Of all the skin surfaces on the body, the face is the most vulnerable to the effects of weather, cleaning products that cause dry skin, and other irritants. Skin can become dry, scaly, and cracked, so knowing some home remedies to deal with it may be helpful to you. You should also know when it is time to visit your doctor for a thorough examination and treatment.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Try Over-the-counter Medicines and Home Treatments
Step 1. Know how to prevent dry skin
Knowing the cause can help you address (or reduce) environmental factors that trigger chapped skin. This includes:
- Taking too long a shower or bath (wetting your skin can actually dry it out).
- Hard soap (gentle cleansers are better for dry, chapped skin).
- Swimming pool.
- The weather is cold and windy.
- Irritating clothing (such as a scarf) that can trigger a skin reaction.
Step 2. Clean the face quickly and not as thoroughly as usual
The shorter the time your face is exposed to water and cleansers, the better. Use a mild soap or cleanser, and avoid scrubs.
Step 3. Be careful when showering and bathing
You might think that a lot of water will help restore moisture to the skin, but too much water can actually dry out the skin. Limit showers and baths to 5-10 minutes.
- Adding ingredients such as natural oils (such as mineral oil, almond, or avocado), a cup of oatmeal or baking soda to the bath may be helpful if you prefer. Soaking can soothe dry skin (as long as it's not too long), and adding these ingredients can help retain moisture.
- Gently pat your face dry after bathing or bathing. Drying your face by rubbing a towel roughly can make dry skin worse.
- Also, choose a milder soap for bathing as it is less irritating and drying to the skin.
Step 4. Apply a generous amount of moisturizing cream or lotion
As soon as you get out of the tub, pat your skin dry (don't rub too hard) as this will help retain as much natural moisture in your skin as possible. Also, apply moisturizer right after showering, as well as at other times of the day.
- If your skin is sensitive and prone to allergies, choose a moisturizing cream or lotion that is labeled "hypoallergenic" on the package.
- If your skin is prone to breakouts, choose a moisturizing cream or lotion that says "anti-comedogenic" on the package.
- If your skin is very dry in certain areas, petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can be a powerful option for dealing with it. You can also try Aquaphor products which are not too sticky. When used on very dry skin areas, this product can restore its condition quickly because it is very effective. However, the appearance of the face after using the product which is shiny and oily may make it unsuitable for use while in public. So, it is best to only use this product at night.
- Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor to your face if you live in a very cold and dry area during the dry season. Both of these products will help prevent dry and cracked skin.
Step 5. Avoid peeling or scratching the cracked skin on the face
While it may be tempting to peel or scratch, especially if your skin looks scaly or red, this can only make the problem worse and further damage the skin.
Step 6. Meet the body's fluid needs
You should drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, and more if you exercise, to replace fluids lost through sweat.
Although it doesn't guarantee to solve the problem of cracked skin, getting enough body fluids will help keep the skin moisturized
Step 7. Know when you need to see a doctor
If your skin condition does not improve after two weeks of moisturizing and other treatments above, you should seek medical attention. Also, if the red, scaly skin lesions on your face worsen, you should not delay seeing your doctor or dermatologist (skin care specialist).
- Even if dry, cracked skin is fairly common, certain skin lesions (bumps, or unusual coloration), or a rapid worsening of the skin condition, need to be treated by a doctor. There may be a problem that can be addressed by a medicated cream or ointment, or in certain cases, more comprehensive medical care.
- Changes in the skin can also be a sign of a new allergy or sensitivity. Talk to your doctor about this possibility if your skin changes.
Method 2 of 2: Trying Medical Treatment
Step 1. Be aware of possible underlying medical conditions for cracked skin
If so, addressing the underlying condition will help repair the skin. Medical conditions that can trigger dry, cracked skin include:
- Thyroid conditions
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Eczema, allergic reactions, or psoriasis, as well as other skin conditions
- Drugs or topical products that are said to protect from the sun for some time after use (applied or swallowed).
Step 2. Know the important signs that you should visit and seek medical attention
If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor (or dermatologist) and not delay:
- Skin that suddenly becomes dry
- Itching that appears suddenly
- Signs of bleeding, swelling, discharge, or intense redness
Step 3. Use a topical medicated cream
Your doctor can prescribe certain creams, lotions, or ointments to help your skin heal faster. Examples include:
- Prescription topical antihistamines to reduce itching.
- Prescription cortisone cream (a steroid that suppresses the immune system) topically to treat inflammation caused by skin lesions.
- Prescribe antibiotics or antifungals if your skin is infected.
- Prescribe stronger tablets (oral medications) if topical treatments don't work.
