Having dry skin on your face can be frustrating. For one thing, flaking and peeling don't exactly make for a radiant complexion. More importantly, though, thirsty skin can be downright uncomfortable. Maybe you notice tightness around your mouth and eyes, or perhaps you're battling stubborn scaly patches that no dollop of moisturiser can soothe.
It's important to think about your daily routine a little differently, says Dr Anna Yasmine Kirkorian, chief of dermatology at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC. "Some people are just more prone to drier skin than others at baseline," Dr Kirkorian says. However, she adds, "our everyday habits can dry us out further."
Regardless of what's making your face so parched, tending to your skin's natural moisture barrier the stratum corneum, to get technical - is often key to alleviating any tightness, flaking or peeling. This starts with what's triggering your dryness. That's why we asked a few dermatologists to break down the most common causes of dry skin on your face, and how to restore your natural glow.
Generally speaking...
or Flaking skin reflects damage to your skin barrier, which keeps hydration in and [bacteria, chemicals, allergens environmental pollutants] out, Dr Kirkorian says. If your dryness is paired with other more severe and persistent symptoms such as a rash, scaly patches, or painfully raw and sensitive skin, that can indicate an underlying condition such as eczema or psoriasis. Flare-ups of these inflammatory diseases go beyond everyday tightness and flaking. A dermatologist or primary care provider can diagnose these issues and recommend treatment options, such as prescription topical or oral medications.
Chronic skin conditions aside, here are some of the most common reasons your face might be feeling (and looking) like a desert.
01 You're going too hard on skincare 'actives'
This story is from the December 2024 - January 2025 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.
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This story is from the December 2024 - January 2025 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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