Dry Skin On The Face: Causes & Ways to Treat It

Appearance of Dry Skin

Dry skin may feel rough and slightly scaly. In addition, skin areas can be red and have tiny cracks, which can cause inflammation. Dryness also tightens the skin which can itch, regardless of the affected body region.

Symptoms and Discomfort of Dry Skin on the Face.

Dry facial skin can look tired, pale or red, and can feel tight and sensitive. In many cases, it also starts to shed. Small wrinkles are especially characteristic of dry skin on the face. Certain parts of the face are more prone to dryness than others.

Dry Skin Under The Eyes and on the Nose

Lack of moisture is particularly evident on the skin under the eyes . The skin is very thin and sensitive, which makes it dry more quickly. The same applies to the skin on the nose. Especially in the cold and flu season the skin around the nose can become dry and red.

Dry Lips & Dry Skin on the Cheeks

Since the lip skin has hardly any sebaceous glands the lips can become dry very easily. This is especially the case in winter when the body already produces less sebum. Because sebaceous glands are located mainly in the middle of the face and on the forehead in the so-called T-zone the cheeks can become quite dry

Causes of Dry Skin on the Face

When dry skin appears on the face, the causes can be very varied. Skin types are frequently hereditary which plays a role. In addition, there are also various external influences and behaviours that affect the skin condition and can promote the development of dry skin

External Influences That Cause Dry Skin on the Face

• SUNLIGHT: The sun's UV rays affect the skin barrier. Sun exposed skin tends to be dryer.

• COLD & HEAT: In cold weather, skin is dryer because the body produces less sebum. At high temperatures, the skin loses moisture through sweating. Similarly, low humidity and internal heating promote dry skin.

• WATER: Chlorine water and too long or hot baths dry out the skin.

• WRONG SKIN CARE: Lack of or exaggerated skin care habits such as the constant use of soap or violent rubbing of the skin can aggravate the skin.

• CONTAMINANTS & CHEMICALS: Detergents, paints, varnishes or solvents contain chemicals that can be damaging to the skin and may cause dry skin.

Internal Influences That Can Cause Dry Skin on the Face

• SMOKING & ALCOHOL: Increased consumption of alcohol and regular smoking.

• LOW FLUID INTAKE & NUTRIENT-POOR DIET: People who drink too little water and eat too little vitamins often suffer from dry skin.

• NATURAL AGING PROCESS: With increasing age, the density of sweat and sebaceous glands decreases. In addition, the skin cannot store as much moisture as it did in younger years.

• HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS: Hormonal changes cause in certain phases of life a reduced sebaceous gland production and thus promote dry skin.

• SKIN DISEASES & MEDICATIONS: Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis , psoriasis or rosacea go hand in hand with dry skin. In addition, some medications have a side effect on the water balance in the skin and can therefore cause dry skin.

What You Can Do To Stop Dry Skin on the Face

In order to prevent dry skin on the face, you should protect yourself from the causes and influences mentioned above. Sunscreens with a high sun protection factor help against the UV radiation of the sun. These are not only recommended in summer, but also all year round. In addition, you should make sure to always drink enough liquid (at least 1.5 litres a day). Do not take hot showers and use mild, soap-free and moisturising shower gels.

Applying oil baths to foam baths and use moisturising care products can also help. These should be tailored to your skin type. 

In general, a healthy lifestyle with little or no alcohol and no cigarettes helps prevent dry skin. If the skin dryness is due to a skin condition, you should consult a dermatologist.

... and How Do Ceramides Come Into It?

The natural skin barrier consists of 50 percent The natural skin barrier consists of 50 percent ceramides. These are lipids (fats) that are located between the cells of the uppermost skin layer. These are vital for a sufficient supply of moisture in the skin

The Influence of Ceramides on Dry Skin

Without ceramides, the natural skin barrier is weakened, which can enable harmful substances to penetrate the skin more quickly, resulting in dry and irritated skin. Accordingly, many care products contain ceramides, as these counteract a deficiency and strengthen the skin barrier . As the level of ceramide in the skin decreases with age, it is even more important to maintain the skin sustainably.

CeraVe Products For Dry Skin on the Face

The CeraVe face moisturisers and facial cleansers contain a ceramide complex, which consists of three ceramides and improve the hydration of the skin. The three essential ceramides are:
• Ceramide 1 for strengthening the lipid layer 
• Ceramide 3 for better hydration
• Ceramide 6-II as a natural moisturising factor in the skin

Enriched with ceramides, CeraVe contributes to the support of the natural skin barrier. The long-lasting moisturising effect over 24 hours is due to the MVE technology (multivesicular emulsion technology).

Hyaluronic acid also moisturises the skin and at the same time renews the elasticity, reducing the development of wrinkles.

To restore very dry skin, CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream contains both ceramides and hyaluronic acid  in a rich, hydrating and absorbent formula

In addition to facial care products with and without UV protection, CeraVe also offers lotions and creams for cleansing, as well as hand and foot care