Dry, flaky skin on your face is not only uncomfortable, but it can also cause other frustrations, such as uneven makeup or unsightly flaking. If dry, flaky skin on your face has popped up all of a sudden, you’ve probably been left wondering what the cause might be. With the help of board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger, we’ll help you get to the bottom of what could be causing dry, flaky skin on your face. Let’s dig into the topic by answering questions such as:

• What causes dry, flaky skin on your face?

• What cleanser should I use to help dry, flaky skin on my face?

• What moisturizers can I try to help dry, flaky skin on my face?

• How can I fix dry, flaky skin around my eyes?

What causes dry flaky skin on your face?

1) Weather and environmental factors

If you’ve noticed that your skin tends to feel parched during the winter months, cold weather and dry air could be the cause of dry, flaky skin on your face. “The combination of lower temperatures and low humidity outdoors can really deplete the natural moisture in your skin’s outer layers,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Even if you’re not spending much time outside in a cold climate, forced-air heating indoors reduces the moisture level in the air, which can make your skin feel tight and dehydrated as a result.” Using a humidifier indoors can help, as can covering up with a scarf on especially cold or windy days to give your face some physical protection against the outdoor elements.

2) Taking hot showers or baths

If taking a hot bath or shower is one of your favorite winter rituals, it might actually be contributing to dry, flaky skin on your face and body as well. “Showering or bathing in hot water actually strips your skin’s natural oils,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Because these oils play a part in helping your skin maintain moisture, your skin can end up dry and flaky as a result.” Turning the temperature dial to lukewarm when it’s time to wash your face, bathe or shower can go a long way to keep dry, flaky skin on your face at bay.

3) A skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema

Dry, flaky skin on your face can be a result of a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema. “Psoriasis and eczema both present as dry, itchy, red skin and flakiness can definitely be a component,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Both of these skin diseases result from an overactive immune system and a visit to a board-certified dermatologist can help determine whether or not the dry, flaky skin on your face could be a result of eczema or psoriasis.”

For immediate relief, one product you can reach for is FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm. Dr. Schlessinger developed this product with his son, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, and it contains 1% hydrocortisone along with a blend of shea and cocoa butters to help soothe irritation and dry, flaky skin on your face or body.

4) Skin care products that are too harsh for your skin

It’s possible that the products you’re currently using in your skin care routine could be a contributing cause of dry skin on your face. “Take a look at your skin care labels and check for alcohol on the ingredient list, which can be drying to the skin,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Facial scrubs that have a rough, grainy texture could potentially also cause skin irritation on your face.” Finally, if you’ve made the mistake of using something that isn’t intended for the delicate skin on your face—such as a body wash or deodorizing body soap—that could also be a cause of dry, flaky skin.

5) Retinol or acne treatments

“If you’re currently using acne treatments with retinol, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, it’s possible these active ingredients—though they’re very effective at reducing breakouts—could be a cause of dry, flaky skin on your face,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Reducing your treatments to every other day could help bring some relief, as can using a moisturizer to help offset the drying effect of these ingredients. Here are some of our suggestions!

What cleanser should I use to help dry flaky skin on my face?

Using a hydrating cream facial cleanser is a good place to start to improve dry, flaky skin on your face. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser gently rinses away makeup and dirt while replenishing your skin’s moisture with a mix of La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, ceramides and niacinamide.

If your skin is looking dull and flaky, try a gentle exfoliating face wash, such as LovelySkin Clarifying Gel Cleanser. This formula contains afaLUXE™, a blend of amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals that helps balance moisture levels and gently exfoliate dull, flaky skin without drying or irritating your skin.

What moisturizers can I try to help dry flaky skin on my face?

SkinCeuticals makes a number of rich, soothing moisturizers to help relieve dry, flaky skin on your face. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is an all-star facial moisturizer with anti-aging benefits. Its name refers to SkinCeuticals’ patented percentage of 2% ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids, which helps improve moisture levels, restore the skin’s moisture barrier and support its natural repair processes.

SkinCeuticals Emollience Rich Moisturizer is a soothing, restorative face cream specifically formulated for those living in cold climates. A blend of macadamia nut oil, mango butter and grape seed oil help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier to provide protection against cold, wind and dry air.

For skin that’s extremely dry and flaky, you might need to keep a tube of SkinCeuticals Hydra Balm Moisturizing Ointment in your medicine cabinet. This rich, soothing balm forms a protective barrier on your skin so that it can heal and regenerate. It’s also a great choice for post-procedure care.

Slathering on a soothing night cream before bed can help improve dry, flaky skin on your face overnight. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Night Face Moisturizer is formulated for dry, sensitive or irritated skin and contains hydrating glycerin as well as shea butter and dimethicone to help prevent moisture loss.

How can I fix dry, flaky skin around my eyes?

When it comes to soothing dry, flaky skin around your eyes and on your eyelids, using a moisturizing product that’s specially formulated for that area is key. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream is a soothing gel cream that helps relieve dry, irritated or flaky skin around the eyes with hydrating glycerin and soothing squalane and shea butter.

For mature skin, SkinCeuticals Rich Eye Balm Cream is a great option. It contains aloe and glycerin to replenish lost moisture along with vitamin E to soothe irritation. FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm is also safe for use on the eyelids and skin around your eyes as well.

Have you heard about skin cycling? Learn more about how to try this skin care trend with SkinCeuticals.