Dry skin on the face can be very annoying and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are some simple ways that can help with this. Changing your facial cleansing routine may help reduce dry skin. Plus, you can reduce the moisture lost by taking shorter showers and turning on the humidifier. Adjusting your diet and trying to take supplements may also help. However, if all these methods don't work for dry skin, visit a doctor or dermatologist.
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Method 1 of 4: Adjusting Your Facial Cleansing Routine
Step 1. Choose a gentle cleaning product that does not contain fragrances, alcohol, and dyes
These ingredients can make dry skin worse. Check the label on any facial cleansing product you want to buy. Make sure the product does not contain any of the above ingredients. For best results, choose a cleansing product specifically designed for dry skin.
For example, you can buy non-soap cleaning products like Cetaphil or Aquanil
Step 2. Wash your face twice a day with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser
Wet your face with cold or lukewarm water. Catch the water with both palms then splash it on the face. Rub the facial cleanser onto the surface of the skin with your fingertips in a circular motion. After that, rinse the soap from the face by wetting it again.
- Don't rub a sponge or washcloth over your skin, as this will remove more oil and make your skin even drier.
- Do not use hot water to wash your face because it can dry out your skin even more.
Tip: wash your face when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. Don't wash your face more often or your skin will dry out even more. However, you should wash your face if you sweat a lot, such as after a workout.
Step 3. Pat your face with a clean towel
After you finish washing and rinsing your face, take a clean and dry towel and pat it on your face. Don't rub a towel against your skin, as this can make it even more dry. Simply dry your face by gently patting a towel.
You can use a regular towel or use a microfiber towel or a softer t-shirt
Step 4. Choose a moisturizer that contains oil, shea butter, or other emollients
These ingredients are great for dealing with dry skin on the face. Look for one or both of these ingredients on the product label. You may also want to opt for a cream or ointment moisturizer instead of a lotion. Look for products that are labeled "intensive" or products that are specifically designed for dry skin.
Other ingredients that may also help moisturize the skin include dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and urea. Pay attention to the ingredients in the moisturizer you want to buy. Find out if these ingredients are in it
Step 5. Apply moisturizer right after cleansing your face
This is the best time to lock in moisture and treat dry skin. Apply enough moisturizer to cover the entire surface of the face, then allow it to be absorbed into the skin. Use your fingertips to spread the moisturizer all over your face and neck.
You may only need a small amount of moisturizer to cover the entire surface of your face. So, start with a little moisturizer then add more if necessary
Step 6. Use aloe vera gel if you want to provide extra moisture
Applying pure aloe vera gel to your face once or twice a day may help reduce dry skin. Use aloe vera gel as a substitute or complement to your usual moisturizer after cleansing your face. Apply enough aloe vera gel to coat the entire surface of the face then allow it to be absorbed.
- You can buy pure aloe vera gel at a pharmacy or department store.
- Make sure that the aloe vera gel you buy does not contain other ingredients such as fragrances, dyes, alcohol, or lidocaine (to reduce sunburn pain) as they can irritate dry skin.
Step 7. Treat the skin once a week with a manuka honey mask
Using a manuka honey mask can help reduce dry skin on the face. Rub a thin layer of manuka honey onto cleansed skin. After that, leave this mask on for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this treatment 1 or 2 times a week to provide deep moisture to the skin.
- You can buy this honey at certain health food stores or online stores.
- If you can't find manuka honey, you can use regular honey.
Method 2 of 4: Maintaining Skin Moisture
Step 1. Always turn on the humidifier while you are at home
A humidifier will increase the humidity of the air and help reduce dry skin. Turning on a humidifier while you're at home can help lock in moisture while reducing dry skin. Try running a humidifier in your bedroom overnight to create a more humid environment.
You can also turn on the humidifier for a few hours during the day while you are at home. Put this tool in whatever room you are in, and turn it on
Step 2. Limit shower and bath time to no more than 10 minutes
Long baths and baths may relax you, but they can also make dry skin worse. So, limit the time you shower, try to only 5-10 minutes to reduce the drying effect on the skin.
Tip: make sure to close the bathroom door tightly. That way, the moisture during your shower and bath will not come out. Leaving the bathroom door open will allow moisture to escape and dry out your skin.
Step 3. Avoid sitting directly in front of a heat source to warm up
When you are cold, wear warm clothes and use a blanket. Don't sit right in front of a fireplace, heater, or heating duct as this can dry out your skin even more.
When the air temperature is very cold, try using an electric heating blanket to warm the body. If you don't have one of these, just put the blanket in the dryer for 5-10 minutes until it's warm and then use it to warm up
Method 3 of 4: Adjusting Your Diet and Using Supplements
Step 1. Drink water whenever you feel thirsty
Adequate body fluids can help improve skin health so it doesn't dry out easily. Drink a glass of water whenever you feel thirsty and when you normally drink something, such as during meals and after exercise.
Try to carry a refillable water bottle and fill it with water throughout the day
Step 2. Avoid alcoholic beverages or limit alcohol consumption to a maximum of once every 2 days
Consumption of alcoholic beverages can make your skin dry because alcohol has a diuretic effect, which removes water from the body. If you have a problem with dry skin and are used to drinking alcohol, try reducing it and you will see a clear difference in the appearance of your skin. Even if you consume alcohol, try to limit the amount, no more than 1-2 drinks every other day.
You may only feel the effects of reducing alcohol consumption on your skin after a few weeks
Tip: if you plan to stop drinking alcohol for 30 days or more, try taking before and after photos to see changes in your skin.
Step 3. Consume foods rich in vitamin C to improve skin health
Vitamin C is a nutrient that is very beneficial for skin health. If you have a problem with dry skin on your face, start eating more foods rich in vitamin C and watch the effects. Some good foods to eat include:
- Citrus fruits, grapefruit, lemons, and limes.
- Kiwi, mango and papaya.
- Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
- Cantaloupe and yellow melon.
- Broccoli, cauliflower and kale.
- Potatoes and sweet potatoes.
- Red paprika.
Step 4. Try using hair, skin, and nail vitamins to improve overall skin health
Hair, skin, and nail vitamins can help improve skin health while reducing dry skin if used for a long time. Look for a multivitamin specifically designed to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails and use it every day as directed. These supplements usually contain a combination of vitamins A, B, C, and E. However, there are also supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids and other ingredients.
Consult your doctor before starting to take any supplements, especially if you are also taking prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other supplements on a regular basis
Method 4 of 4: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Call your doctor if your skin is red, itchy, cracked, or bleeds
If your skin is red, itchy, cracked, or bleeds, make an appointment with your doctor right away. These symptoms may indicate that your skin is infected or will become infected if left unchecked. Your doctor may treat cracked skin with a combination of medication and a wet bandage.
Warning: if your facial skin has a rash, swelling, pain, or pus, this may indicate a skin infection. Immediately visit a doctor for medical treatment.
Step 2. Visit a dermatologist for a prescription for a dry skin care cream if your problem is severe
If your dry skin problem doesn't improve after you've tried everything, you may need the help of a dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe an ointment or cream to help hydrate and reduce skin irritation.
If you have a disease like psoriasis that also causes dry skin, your doctor may be able to prescribe something to treat it
Step 3. Ask your doctor to examine your thyroid gland
Hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive, can also cause dry skin. This disease requires a professional medical diagnosis, and doctors can prescribe medication to treat it if it does occur. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Tired
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Weight gain
- Swelling of the face
- Hair thinning
- Heavy menstruation
- Depression
- Disorders of memory
