The Best Thing to Do for Extremely Dry Skin on Your Face

When you have extremely dry skin on your face, you may see flaking and experience itching. Age and environmental factors are often the cause of dry skin, and you can generally treat it at home. If your dry skin becomes a chronic problem, contact your doctor to rule out a medical condition, such as psoriasis. While treating your dry skin, steer clear of harsh soaps and makeup products because these can worsen the condition.

Step 1

Use lukewarm water to wash your face. Hot water dries out your skin. Keep the skin's natural oils in place by limiting the time you shower to under 15 minutes.

Step 2

Choose a gentle face wash -- one that is specially formulated for dry skin.

Step 3

Blot your face dry after cleansing. Blotting with a soft towel leave some moisture behind on the skin.

Step 4

Apply a generous amount of an oil-based moisturizer to the skin immediately after washing your face. This traps the most moisture possible.

Step 5

Use a humidifier in your home or office to keep the air moist, especially in winter. Humidifiers can be installed as part of your central heating system or you can buy a stand-alone unit.

Things You'll Need

• Gentle face wash

• Oil-based moisturizer

• Humidifier

Tip

Carry a small container of moisturizer with you when you are away from home and apply the moisturizer whenever you feel your skin tightening or itching.