Around 60% of people experience facial dryness during winter months? And yet, dry flaky skin on the face is not just a “winter problem.” It is one of the most common skincare struggles that can show up any time of the year, no matter your skin type.
If you ever have had dry patches you may relate to how they itch, sting slightly, and make your makeup sit unevenly. Millions of people deal with dry flaky skin daily, and you’ll be surprised to know that there are many solutions to calm it down.
In this post, let us talk about why flaky skin happens, who it affects, what the signs look like, and some quick fixes you can try right away.
Who Struggles with Dry Facial Skin?
Even though dry facial skin appears on dry skin type folks, there are even other reasons. Some reasons include climatic conditions, and others are given below in detail:
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When you are in cold conditions, moisture will lack which leads to sry skin.
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Too much exfoliation or scrubbing can also strip off the moisture and lead to dry, flaky skin. Therefore, it is important to know how to exfoliate your skin correctly.
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Including too much of active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinols, etc can lead to flaky/dry skin.
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When you use products which have harsh ingredients on skin, then the natural oils will strip away.
The point is, this issue does not discriminate. Even people with oily skin are not safe because once the skin barrier is damaged, flakes can appear on any skin type.
Dry Face Skin: What It Looks and Feels Like
You do not need a magnifying mirror to notice dry skin. The signs are usually loud and clear. If you recognise even a couple of these, your skin is definitely thirsty for moisture.
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Your face feels tight, that it will crack, right after cleansing.
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You notice white flakes around the nose, chin, or even on your forehead.
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Makeup clings to random patches on your face and refuses to blend.
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You feel rough and textured skin when you touch your face.
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You always look dull.
Reasons for Flaky Skin on Face:
Even though there are a lot of reasons, some of them include environmental changes, lifestyle, and other medical conditions.
1. Dehydration
As much as we apply products internally, it's important to hydrate internally. No expensive moisturizer will help when you don't hydrate internally. When your body doesn’t get enough water, it reflects on your skin in the form of dryness.
2. Over-Cleansing
Overwashing your face which means doing it three or four times a day strips away natural oils that your skin barrier needs to stay balanced.
3. Cold Weather and Low Humidity
You might have noticed that cold wind pulls moisture from your skin while indoor heating adds to the dryness. That’s why so many people notice flaky skin during colder months because the atmosphere doesn’t leave a chance to suck moisture out of your skin especially in winters.
4. Skin Irritating Products
Incorporating too much of active ingredients like AHAs, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide will damage when too much is used. You will achieve peeled flaky, and dry skin.
5. Ski-related Challenges
Skin issues like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema will lead to dryness and skin irritation. In these cases, rather than home remedies, make sure to consult your dermat once.
What Makes my Face Feel Dry Post-Wash?
One of the common skincare concerns most of us face today is dry skin. It is because “ Your skin barrier is compromised”. There are a lot of reasons for this, like washing your face too much, using products that do not suit your skin, and the list goes on!
It’s only when your skin starts to lose the naturally present oils, you feel dryness. Repeating these mistakes can worsen it with time. Another factor is pH balance. Soaps or cleansers with high pH can make your skin feel tight and dry within minutes.
Also, there is a myth that oily skin folks can use skin moisturizer. But, it's a big No. Every skin type needs a moisturizer to add a dose of hydration to your skin externally. There are times, where we may forget or miss to hydrate internally; In that case, moisturizer will be your skin saviour.
Flaky Skin Post Facewash - Reasons:
That “white stuff” could be dead skin cells loosening up. Or leftover cleanser you didn’t rinse fully. Sometimes it’s product buildup from too many layers. To fix this you can make double cleansing a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Choose a natural cleansing balm and use it religiously before using a cleanser every night. It helps remove the product build up from your pores, thus giving you a soft, supple and glowing skin.
How to Treat Dry and Flaky Skin on Your Face
Treating dryness needs a plan, not random products.
- Gentle Cleansing – Use a hydrating face wash that doesn’t strip your skin of natural oils. Oat Milk Cleanser can be a good choice even for sensitive skin. No sulfates, no stripping!
- Hydration Boost – Apply a 2% Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum on damp skin to lock in water.
- Moisturising – Go for a thick cream like Deep Moisturising Face Cream. Apply an adequate amount on your face to moisturise well.
- SPF Every Morning – Yes, sunscreen even if it’s cloudy. Sun damage worsens dryness. So don’t skip SPF no matter what!
- Layer Smart – Always go from lighter to heavier formulas. Use toner first then serum followed by a moisturiser.
Best Home Remedies for Flaky Skin on Face
Sometimes kitchen fixes can help a lot with dry skin:
Aloe Vera Gel:
This gel is a great moisturizer and offers many benefits for the skin, such as soothing irritation, deep hydration, and promoting skin healing. It works even better when paired with a lightweight or gel-based moisturizer, especially for oily or acne-prone skin. Grab our natural pure aloe vera gel for the best results.
Honey and Yogurt Mask:
Honey and yogurt work great together! Where honey locks moisture, yogurt smoothens skin because it has lactic acid which works as a natural exfoliant. Keep the mask for at least 10 to 15 minutes before washing.
Oatmeal Paste:
Oats is another kitchen ingredient you can use to treat dry flaky skin. Just grind some oats, mix some water and there you have a paste that can actually repair your skin barrier. Massage it gently onto your skin for a minute or two, twice or thrice a week.
Cold Milk Compress:
Raw milk is a great option to gently moisturise and mildly exfoliate your skin at the same time. It softens rough skin and reduces irritation super fast.
When to See a Dermatologist for Facial Dryness
Over 50% of adults experience dry facial skin at least once a year. While most people can manage dryness at home with the right care, some need professional help because there could be some underlying conditions. If your skin still feels rough or extremely dry even after two to three weeks of consistent care, or it starts to burn, crack, or itch a lot, then it really is an alarming sign that you need a dermatologist.
Before You Begin Your Healing Journey
Dry, flaky skin isn't a big deal! Once you figure out the cause, opting for a solution is simpler. The most common ones are sipping on enough water and going for gentle products. Although what you should remember is that consistency is everything! Start your healing routine today by choosing the right way to care.
FAQs
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What vitamin deficiency causes flaky skin on the face?
Vitamins B, E, or D deficiencies can cause flaky skin. These vitamins are responsible for a healthy skin barrier. -
Why is my face so flaky even when I moisturise?
It means the product you’re using isn’t the right match for your skin type. For example, a heavy cream on oily skin or a light gel on extremely dry skin won’t give any satisfying results. -
Is coconut oil good for dry skin?
Yes, coconut oil can be an acute remedy for dry, flaky skin. But it’s not for everyone. Some people may break out from it. In that case, choosing lighter oils like jojoba or argan is a better choice. -
How do I get rid of dry, flaky skin on my face?
Stay hydrated from inside out. That’s the key. Don’t miss out on proper water intake and use gentle products for skincare. -
What is the best vitamin for dry, flaky skin?
Vitamin E is one of the best-known vitamins for skin hydration. But it’s not the only one. Vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids are important too for healthy, soft skin. Include foods like nuts, seeds, and citrus fruits in your diet everyday.
