What are common signs of dry skin on the face?

Be it only during the winter, throughout the year, or after an intense workout, if you notice any of the following on your face, it’s a sign you have dry skin.

Common signs of dry facial skin include:

• Flaky skin
• Rough skin
• Scaly or peeling skin
• Tight feeling skin
• Itchiness
• Cracks on skin
• Redness
• Bleeding



If you notice that your cheeks are dry, while your T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily, it’s a sign that you may have combination skin.

What causes dry patches on the face?

So, you’ve confirmed that you have dry patches on your face for at least part of the year. But what causes dry skin in the first place?

“Dry skin” is a skin type, just like combination or oily skin. Our skin naturally produces an oil called sebum to keep itself hydrated. When a sufficient amount of sebum isn’t created, your skin doesn’t get enough hydration and becomes dry, allowing those pesky dry spots to make a home on your face.

However, it’s possible to get dry, flaky skin on your face from other factors like:

● Environmental factors:

Cold weather, dry air, or excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause your skin to dry out (yes, even if you don’t usually have dry skin). Overheated or heavily air-conditioned rooms can dry out your skin, as low humidity levels lead to the loss of moisture.

● Low-quality skincare products:

The harsh chemicals in some skincare and shower products can irritate your skin and strip all oils, causing dry, itchy patches on your face.

● Shower practices:

While taking a long, hot bath might sound perfect after a busy day, frequent showering and scrubbing, or spending too much time in the bath may lead to drier skin from excessively removing the skin’s oils.

● Genetics:

Dry skin is sometimes inherited with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis. Other serious medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid, kidney disease, and HIV potentially impact the skin. If these conditions are a factor in your life, it’s recommended to consult a doctor.

● Lifestyle:

If you aren’t drinking enough water, your body (including your skin) isn’t getting sufficient hydration, which means — you guessed it — dry skin. Other lifestyle factors such as eating poor quality food, smoking, or drinking alcohol can cause dry and dull-looking skin.

● Exercise:

Your skin can lose moisture as a result of sweating when you exercise, so you need to stay hydrated while you work out or you and your skin will become dehydrated.

Learn more in our guide to proper skincare for the gym.

● Age:

As we age, our skin’s oil production slows, which can cause skin to become fragile and dry.

It’s worth noting that dry skin from genetics or deeper medical issues aren’t the same as dehydrated skin. While both types of skin lack moisture, the causes for dehydrated skin tend to be mostly external, and aren’t due to a lack of sebum.

Why is having dry patches on the face bad?

Let’s admit it. Having dry, flaky skin on your face can detract from feeling like your most beautiful and confident self. It itches, makes your face look dull, and accentuates fine lines and wrinkles.

But, beyond that, very dry skin poses a serious threat to your wellbeing. When dry patches on your face flake or crack due to lack of moisture, you can develop rashes, sores and even start bleeding. Moreover, breaks in the skin create an opportunity for bacteria to enter, leading to skin infections. If the dry skin on your face ever gets this severe, you should consult a dermatologist.

So, as soon as you notice dry skin patches on your face, start a dry skincare routine.

What is the best face skincare routine for treating dry patches?

To treat or prevent dry skin, follow a regular dry skincare routine.

Here’s a step-by-step routine for hydrating dry patches on your face:

1. Use a gentle facial cleanser

Facial cleansers that contain alcohol, artificial colors, harsh chemicals, or fragrances can irritate and dry out your skin. Opt for a hypoallergenic gentle foaming face wash that's made specifically for dry skin. Look for products that are “fragrance-free” rather than “unscented,” because the latter typically contains chemicals that suppress scents.




Expert tip: Use plant-based products such as Clarins' dry skin face cleansers for the best results.

2. Moisturize at least twice a day

Moisturize your face a few minutes after you shower and before you go to bed every night. You can also moisturize after washing your face during the day. Use gentle moisturizers made for dry skin to hydrate your face, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too.

3. Exfoliate

Sometimes, dead cells tend to accumulate on the skin, which can show up in the form of dry patches. Exfoliating once a week with a gentle exfoliating scrub can visibly clear away dead skin cells and dry patches.

Clarins’ exfoliating face masks are gentle on your skin and remove dead cells to reveal the soft, smooth skin underneath, making the perfect addition to your dry skincare routine.

More helpful tips for preventing dry patches on the face

Target dry patches by changing lifestyle habits

Spending too long inside the bath or the shower can exacerbate symptoms from dry skin. So, limit your bathing time to 5-10 minutes and use warm water instead of hot water. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower. If you wash your face during the day, use lukewarm water and make sure to moisturize after.

When removing your makeup, use a gentle face cleanser and don’t scrub too vigorously. Limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake will also help. And don’t apply talcum powder to your face, as it is notorious for its moisture absorbing properties. Long-term usage of talcum powder also can reduce your skin’s natural sebum production.

Limit exposure to air conditioning and heaters

Spending too long in front of a fireplace or in an air-conditioned room can suck the moisture from your face. Invest in a humidifier to add some moisture to your room during the dry season.

Don’t forget to cover your face when going out in extreme weather conditions. Before stepping out in the sun, lather on some facial sunscreen (preferably broad spectrum SPF 50+) which contains moisturizer to prevent your face skin from drying out too much. Clarins sunscreens come with an anti-pollution complex that helps reduce dry skin while protecting your face from the harsh effects of the sun.

What kind of skincare products should you use for dry, patchy skin?

Skincare products composed of toxic ingredients can do more harm than good for dry skin, and in some instances, can even cause dry patches!

The beauty experts at Clarins carefully select plant-based ingredients that target each skin type. If you have dry skin, you need hydrating skincare products. Explore the full set of dry skin skincare products available:

• Dry Skin Moisturizers
• Dry Skin Cleansers
• Dry Skin Toners
• Dry Skin Exfoliators
• Dry Skin Face Oils
• Hydrating Face Serums
• Hydrating Body Moisturizers



Click here to view Clarins' products for dry facial skin.

If you have dry skin patches on your face and oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) you need skincare products for combination skin. Our spa experts use ingredients with balancing properties to hydrate dry skin and mattify oily skin.

Not sure where to begin? Schedule a live consultation with a Clarins Beauty Coach who will build you a customized skincare routine based on your individual needs.

Here’s the full set of combination skincare products:

• Combination Skin Moisturizers
• Combination Skin Facial Cleansers & Toners
• Combination Skin Exfoliators
• Combination Skin Lip & Neck Care
• Combination Skin Treatment Oils



And don’t forget to use the best non-toxic makeup - powered by plant extracts!