Dealing with Dry Skin: Why Patches Appear and How to Fix Them

What causes dry patches on the face?

Xerosis cutis is characterized by dry, white, purple, or red, scaly patches on the skin. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis increase the likelihood of dry skin.

Allergies to certain medications and skincare products can also cause dry skin. Although anyone can develop xerosis cutis, it is most common in older adults. 1

A dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin conditions) can help you determine the cause of your dry skin and find the best treatment.

For chronic (long-term) dry skin, additional visits may be needed to monitor the course of treatment. 1

What do dry patches on the face look like?

The appearance of dry skin patches varies depending on your skin type. In general, dry skin causes rough, flaky, and scaly skin. 2

In the case of lighter skin, some people may also notice red, pink, or white discoloration on the dry skin patches. On darker skin, the dry patches may appear red, purple, or white.

Your skin may also appear cracked. The size of the dry skin patches may vary. Your skin may also feel more irritated or itchy to the touch. 2

Causes

There are many reasons why your skin texture or appearance can change suddenly.

Dry skin can be a temporary response to a change in the environment, a reaction to aging, or a symptom of an acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) illness. 3

Environmental influences

Dramatic weather changes are a common cause of dry skin. Extremely cold weather can make it difficult for your skin to retain moisture. Low humidity can lead to dry heat both indoors and outdoors.

4 Extremely hot weather and excessive sun exposure can also dry out your skin. 3

If you are using new skin care products or your skin has recently been exposed to certain chemicals, this can cause inflammation.

For example, using harsh soaps or having recently been in a chlorinated swimming pool can cause dry skin. 1

Allergic contact dermatitis can be triggered by contact with substances you may be allergic to. Simply substances that irritate your skin can cause irritant contact dermatitis. 3

Protect your skin when using cleaning products, caring for plants, or using antibiotics that can be very stressful to your skin.

Chemicals, toxic plants, metals, and antibiotics such as neomycin are common causes of contact dermatitis. 3

Aging

Although dry skin can affect people of all ages, it becomes more common as we age. As we age, the skin naturally produces less sebum (oil).

Sebum keeps your skin soft and moisturized. As sebum production decreases, wrinkles and fine lines on the face become more noticeable with age because the ability to retain moisture decreases.

Lechner A, Lahmann N, Lichterfeld-Kottner A, et al. Dry skin and the use of leave-on products in care: a prevalence study in nursing homes and hospitals.

Nurs Open. 2018;6(1):189-196. doi:10.1002/nop2.204

Several studies have shown that dry skin is more common in older adults, especially those living in nursing homes or community care settings.

65 Older adults are more likely to have chronic or coexisting medical conditions that require medications that may increase the risk of dry skin. 7

Eczema

Eczema, or neurodermatitis, is a chronic skin disease that alters the skin’s protective layer. The primary cause of eczema remains unclear.

However, researchers know that these symptoms can be inherited, triggered by stress and environmental factors, or caused by insufficient production of filaggrin, a protein that moisturizes the skin. 8

Typical symptoms include itching, dryness, redness, and a rash that may ooze or crust over. Eczema flares (short-lived symptoms) can occur anywhere on the body at any time and appear as dry patches. 8

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease caused by an overactive immune system. The exact cause of this overactive immune response is unknown.

Psoriasis causes skin cells to grow rapidly on top of each other. 9

This causes raised, inflamed, dry patches of skin that are red, white, or purple. Depending on the severity of the psoriasis, some areas may crack or bleed.

People with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may also experience stiffness or pain in the joints. 9

Hormonal changes

Your hormone balance has a significant impact on the appearance of your skin and your overall health.

Hormonal imbalances can change the amount of collagen (a protein that helps build tissue) and sebum your skin produces. Pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid disease can cause hormonal imbalances. 10

Lower estrogen levels can also reduce sebum production in the skin.

An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid gland (underactive thyroid gland) can cause dry skin, rashes, and discoloration. 11

Uncommon causes

There are many other less common possible causes of dry skin on the face.

If the most common causes of dry skin on the face are not present, your dermatologist may also consider the following possible causes:1

Chronic medical conditions: Many conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, HIV, and liver disease, can cause inflammation of the skin, sometimes leading to dry skin.

Dietary changes: Not getting enough nutrients (malnutrition) or fluids (dehydration) can cause dry skin.

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa (AN), can also affect the skin. 1 AN is characterized by symptoms such as extreme food restriction.

Precancerous cells: In rare cases, potentially cancerous cells can cause inflammation that can lead to dry patches on the skin.

12 Some people may develop a precancerous skin growth called actinic keratosis—dry, cracked, or inflamed patches of skin caused by excessive exposure to UV rays. 13

When to see a doctor

If a product causes your skin to dry out, symptoms usually go away once you stop using the product.

However, if irritation persists and dry patches spread to other parts of your body, see a dermatologist.

If you also have symptoms like fever, rash, or swelling, seek emergency medical attention. 14

A dermatologist or other doctor can help you develop a plan to treat your dry skin. This usually involves relieving discomfort, replacing lost moisture, and protecting the skin so it can heal.

A dermatologist can use a lighted magnifying device called a dermatoscope to examine your skin more closely.

You can also take a small sample of skin (biopsy) and send it to a lab for microscopic examination. 17

If you can’t see a dermatologist right away, your primary care doctor can examine your skin and refer you to a dermatologist or prescribe topical medications to relieve your symptoms. 18

Your doctor will also ask about your medical history and any preexisting conditions. To treat itching and inflammation, dermatologists often prescribe topical corticosteroid medications. 16

Treatment

You can minimize or even eliminate symptoms by restoring and maintaining your skin’s moisture with regular skin care.

However, if an underlying medical condition, such as eczema, psoriasis, or a hormonal imbalance, is causing your dry skin, you may want to consult a doctor to treat your condition. 1

Taking certain medications can also increase your risk of dry skin on your face. Some topical and oral medications, such as B. diuretics, can dry out your skin.

Diuretics remove excess fluid from the body. Statins, commonly used to treat high cholesterol, can also reduce skin moisture. 1

Some prescription and over-the-counter topical medications, such as B. acne medications and retinoids, can disrupt the skin barrier, causing irritation and dryness.

19 Certain medical treatments, such as dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for chronic conditions, can also cause dry skin. 20

Lifestyle Changes

There are many things you can do every day to relieve symptoms of dry skin, most of which require only minor changes to your daily routine. 21

Moisturize your skin with an occlusive (moisturizing) ointment or cream immediately after showering or exfoliating. Common ingredients in moisturizers include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

Daily strategies to keep your skin hydrated include:21

Showering or bathing for less than 10 minutes.

Switching to fragrance- and dye-free soaps, detergents, and skin care products.

Avoiding extreme heat and dry air.

Applying moisturizing sunscreen.

Using a humidifier in the winter. 22

Prevention

If you have an underlying condition that causes dry skin, it may be difficult to completely eliminate it. However, you can take steps to prevent future dry skin patches. 14

It’s important to protect your skin from harmful influences during both the winter and summer months.

This includes covering up in extremely cold weather and using sunscreen when you’re outdoors for long periods of time. 14

Apply a moisturizer at least once a day, even if your skin doesn’t feel dry. After seeing a dermatologist, you may notice that dry patches gradually disappear completely.

Even if symptoms seem to be under control, continue with your treatment plan as recommended by your doctor.

At your follow-up appointment, your dermatologist can determine if you need to continue treatment. 22

Complications

Extremely dry skin can become damaged over time if it goes untreated for too long. If the itching is severe, cracks or openings may form, making the skin more susceptible to skin infections. 1

If your skin becomes infected, your dermatologist may prescribe topical medications or antibiotics to treat the infection.

People with other medical conditions, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, are more susceptible to skin infections. 23

Brief Overview

Dry skin is a common skin problem. It has a variety of causes, such as allergies to certain chemicals, substances, or metals. Chronic conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can also cause dry skin.

If you notice patches of dry skin on your face, see a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment.

A dermatologist can develop a treatment plan for you and give you advice on how to best moisturize your skin.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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