Skip to content

Got Dry Skin Patches on Your Face? How to Fix them Fast

Dr. Amy Yuan
| February 21, 2019
Fact-checked by:
Marisa Garshick MD
, Board Certified Dermatologist
Got Dry Skin Patches on Your Face? How to Fix them Fast

You want your skin to be even, smooth, and well-hydrated. But, if you’re struggling with dry skin patches on your face, having that even, smooth, well-hydrated complexion can seem like an impossibility.

But what, exactly, are dry skin patches? Where do they come from? And, most importantly, what are the best dry skin treatments to treat those patches and get the complexion you deserve?

What Are Dry Skin Patches?

As the name suggests, dry skin patches are areas of the face that are drier than others. But depending on the severity of the dry patches on your skin, you’re likely to experience other symptoms along with dryness including redness, irritation, flakiness, and uneven texture.

Why Do You Get Dry Skin Patches On Your Face?

There are a number of reasons you might struggle with dry skin patches on your face:

Skin Type

You might have dry patches as a result of your skin type. For example, if you have combination skin, you likely deal with areas of your face that produce excess oil (like your nose, forehead, and and chin) while other areas are more prone to dryness (like your cheeks). Even if your skin is normal or on the dry side, you can still experience patches

Weather And Humidity

Dry patches on your skin can also be seasonal. In the winter, the elements are working against you; both the cold and the lack of moisture in the air can dry out the skin. And the more dehydrated your skin, the more prone you are to dry patches.

Reaction To Skincare Products

If you use skincare products that have a tendency to dry out the skin (like acne products with benzoyl peroxide), your dry patches could be a reaction to your skincare routine.

Skin Condition

If your dry patches are chronic and appear with other problematic symptoms (like intense itching; inflammation; thick, scaly skin; or blemishes that leak fluid and crust over), you may be dealing with a more serious skin condition like atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) or psoriasis.

What Are The Best Dry Skin Treatments To Treat Dry Patches?

If you want to get rid of your dry patches, here are a few dry skin treatments that will help you get your skin back on track:

Avoid Any Skincare Products That May Dry Out Your Skin

The most important thing you can do to treat your dry skin patches is to avoid any products that could make the problem worse by further drying out the skin.

Ingredients you want to avoid if you’re trying to clear up dry patches include chemical exfoliants (like glycolic acid or salicylic acid), benzoyl peroxide, and isopropyl alcohol. You’ll also want to use physical exfoliants sparingly; while you might think scrubbing off your dry patches is an effective treatment, it could actually make the problem worse.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

It’s important to avoid ingredients that will further dry out your skin—but it’s just as important to add ingredients into your skincare routine that will hydrate the skin.

If you’re struggling with dry skin patches on your face, it’s imperative that you moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Slather on a hydrating oil with Vitamin E (which can help heal the skin) during the day and use a more emollient night cream while you sleep to add a heavy dose of hydration back into the skin. Also, look for hydrating ingredients in the rest of your skincare products (like a serum with hyaluronic acid, which binds moisture to the skin).

Get A Humidifier

If the dry patches on your skin are a result of cold, dry weather, consider getting a humidifier in your bedroom. Humidifiers can help replace moisture loss and rehydrate your skin while you sleep.

See Your Dermatologist

If your dry skin patches don’t respond to at-home treatments or you suspect you may have a more serious and/or chronic skin condition, see your dermatologist. They may be able to recommend a prescription skincare regimen that will help you get your dry skin patches under control.

GET MY FORMULA

More Articles

    Image of How to Fix Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Face
    Skin Tips

    How to Fix Dry, Flaky Skin on Your Face

    The key to getting rid of dry, flaky skin on your face? Understanding where it comes from—and the proper way to treat it.
    Image of How To Cure Dry Skin On Your Face Overnight
    Skin Tips

    How To Cure Dry Skin On Your Face Overnight

    The only way to get rid of dry skin is to treat the cause. But first- In order to cure dry skin on your face, you have to determine whether it is truly dry, or just dehydrated.
    Image of Best Natural Skincare Ingredients: Dry Skin
    Ingredients

    Best Natural Skincare Ingredients: Dry Skin

    If you have dry skin, you want to smooth and soothe it as quickly as possible. If you're looking for natural ingredients to help, you're in luck -- our experts rounded up the best natural ingredients for your dry skin.

Scientific Citations

 
1.

Zegarska, B., Wozniak, M., Grupka, M., Zegarski, T., & Fatz-Grupka, A. (2008). Assessment of level of knowledge and society awareness concerning reasons for dry skin, prophylaxis and care possibilities. _Postepy Dermatologii i Alergologii_, _25_(3), 100.

2.

Proksch, E., & Lachapelle, J. M. (2005). The management of dry skin with topical emollients–recent perspectives: Behandlung der trockenen Haut mit topischen Emulsionen–neue Entwicklungen. _JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft_, _3_(10), 768-774.

3.

Leveque, J. L., Grove, G., De Rigal, J., Corcuff, P., Kligman, A. M., & Saint Leger, D. (1987). Biophysical characterization of dry facial skin. _J Soc Cosmet Chem_, _82_, 171-177.

4.

Lodén, M. (2003). Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. _American journal of clinical dermatology_, _4_(11), 771-788.

5.

Piérard-Franchimont, C., & Piérard, G. E. (2002). Beyond a glimpse at seasonal dry skin: a review. _Exogenous Dermatology_, _1_(1), 3-6.

6.

Tucker, R. (2011). What evidence is there for moisturisers. _PJ Online_, 1-4.

7.

Engelke, M., Jensen, J. M., Ekanayake‐Mudiyanselage, S., & Proksch, E. (1997). Effects of xerosis and ageing on epidermal proliferation and differentiation. _British Journal of Dermatology_, _137_(2), 219-225.