What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Treatment for Dry, Scaly Facial Skin
Dry skin is a common condition in which the outer layer of skin, the stratum corneum, does not produce or retain sufficient moisture. It is particularly prevalent during the winter months, due to lower humidity outdoors and exposure to wind. When facial skin is particularly dry, there may be accompanying itching, redness, scaling and even cracks or fissures in the skin. The majority of cases of dry, flaky skin respond well to preventive lifestyle measures and simple home remedies.
Prevention
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that the number one extrinsic cause of skin aging is exposure to damaging rays from the sun; and one of the primary symptoms of aging skin is a dry, dull appearance. Protecting skin from such sun damage is as simple as wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 every day, year round, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat outdoors. Harsh cleansers, perfumed products and soaps, as well as exposure to very hot water can also dry out skin, and should be avoided.
Moisturizers
Dry Flaking on the Nose
Learn More
One of the primary treatments for dry, scaly skin is to use a moisturizer on the affected areas two to four times per day. Particularly when used after bathing or washing your face, moisturizers help seal water into the skin's outer layer, the stratum corneum, reducing both itching and flaking. Moisturizers are available in three main types of preparations: lotions, creams and ointments. The Mayo Clinic notes that thicker products including heavy creams or ointments provide the most staying power and do not need to be applied as frequently 3. A pharmacist can assist you in choosing an appropriate type of facial moisturizer.
- One of the primary treatments for dry, scaly skin is to use a moisturizer on the affected areas two to four times per day.
- The Mayo Clinic notes that thicker products including heavy creams or ointments provide the most staying power and do not need to be applied as frequently 3.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that is derived from milk. It is able to penetrate the skin, removing the top layer of dead, dull skin to reveal the fresher, smoother skin that lie just beneath. Lactic acid is available in a variety of preparations, from in-office facial peels to home kits and moisturizers.
Hydrocortisone
Why Is My Skin So Dry?
Learn More
Hydrocortisone is a topical anti-inflammatory steroid that is available in preparations in both over-the-counter and prescription strength, and can help control itching in severe cases of dry, flaky skin. While it is safe to use hydrocortisone at home for short-term relief, it should only be used for longer periods under the direction of a physician.
Considerations
Although most cases of dry skin are mild and respond well to preventive and home measures, severe dryness and flaking can be signs of more serious skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis. See a doctor if dry, flaking skin persists year-round and does not respond to treatment at home, as well as if skin develops fissures or cracks that bleed 1.
Related Articles
References
- Net Doctor: Coping with Dry Skin
- Discovery Health: How Lactic Acid Skin Care Works
- Mayo Clinic's Guide to Dry Skin
- Harvard Medical School Harvard Health Publishing. 9 ways to banish dry skin.
- Penn Medicine. The winter itch: what causes dry skin, and what you can do about it. Updated January 30, 2017.
- U.S. Pharmacist. Causes and treatment of dry skin. Updated April 23, 2012.
- Harvard Medical School Harvard Health Publishing. 9 ways to banish dry skin.
- Farage MA, Miller KW, Elsner P, Maibach HI. Characteristics of the aging skin. Advances in Wound Care. 2013;2(1):5-10. doi:10.1089/wound.2011.0356
- Engebretsen K, Johansen J, Kezic S, Linneberg A, Thyssen J. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol and Venereol. 2016;30(2):223-249. doi:10.1111/jdv.13301
- Goad N, Gawkrodger D. Ambient humidity and the skin: the impact of air humidity in healthy and diseased states. J Eur Acad Dermatol and Venereol. 2016;30(8):1285-1294. doi:10.1111/jdv.13707
- Flament F, Bazin R, Rubert , Simonpietri , Piot B, Laquieze. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. CCID. 2013;6: 221–232. doi:10.2147/CCID.S44686
- Penn Medicine. The winter itch: what causes dry skin, and what you can do about it. Updated January 30, 2017.
- U.S. Pharmacist. Causes and treatment of dry skin. Updated April 23, 2012.
- Griffiths CEM, van de Kerkhof P, Czarnecka-Operacz M. Psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(S1):31-41. doi:10.1007/s13555-016-0167-9
- Combs SA, Teixeira JP, Germain MJ. Pruritus in kidney disease. Seminars in Nephrology. 2015;35(4):383-391. doi:10.1016/j.semnephrol.2015.06.009
Writer Bio
Dayna is a freelance writer, artist and former high school teacher. She has been writing professionally for three years, and hold degrees in physical anthropology, art and special education. Her particular areas of interest include anthropology, health and nutrition, fitness and beauty and skin care.