How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face

Having dry skin on the face is very common, and most people will experience this at some point in their lifetime. It can occur anywhere on the body but is often most irritating when it occurs on visible areas, like the face. Read our guide on how to get rid of dry skin on the face and discover the best moisturiser for dry skin face care.

The severity of dry skin on face can impact how difficult it is to treat. But don’t worry, most cases of dry skin on face are easily remedied. To help, we've put together our top tips on how to get rid of dry skin on the face.

woman showering for how to get rid of dry skin on the face
How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face

1) No More Hot Showers

We can all appreciate that there’s very few comforts quiet like a relaxing hot shower. But as much as we love them, they’re not good for our skin. Both hot showers and baths can damage the skin and strip it of its natural oils. Without these natural oils to keep it hydrated, the skin on your face can become extremely dry.

 

We recommend adapting your shower routine, to include shorter and lukewarm showers instead. This will help to maintain your skin's natural oils and prevent you from suffering from dry skin on face.

moisturiser to get rid of dry skin on face
How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face

2) Apply Moisturiser

This may sound obvious, but applying moisturiser to your face will help to keep your skin hydrated. We recommend applying moisturiser straight after you wash, to lock in the moisture and prevent your face from becoming dry. But what is the best moisturiser for dry skin face care? Try our NIVEA 24H Nourishing Day Cream for dry and sensitive skin - enriched with almond oil and shea butter to soothe and deeply moisturise, tackling any sign of a dry face.

 

Dry skin on face can also be triggered by chemicals and fragrances found in skincare products. That's why we recommend that you use a specific face cream for dry skin, that avoids harsh chemicals. Our NIVEA Naturally Good Sensitive Day Cream is made with 99% natural origin ingredients to harness the caring power of nature, to provide an instant relief from tight and dry skin on face - without harmful chemicals.

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exfoliation scrub to get rid of dry skin on face
How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face

3) Exfoliate To Remove Excess Skin

To get rid of dry skin on the face, you can gently exfoliate the affected area. This will help to remove any dead skin that has built up on your face and create a smoother look. It’s important to know how to exfoliate your skin properly - and be sure not to over exfoliate. This can cause more damage and even make dry skin on face worse. We recommend that you exfoliate your skin no more than 3 times a week, to give your skin enough time to regenerate and heal. 

 

We also recommend our NIVEA Gentle Exfoliating Scrub, made with vitamin E, to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance whilst gently removing dead skin.

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woman avoiding dry skin on face
How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face

4) Invest In A Humidifier

Although it seems like a drastic measure, and potentially expensive, investing in a humidifier is a big step in knowing how to get rid of dry skin on the face. A humidifier will add moisture to the air in your house and protect your skin from becoming dry. This is often the opposite for people that have air conditioning in their house - which strips the moisture from the air and can cause a dry face.
woman using sun cream to avoid a dry face
How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face

5) Sun Cream, Sun Cream, Sun Cream

It feels like sun cream is the solution to all skin care concerns, and that's because it's so important! The sun can be severely damaging to the skin, with an abundance of short-term and long-term side effects. One of these being dry skin on face. 

 

To avoid a dry face, we recommend applying sun cream to your face whenever you’re in the sun. This will help to protect your skin's natural oils and ensure that your face stays hydrated. Try our NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ for highly effective sun protection that provides 48H hydration for your skin. 

 

Be careful though, it doesn't have to be sunny for the sun to dry out your skin. Although it may not seem like it, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and still cause as much damage. That’s why we also recommend using a face cream for dry skin with an SPF factor, every single day. Our NIVEA Refreshing Moisture Day Cream SPF15 is a great face cream for dry skin, offering sun protection and 24H of refreshing moisture.

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woman using medication to avoid dry skin on face
How To Get Rid Of Dry Skin On The Face

6) Medication

If you continue to suffer, or symptoms are becoming worse, you may need to resort to a medical face cream for dry skin. We recommend that you speak to a dermatologist for their advice on whether specific medication is needed to treat your dry skin on face.

Read on to understand the symptoms of dry skin on face, what causes it and shop NIVEA products for dry skin on the face.

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    Symptoms Of Dry Skin On Face

    So what are the symptoms to look out for to determine if you have a dry face? We’ve highlighted the most common signs that you are suffering from dry skin on face.

    Skin Feeling Tight
    Tight feeling skin is a common symptom of dry skin on the face. You will notice that your skin feels like it is being stretched when you move your face to talk, smile or even frown. This is because dry skin has a much weaker barrier, which affects how much moisture it can retain, hence the feeling of tightness.

     

    Peeling Skin
    Another common symptom of a dry face is if your skin starts to peel. This is a result of the skin being damaged and unable to retain its moisture, causing it to crack, become weak and inevitably start to peel off. But do not worry! Although it may seem like a dramatic side effect, peeling skin is common and easily remedied.

     

    Itchy Skin
    One of the most irritating parts of having dry skin on face is when it starts to itch. As you can imagine, itchy skin is annoying wherever it is, let alone on your face. It can become very sore, appearing red and inflamed - which can lead to many feeling insecure and even more irritated. The itchy sensation you feel is a signal, telling you that your skin is dry and damaged. Be sure to seek medical attention if the itching continues to worsen.

     

    Skin Appears Ashy
    Ashy skin is also a symptom of having a dry face. This is when your skin appears grey and feels slightly rough. It happens when the skin on your face becomes dehydrated, often caused by cold weather conditions and a lack of humidity. Due to the contrast in colour, the appearance of ashy skin is often more obvious to spot in people with darker complexions, making it easier to identify and remedy. However, if you have a lighter complexion, ashy skin can be identified by its rough, sandpaper-like feel. 

     

    Now you know the symptoms of dry skin on face, how do you know what's causing it?

     

    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    To know how to get rid of dry skin on the face, it is also important to know what causes it. Read on to understand the 7 most common causes of dry skin on face.
    winter skincare to avoid a dry face
    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    1) Cold Weather

    You may have noticed that your skin is much dryer in the winter and colder months - particularly in areas that are exposed to the elements, like your face. With colder weather comes cold, dry air, which is particularly damaging to your skin. It removes moisture from your skin, which in turn causes it to become dry and irritated. It also prevents your skin from being able to rehydrate itself. Hence, dry skin on face is much more common during colder months.
    woman avoid a dry face by washing
    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    2) Exposure To Harsh Chemicals

    Some chemicals used in skincare products can in fact be a catalyst for a dry face. Soaps, cleansers, exfoliators and other harsh chemicals can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause it to become extremely dry.

     

    Knowing how to cleanse your face and how often to exfoliate is important to understand in order to prevent dry skin on face. Other harsh chemicals outside of skincare products can also cause a dry face, including chlorine, so be aware that swimming pools are also a common factor in causing dry skin on face.

    woman knowing how to get rid of dry skin on the face
    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    3) Your Skin Type

    Although external factors can trigger dry skin on face, some just naturally have dry skin. This isn’t anything to worry about and it can be treated in the same way as other causes of dry skin on face. The only difference is that you may need to be more consistent with your prevention methods. You may also want to learn about skin types to find out which you have. This will help you to understand your skin and the products that it needs.
    woman avoiding smoking to get rid of dry skin on face
    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    4) Smoking

    Among other side effects, smoking also impacts your skin's ability to work efficiently. It restricts the blood flow in your face by causing blood vessels to narrow. As a result, your skin does not receive the blood it needs to perform to the best of its abilities - which would ordinarily be able to retain moisture and prevent a dry face. Smoking can also speed up the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Speak to a doctor or local GP if you need help to stop smoking.
    overexposure to the sun causing a dry face
    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    5) Overexposure To Sunlight

    As much as we all love the sun and hot weather, we must also be aware of the impact that it can have on our skin. Overexposure to the sun can dry out your face’s natural oils, which protect it from becoming dry. In turn, your face does not have the resources it needs to rehydrate and combat dry skin on face. The sun also emits dangerous UV light, which can cause sunburn in the short term, but more seriously, can alter your skin’s structure and performance in the long term.

     

    Knowing how to prevent overexposure to the sun is very important, as well as choosing the right sun protection for your face.

    woman aging causing dry skin on face
    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    6) Age

    As you get older, your skin changes. It becomes much thinner and susceptible to drying out. Consequently the older you are, the more likely you are to suffer from dry skin on face. Its not all about getting older though - your face can become dry due to hormonal changes as a teenager or even by changes in the body during menopause. What's important to note is that dry skin on face, caused by the changes in the skin as you age, is completely normal and nothing to be embarrassed about.
    woman with skin condition
    What Causes Dry Skin On Face

    7) Skin Conditions

    Skin conditions can also affect how well your skin is able to retain moisture and as a result can cause dry skin on face. Some of these conditions permanently cause a dry face, whereas others may be triggered by external aggressors. These can range from psoriasis and ichthyosis, to atopic dermatitis. If you’re worried about a skin condition or think that you may suffer from one, be sure to speak to your local doctor or GP.
    Discover our tips on how to get rid of dry skin on the face and the best moisturiser for dry skin face care.