If nonfacial skin is very dry, you might want to use a thicker moisturizer (Eucerin, Cetaphil, others) or an oil, such as baby oil. Oil has more staying power than do lotions and prevents the evaporation of water from the skin's surface. Another possibility is a petrolatum-based product (Vaseline, Aquaphor, others).
Moisturizer: Your dermatologist will select a moisturizer that contains the right amount of active ingredients, such as urea, ceramides, lactic acid, or glycerol, to heal your skin. The right mix will hydrate your skin and restore its outer layer. Some patients need a prescription moisturizer.
Dry facial skin may result from many factors. These include exposure to changing temperature or humidity levels, using harsh soaps, and skin conditions such as eczema. Most cases of dry, flaky skin on your face are mild and will clear up with time. However, dry patches can sometimes indicate something more serious.
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face
Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.
Treatment with antifungal agents such as topical ketoconazole is the mainstay of therapy for seborrheic dermatitis of the face and body. Because of possible adverse effects, anti-inflammatory agents such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors should be used only for short durations.
salicylic acid, which can be used as a toner to remove excess oil and dead skin cells. hydrocortisone cream, which can only be used for a few days at a time. anti-dandruff shampoo, which you can consider using in the shower as a face wash. sulfur-based ointments and creams.
While dead skin cells are 100 percent normal and part of how your skin refreshes itself, they can build up over time, which is when it can take a toll on your complexion. The main culprit behind this buildup is none other than failing to exfoliate your face. Exfoliating regularly helps to sloughs away dead skin cells.
While petroleum jelly has many benefits, it shouldn't be used for everything. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on your face if you are acne-prone, as this may cause breakouts in some people. If you have questions about your skin or how to take care of it, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Facial eczema is a red, flakey, itchy rash that appears on the face. The rash may crack or turn into blisters that bleed or ooze. While a cause is unknown, certain things like allergies, asthma, and a family history of eczema may increase your risk of developing the condition.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis can't be totally cured, but often symptoms can be controlled almost completely. Once daily use of a facial moisturizer, and use of a hair conditioner after shampooing may be very helpful.
Always apply a moisturizer to the areas where you are prone to the dry skin. Moisturizers I recommend for this are Aveeno, Cetaphil, CeraVe and Eucerin. Avoid products with dyes and fragrances. If the scalp is affected, regular use of a dandruff shampoo will be beneficial.
Petroleum jelly is NOT recommended if you have seborrheic dermatitis. Using it tends to worsen seborrheic dermatitis. Dermatologists recommend the following to remove scale from your skin: Wet your skin thoroughly.
Topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is another option that may be considered for the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis in the adult population. Compliance and tolerance were excellent. Facial seborrheic dermatitis is a very common presenting problem in dermatology patients.
If you have developed seborrheic dermatitis (see below) exfoliating can help you control the flaky symptoms.
Eczema triggers
irritants – such as soaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing-up liquid and bubble bath. environmental factors or allergens – such as cold and dry weather, dampness, and more specific things such as house dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds.
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help with red, itchy skin. Put it on once or twice a day for several weeks. If that doesn't work well enough, you may need a stronger prescription steroid. Use it only for a short time, though, because it can thin your skin.