Very dry skin is a more severe type of dry skin, and is characterized by skin barrier dysfunction, inflammation and damage.
You have most likely experienced dry skin on your face during the cold, dry winter months.
Dry skin is a seemingly simple condition that has a wide spectrum of symptoms - from mild dryness and flaking to severe itching, redness and pain.
Very dry skin on your face is painful and frustrating.
To better understand very dry skin, it is helpful to compare it to dehydrated skin and dry skin.
This article will discuss:
- What is dehydrated skin?
- What is dry skin on your face?
- What is very dry skin on your face?
- Summary
- References
What is dehydrated skin?
Dehydrated skin is skin that is missing water and water-holding substances, called humectants.
Dehydrated skin appears dry, rough, and may scale and flake. It may also show premature signs of aging, like surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
Dehydrated skin can happen to anyone, regardless of skin type — if you have dry, oily or combination skin, you can still experience dehydration.
Read more: What is Dehydrated Skin?
Dehydrated skin can be relieved with the use of moisturizers and humectants, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid and natural moisturizing factors.
What is dry skin on your face?
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lack of water in skin
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lack of water-holding substances called humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, natural moisturizing factors)
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lack of epidermal lipids (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol)
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lack of sebum (triglycerides, wax esters, squalene)
Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands. Sebum coats the skin, seals in moisture, and protects your skin from getting too dry. When there is not enough sebum, skin appears dull, rough and flaky, and skin feels overly tight, itchy and uncomfortable.
Dry skin is very common and can occur for a variety of reasons. You may have naturally dry skin. But even if your skin type is normal or oily, you can still develop dry skin from time to time. Dry skin can affect any part of your body.
Read more: What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is often relieved with the use of moisturizers, and some lifestyle modifications, such as using a humidifier, avoiding harsh cleansers, and supplementing the diet with essential fatty acids.
What is very dry skin on your face?
Very dry skin is a more severe type of dry skin, and is characterized by skin barrier damage, microbe imbalances and inflammation, leading to red, irritated, itchy skin.
- skin feels tight and dehydrated, especially after showering, bathing or swimming
- skin appears dull, rough and blotchy
- slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling
- fine lines and wrinkles are more pronounced
- irritation and itching (pruritus)
- inflammation and redness
- deep cracks on hands and feet that may bleed
- associated with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
Very dry skin usually has underlying genetic components as well as environmental factors that play a role.
Very dry skin does not typically respond to just moisturizers.
Nutrient-rich oils, balms and barrier creams are required to improve very dry skin and protect against further damage.
Active ingredients, including vitamins, humectants, ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol can help repair the skin barrier, calm redness, and sooth irritation and itch.
Some people with very dry skin may also require medications to control symptoms, including antimicrobial agents, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, immunotherapy, biologicals, phototherapy, and others (reviewed by Armstrong et al, 2020, and Kulthanan et al, 2021).
Summary
Very dry skin on your face is a severe type of dry skin, with skin barrier damage and inflammation, leading to red, irritated, itchy skin.
Very dry skin on your face usually has underlying genetic components as well as environmental factors that play a role.
Treatment of very dry skin on your face can include nutrient-rich oils, balms and barrier creams, with active ingredients to help repair the skin barrier, calm redness, and soothe irritation and itch.
In addition, some people with very dry skin on their face require various medications to control and manage their symptoms.
References
Armstrong AW, Read C. Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review. JAMA. 2020 May 19;323(19):1945-1960. doi: 10.1001/jama.2020.4006. PMID: 32427307.
Kulthanan K, Tuchinda P, Nitiyarom R, Chunharas A, Chantaphakul H, Aunhachoke K, Chularojanamontri L, Rajatanavin N, Jirapongsananuruk O, Vichyanond P, Chatchatee P, Sangsupawanich P, Wananukul S, Singalavanija S, Trakanwittayarak S, Rerkpattanapipat T, Thongngarm T, Wisuthsarewong W, Limpongsanurak W, Kamchaisatian W, Noppakun N. Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atopic dermatitis. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2021 Sep;39(3):145-155. doi: 10.12932/AP-010221-1050. PMID: 34246205.
Author Information
Dr. Natasha Ryz is a scientist, skin care expert and an entrepreneur. She is the founder of Dry Skin Love Skincare, and she creates skincare products for beauty, dry skin and pain relief.
Dr. Ryz has a PhD in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and she is a Vanier scholar. She also holds a Master of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Natasha is the former Chief Science Officer of Zenabis Global, and she oversaw cannabis extraction, analytics, and product development. Her team brought 20 products to market including oils, sprays, vapes and softgels.
Why I Started A Skincare Company