This Is Why You've Got Dry Patches All Over Your Face

What Are Common Causes of Dry Skin Patches?

Makeup Remover:

Taking off your makeup each night before bed is a necessary step in your nightly skincare routine. However, your makeup remover of choice could cause more damage than good. "Unfortunately, the same ingredients that take makeup off your skin may disrupt the microbiome, and interfere with skin barrier function," says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. "The latest trend in skincare is products that contain probiotic ingredients to support the healthy functioning of the outer skin layer." He recommends adding a lightweight face moisturizer featuring probiotics, which "strengthen, balance, and enhance your skin." Dr. Zeichner favors the moisturizer from Ghost Democracy, an emerging direct to consumer skincare line.

Seborrheic Dermatitis:

Seborrheic dermatitis affects more than 3 million people a year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The prevalent scalp issue causes the skin to become red and scaly, swollen, and greasy reports the professional association. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect more than the hair on your head. "Dry, flaky patches that develop in your eyebrows, around the sides of the nose, and in your smile lines may actually be a form of dandruff. While you may not want to think about it, everyone's skin has yeast that lives on it," explains Dr. Zeichner. "When yeast levels become too high, it can lead to inflammation and characteristic flaky patches." He suggests making your dandruff shampoo do double duty as a face wash to keep skin problems in check. "Kamedis Dandruff Therapy shampoo contains zinc pyrithione to lower levels of yeast on the skin, banishing these dry patches," Dr. Zeichner adds. The lightly foaming shampoo is also cruelty-free, a bonus to effectively healing the affected area.

Eczema:

According to Cleveland Clinic, 15 million Americans suffer from eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. The widespread skin issue causes inflation of the skin that results in a red and scaly, itchy rash. "Eczema is a genetic condition where your skin barrier isn't working as well as it should be, leading to loss of hydration, inflammation, and dry patches on the skin," explains Dr. Zeichner. When choosing a cleanser, watch out for "true soaps [which] have an alkaline pH and disrupt the outer skin layer." Instead, opt for a gentle, non-soap body wash that adds hydration to your skin while you take a shower such as Dove Beauty Bar. "[It's] a non-soap cleansing bar that moisturizes, soothes, and evens out skin texture," Dr. Zeichner adds.

Rosacea:

The AAD points out that 14 million Americans are affected by rosacea each year. "Rosacea is a condition where the skin is extra sensitive and overreactive to the environment," says Dr. Zeichner. Some common symptoms are getting flushed easily, and redness on your nose and cheeks reports the AAD.

While you may want to enjoy your summer Fridays with an Aperol Spritz, consider keeping your alcohol consumption to a minimum. Booze, in addition to stress, spicy foods, and warm weather, can trigger both flashing and pus pimples. "Patients commonly develop dry patches. Look for moisturizers that protect your skin from the harsh elements of the environment," explains Dr. Zeichner. He's a fan of Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for the combination of "skin-soothing oat extract with anti-inflammatory feverfew, and mineral only UV protection."

Weather:

"Skin tends to be driest in the winter because of cold temperatures, low humidity, and brisk winds," explains New York-based dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. "Along with dry heat from heaters, can really dry out our skin because more moisture is lost into the air from our skin in these conditions."

How to Treat Dry Skin Patches?

Diet:

While there are certain factors that we can't change like genetics and the weather, our diet can also play a role in our skin."If you are not consuming enough healthy fats to contribute to a healthy moisture barrier in the skin," says dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. Besides enjoying delicious healthy fats such as avocado and oily fish like salmon, trout, and sardines, reconsider the amount of time you spend in the shower.

Avoid Hot Showers and Baths:

"Long or frequent baths and showers, particularly in hot water can also dry out the skin because they remove protective oils naturally produced by the skin," explains Dr. King. "These oils form a protective barrier to help lock in moisture and protect us from harsh environmental conditions. When the oils are lost, water evaporates from the skin, and the skin is left dried out."

To remedy this issue, consider taking a daily shower with luke-warm water instead of two hot showers a day. She recommends incorporating a gentle body wash such as Dove's Beauty Bar into your routine, "which won't strip the skin of oil and moisture." And limiting your daily shower to not more than eight minutes a day. Dermatologist Dr. "This strips the face of its natural oils and leaves skin drier than it was before," says Dr. Chapas.

Best Products to Heal and Prevent Dry Patches on the Skin:

Apply Rich Face and Body Products:

Don't shy away from heavy emollients to hydrate your skin throughout the winter season properly. "Look for products that combine humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin with emollients like ceramides, petrolatum, and shea butter to lock in the moisture," explains King.

Also, consider swapping out your gel-based moisturizers and cleansers for cream-based formulations instead. "We may also need to cut back on products that are potentially drying to the skin like anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, exfoliants like glycolic acid and anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide," she continues. Noting that the emollient properties of an oil, such as Carter and Jane's The Everything Oil Body, is a great addition to your routine.

And switch to a fragrance-free moisturizer that you apply at least twice a day, explains Dr. Jeanine B. Downie. Fragrance can unnecessarily irritate skin and dry it out, so you don't want to do that with the product that's supposed to be replenishing your complexion. And if you're acne-prone, make sure you use an oil-free moisturizer that you feel comfortable applying generously without risk of breaking out. Look for labels that say non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic, which means the product won't clog pores or worsen breakouts.

If you're looking for extra moisturization, here's how to make a hair moisturizer at home:

Buy a Humidifier:

A humidifier is also a wise investment to help your skin retain more moisture, suggest dermatologists, Jeanine B. Downie and Anne Chapas.

It will even help your moisturizing skincare products work better. "Sleeping with it on in your bedroom can be especially helpful, since the added moisture in the air will help skin all over your body, as well as your hair and nails," says Downie.

You're Probably Exfoliating Too Harshly:

When going through your skincare routine, avoid harsh scrubbing of skin and pat skin dry instead of wiping dry. To get the most out of your facial moisturizer, apply it while skin is still dampand if you're prone to feeling dry or like your skin is a size too tight during the day, carry your moisturizer and reapply it before you get to that point, suggests Chapas.