How to Manage Dry Flaky Skin on Your Face
March 13, 2020
Dry skin can be difficult enough to manage, but when you let your skin care routine slip, you may come face-to-face with an even more difficult skin concern: dry, flaky skin. Flaky skin on your face isn’t exactly the cutest look, not to mention it makes applying an even makeup look nearly impossible. Need help navigating your complexion? Read on to learn our top tips for managing dry, flaky skin on your face.
TIP #1. SHOWER THE RIGHT WAY
If you have a dry, flaky complexion, it’s a sign that you may need to consider switching up your shower routine. To help heal your dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends limiting your shower to 10 to 15 minutes, using lukewarm water, and keeping the bathroom door closed to lock in moisture.
TIP #2. USE UNSCENTED SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
As you can probably imagine, fragrances can be a bit harsh for flaky skin. The AAD advises using fragrance-free products when caring for a dry complexion. Need a rec? Here are three fragrance-free moisturizers your complexion will surely thank you for using.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer Fragrance Free: This fragrance-free anti-aging moisturizer contains Pro-Retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. It helps visibly reduce wrinkles, firm and brighten skin, and leave your complexion softer, smoother, and plumped with hydration. The formula is also paraben-free, mineral oil-free, dye-free, and allergy-tested.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Face & Neck Fragrance Free Moisturizer: This fragrance-free face and neck cream helps smooth, firm, and hydrate areas of your skin that can be prone to visible signs of skin aging, like wrinkles and loss of elasticity. It’s formulated with Pro-Retinol and centella asiatica and provides long-lasting moisture.
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Fragrance Free Face Moisturizer: Formulated with imperial peony extracts and LHA, this moisturizing cream for mature skin has a fragrance-free formula that helps to renew surface skin cells and revive skin’s rosy, youthful tone. The cream gently exfoliates dull, sallow skin and leaves you with a healthy-looking, rosy complexion over time.
TIP #3. AND GENTLE FORMULAS
Aside from fragrances, alcohol, retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids can also irritate your already dry skin, according to the AAD. To truly care for flaky skin, search for products that check all the right boxes!
TIP #4. INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER
The Mayo Clinic states that when it’s hot and dry indoors, it can make your dry skin even worse, leading to itching and flaking. No thanks! While you may like to turn up the heat, especially in winter, be sure to keep a humidifier on hand to help add moisture back into the air inside your home.
TIP #5. OPT FOR OINTMENTS AND CREAMS
When it comes to hydrating the dry, flaky skin on your face, the AAD recommends using an ointment or cream rather than a lotion. Some key ingredients to look for include oils like olive oil and jojoba oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum (aka petroleum jelly).
Editor’s note: Speaking of, here are 7 Uses of Petroleum Jelly.
TIP #6. MOISTURIZE AT THE RIGHT TIME
Sure, you want to make sure you amp up the moisture, but did you know there’s a key time to do so? The Mayo Clinic explains that it’s best to apply your ointment or cream within a couple of minutes of washing after you’ve patted your skin mostly dry with a towel. Doing so will help trap much-needed moisture.
TIP #7: STOP SKIPPING EXFOLIATION
A flaky complexion could be your skin calling out for exfoliation. Dead skin cells build up on your skin over time, and if they aren’t scrubbed or otherwise exfoliated away, they may be left to flake off. Not quite what you want, right? While dry, flaky skin may not be suited to harsh face scrubs or intense exfoliation, you can still slough your skin to encourage smoothness. Try using a gentle chemical exfoliant and start with exfoliating just once or twice a week to see what your skin can handle.
Next up: Want to learn more about caring for dry skin? Start by brushing up on the 7 Reasons You Have Dry Skin.
