4 Common Causes of Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Face

Who May Be Most Likely To Experience Dry, Flaky Skin on the Face?

Those with dry skin generally experience facial peeling or dry, flaky skin more often than other skin types. This is because people with dry face skin produce less sebum (natural oils) than other 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 may not have proper moisture and protection from the environment. In fact, one thing that many people with dry or sensitive skin 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 dry face skin include those who live in very dry or cold climates, individuals with certain illnesses, and anyone middle-aged or older. As you age, your skin produces less sebum—with levels dropping significantly in your 40s and beyond.

 

4 Common Causes of Dry, Flaky Skin on the Face

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

 

1. Drying soaps or skincare products

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

 

If you have dry, flaky 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. At CeraVe, we often recommend face and body moisturizers that are made for dry skin specifically, such as the multitasking CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This particular formula uses ingredients designed to help retain moisture, like hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides, and petrolatum, to help restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

 

2. External factors

If dry patches on your face tend to occur seasonally, it may be environmental factors that are 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 if you’re trying to manage dry skin.¹

 

3. A pre-existing skin condition

Itchy, dry, flaky skin is a common skin concern for people with chronic skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. Since individuals who experience these skin conditions may suffer from a compromised skin barrier, products formulated with ceramides can be especially useful to 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 that 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, flaky skin on your face, a dermatologist can help by providing recommendations on how to manage dry skin on the face, like using hydrating products. CeraVe skincare is actually developed with dermatologists, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-drying. To learn more about how to help dry skin, read our helpful guide to choosing a facial cleanser for dry skin.

 

How To Care for Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Face

If you’ve struggled with dry, flaky skin on either your face or body, we know how frustrating it can be. Consistently parched, rough, or lackluster skin can appear tired or older than your years. So below, find nine tips to try and help give your skin—and yourself—some relief.

 

• Use gentle, hypoallergenic cleansers. We’ve touted this point a couple of times already, but it’s worth repeating: Dry skin is compromised skin, so avoid using any ingredients that may dry your skin out even more. Look for a cleanser that doesn't contain any alcohol or fragrance, such as CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser. Formulated for dry to very dry skin, it blends three essential ceramides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid to help cleanse while supporting your skin barrier.

 

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. We can’t stress enough how important it is to keep your skin moisturized and well-hydrated. Moisturizing products, like CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion, can help quench dry, flaky skin. This formula, made specially for extra dry skin, helps relieve and protect your skin against five key signs of dryness: flaking, itching, tightness, roughness, and discoloration.

 

• Don’t skip sunscreen. Sun damage can exacerbate dryness. Help protect your skin every day by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen and taking other sun protection measures. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 50, which is formulated for dry skin, is a great multitasking pick—it’s a moisturizer and a sunscreen all in one.

 

• Wash and bathe in warm—never hot—water. A steaming hot shower or soak may seem luxurious, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin, especially if it’s already dry. Instead, lower the temp and limit your time under warm water to 10 minutes or less. Your parched skin will thank you.

 

• Be gentle when (if) you shave. Removing unwanted hair can also disrupt your skin barrier and dry your skin out if you use too much pressure or a dull edge. Be sure to always use shaving cream or gel first, a fresh, sharp blade while you’re at it, and moisturizer afterward.

 

• Slip on a pair of gloves. If you’ll be coming into contact with any potentially irritating chemicals or ingredients, like strong house-cleaning or gardening supplies, and such, don some gloves to help keep the irritants away from your skin.

 

• Protect against the elements: Weather extremes, such cold and windy weather can do a number on your skin. Be sure to cover up as much skin as possible with protective clothing (hats, scarves, and so on).

 

• Wash off and moisturize after swimming. Chemicals in pools (like chlorine) are not your skin’s friend. Make a point to rinse off and moisturize after going for a dip to help keep your skin from drying out afterward.

 

• Stay hydrated. Drink non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day to help keep your whole body—dry, flaky skin on your face, included—well-hydrated.

 

Learn about caring for your parched skin with Nourishing Skincare Routine for Dry Skin.