It can be hard to feel confident when you have patches of dry, flaky skin on your face and neck. While not uncommon, flaky skin can be uncomfortable — and sometimes, unsightly.
Understanding why your skin is dry can help you figure out what to do about it. From adopting a good skin care routine to visiting a dermatologist, preventing and treating dry, flaky skin is possible.
Why Do I Have Random Dry, Flaky Skin on My Face?
Many factors cause the skin to lose moisture, dry out, and flake off. It might be due to exposure to weather, some health conditions, or poor nutrition. Other common reason for dry, flaky skin include:
- Age — Skin gets drier as you grow older.
- Environmental factors — Drops in temperature and humidity make it hard for skin to retain moisture, and air pollution can damage its protective layer.
- Health — Certain medications can lead to dry skin. Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and menopause are known to cause dry skin, too.
- Lifestyle — Exercise causes sweating and sometimes dehydration, both of which can contribute to dry skin. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also cause moisture loss in the skin.
- Nutrition — Diets low in vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and other nutrients can lead to excessively dry skin. Eating too much sugar or processed meat can have the same effect.
- Skin care — Trying to clean skin can dry it out. Water can strip your skin of its oils, such as when you spend too much time in the shower or wash with water that’s too hot. Harsh soaps and skin care products are culprits, too.
- Skin tone — People with brown, black, or fair skin are more likely to have dry skin than those with medium complexions.
What causes small, circular dry patches on skin?
While a lack of moisture is usually to blame for dry, flaky skin, there are other causes for those circular patches. Common skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema, may be to blame, as well as fungal infections like ringworm. Stress, allergens, and irritants can trigger these conditions.
How Do I Get Rid of Dry, White Flakes on My Face?
Once you’ve identified the cause (or causes) of your dry skin, you can begin to address it.
Establish a good skin care routine
With the right skin care products, you can prevent and treat dry, flaky skin. Remember to:
- Exfoliate gently — Removing dead skin cells allows your moisturizer to penetrate better and provide maximum benefits.
- Moisturize often — The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using moisturizers in cream or ointment form to trap moisture in the skin. Look for products that contain soothing ingredients, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or petroleum jelly. After bathing or washing your face, apply moisturizer right away, following the product’s instructions.
- Test your skin products — You may get dry patches on your face because you’re sensitive or allergic to fragrances, dyes, or a chemical in a product. Stop using the product in question to see if that makes a difference. Look for skin care products intended for dry skin and labeled hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Take steps to prevent dry, flaky skin
In an ideal world, you would stop dry, flaky skin before it happens. Ways to prevent dry skin include:
- Drink plenty of water — Staying hydrated on the inside can help you stay hydrated on the outside.
- Eat a healthy diet — Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish contain vitamins and minerals that support healthy skin.
- Stop smoking — Preventing dry, flaky skin is just one of many reasons to quit smoking. Ditch those cigarettes to improve the flow of blood and oxygen your skin loves so much.
- Try a humidifier — Dry indoor air can contribute to facial dryness. Use a humidifier in your home to add moisture and prevent dry, flaky skin.
Give home remedies a try
There are many products on the market for treating dry facial skin. But there are also some natural remedies you can try with items you may already have at home — and for much less. Here are a few options:
- Milk — Milk has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties, as well as lactic acid, which is a mild natural exfoliant. Soak a clean washcloth in a bowl of cool milk and hold it in place over dry areas for 5 to 10 minutes. Lactic acid may sting extremely dry skin, so use this method carefully with cracked skin.
- Oatmeal — Oatmeal can be used to make a great exfoliating mask. Mix 2 tablespoons of oats with 1 tablespoon of honey and a dash of warm water. Mix it up and rub it onto your skin. Wash it off right away or leave it on for 15 minutes for a soothing, hydrating mask.
- Olive oil — Olive oil is a great natural cleanser and moisturizer. Rub a little oil on your face, then drape a warm, damp washcloth over your face until it cools. Wipe away excess oil afterward.
- Sugar and olive oil — Another option is to combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon olive oil to make a scrub. Gently rub the scrub onto your skin, then wash it off. Add a moisturizer to lock in the freshness of newly exfoliated skin.
What if My Dry, Flaky Skin Won’t Go Away?
Most cases of dry skin patches on your face are mild and will clear up with time. But sometimes, dry, flaky skin can indicate something more serious. Contact your dermatologist if dryness doesn’t go away or is very itchy. Seeing a doctor is especially important if you can find what’s causing the dryness.
Dry skin can be irritating, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your life. For more advice on healing dry skin, contact your doctor or make an appointment with the UPMC Department of Dermatology.
Editor's Note: This video was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .