your skin is damp.

The same theory applies to the skin on your body: "Moisturize within five minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in hydration," Dr. Zeichner says. "Studies have shown immediate hydration to be more effective than delayed hydration. So apply body lotion swiftly and keep the bathroom door closed to increase humidity in the air. When choosing a body moisturizer, look for ceramides on the ingredient list. These help seal in the cracks between the outer skin cells."

Reduce the use of anti-aging ingredients

"Winter is a time when I recommend that my patients cut down on the frequency of their anti-aging ingredients, including AHA and Retin-A," says Elizabeth Hale, MD, board-certified dermatologist and vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation. "While these are powerful anti-aging tools, they can dry the skin out even more in the wintertime, so you may want to use them only a few days each week."

Wear SPF

"Applying sunscreen, even during the winter, is imperative, as studies confirm that sun is the number one cause of skin aging," explains Dr. Hale. Her pick: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream with SPF 30 ($33; cvs.com), which contains an amino peptide and vitamin B3 to hydrate the skin.

Beat chapped lips with a better balm

To help heal sore, flaky lips, swipe on an unflavored/unscented lip balm that has an SPF included in the formula. Two ingredients to look for: panthenol and/or lanolin.

Don't mistake flakes on your scalp for dry skin

"Scales in the scalp may not actually be dry skin, but rather dandruff caused by yeast on the scalp, resulting in skin irritation," says Dr. Zeichner. Try a dandruff-fighting shampoo, like Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo ($2; headandshoulders.com). "Make sure to rub it into the scalp, let it sit for five minutes, then rinse."

If this doesn't do the trick, try this moisturizing, DIY scalp treatment from Dr. Hale: After shampooing, massage a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil (straight from the kitchen) in circular motions. Wait about 10 minutes, then rinse.

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Sources

Real Simple is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy.

1. Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4429. doi:10.3390/molecules26154429

2. American Academy of Dermatologists, Dermatologists' Top Tips for Relieving Dry Skin. Accessed August 6, 2022.

3. Krutmann J, Schalka S, Watson REB, Wei L, Morita A. Daily photoprotection to prevent photoaging. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2021;37(6):482-489. doi:10.1111/phpp.12688

   Dry skin generally experiences facial peeling or flaking more often than other skin types. This is because people with dry skin produce less sebum (natural oils) than other skin types—such as normal, combination, or oily skin. This lack of sebum can be more noticeable on the face and result in a complexion that appears rough, flaky, and dull.

   Because this skin type produces less oils, the skin is left without proper moisture and protection from the environment. In fact, one thing that most dry or sensitive skin types have in common is a compromised skin barrier. When this important protective barrier is weakened, it allows moisture to escape and potential irritants to enter the skin.

   However, people with dry skin are not the only ones who may experience dry, flaky skin on their face. Other people who may also be more susceptible to a dry, flaky complexion include those who live in very dry or cold climates, individuals with certain illnesses, smokers, and anyone middle-aged or older. As you age, your skin produces less sebum—with levels dropping significantly in your 40s and beyond.

   Although dry, flaky skin can appear anywhere on your body—from your hands to your feet, elbows, or legs—it can be particularly troubling when it affects your face. If you’re experiencing dry skin and subsequent flaking or itching on your face, there are a number of elements that may be at hand. Here are some of the most common factors that can impact excessively dry facial skin.

   1) Harsh Soaps or Skincare Products

   Skincare products containing harsh chemicals are often at the root of dry or flaky skin on your face. This is especially true for some alcohol-based products, like aggressive toners or astringents, that can strip your skin of natural oils and result in increased dehydration or irritation. This can also be true for highly fragranced products, deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps, and other products containing drying alcohol ingredients.

   If you have dry skin on your face, it’s usually recommended to seek out non-comedogenic, gentle, fragrance-free products developed with dermatologists—or to consult a board-certified dermatologist directly for personalized guidance. CeraVe recommends gentle hydrating products, such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, that contain ingredients designed to help retain moisture, like hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to help restore the skin’s protective barrier.

   2) External Factors

   If patches of flaky skin occur seasonally, you may have environmental factors to blame. Increased dryness can appear on your face whenever there are changes in temperature or humidity levels. A general lack of available moisture in the air can affect your skin’s appearance, on the face or on any area of the body. Fortunately, these bouts of seasonal dryness tend to be temporary and usually aren’t cause for concern.

   Additionally, other possible external causes of dry, flaky skin are long, hot showers or baths. Because these habits can strip natural oils from the skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting bathing time to no more than 5-10 minutes in warm water when treating dry skin.1

   3) A Pre-Existing Skin Condition

   Itchy and dry skin are among some of the common skin concerns for people with chronic skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. Since individuals who experience these skin conditions may suffer from a compromised skin barrier, CeraVe recommends products formulated with ceramides, which can help restore the skin’s protective natural barrier.

   4) Certain Medications

   It’s possible that certain medications may also contribute to dry, flaky skin on your face. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of dry skin as a result of your medication, consult with your doctor for the best personalized treatment options.

   Despite the many possible causes of dry skin on your face, a dermatologist can help by recommending hydrating products, such as CeraVe products that are developed with dermatologists, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-drying. To learn more about dry skin, read our helpful guide to choosing a facial cleanser for dry skin.

   How do I get rid of flaky skin on my face?

   To soothe dry patches on your face and body, these four tips can help..

   Avoid hot showers. Water can strip your skin of its oils, leading to dryness. ... .

   Moisturize often. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it's better to use moisturizers in cream or ointment form. ... .

   Check your skin products. ... .

   Invest in a humidifier..

   Why is my face so dry and flaky?

   Dryness occurs when your skin doesn't have enough water or oil. Dry skin is known in the medical world as xerosis or xeroderma . It usually comes from a loss of fats that keep the skin moist. It can also occur due to a lack of natural moisturizing factors, like lactic acid, sugars, and urea.

   How do I get rid of flaky skin on my face naturally?

   You can also try these natural remedies:.

   Whip Up an Olive Oil Cleanser to Soothe Dry Skin. ... .

   DIY a Rich, Creamy Avocado Mask. ... .

   Make a Natural Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub. ... .

   Create an Easy Oatmeal Soak to Calm Your Skin. ... .

   Exfoliate Your Face With a Homemade Oatmeal Honey Mask. ... .

   Apply Coconut Oil Before Bedtime..