Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Dry skin makes the skin look and feel rough, itchy, flaky or scaly. Request an appointment. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Mayo Clinic Minute: Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist.

And, after bathing, Dawn Davis, M. Vivien Williams: What ingredient should you look for? Davis: Please remember to wear your sunscreen. Vivien Williams: For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I'm Vivien Williams. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Show references AskMayoExpert.

Xerosis dry skin. Mayo Clinic; Dry skin. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Accessed June 11, American Academy of Dermatology. High WA, et al. Special considerations in skin of color.

In: Dermatology Secrets. Elsevier; Accessed June 8, Kelly AP, et al. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. McGraw Hill; Accessed May 27, Kang S, et al. Cosmeceuticals and skin care in dermatology. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology. McGraw-Hill; Face washing Accessed June 9, Moncrieff G, et al.

Use of emollients in dry-skin conditions: Consensus statement. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. Office of Patient Education. Care of Dry Skin. Dinulos JGH.

Topical therapy and topical corticosteroids. In: Habif's Clinical Dermatology. Accessed June 17, Kirkland-Kyhn, et al. Caring for aging skin. In: American Journal of Nursing. Atopic dermatitis. Accessed June 16, Sunscreen: How to protect your skin from the sun.

Food and Drug Administration. Accessed March 5, Sunscreen FAQs. The American Academy of Dermatology. Saving face How to customize your skin care routine with your skin type. Accessed Aug. Kermott CA, et al. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies.

McCook JP. Topical products for the aging face. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. Azizzadeh B, et al. Topical skin care and the cosmetic patient. In: Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation. Related How to heal cracked heels How to heal cracked skin at thumb tip Mayo Clinic Minute: Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist.

Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Find out what can help. You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.

Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

To get relief from excessively dry skin, you need to apply the moisturizer that your dermatologist selects as often as prescribed in your treatment plan. If you have excessively dry skin, dermatologists recommend treatment. Without treatment, you have a greater risk of developing another skin condition, such as a skin infection.

Long-term scratching can cause thick patches of permanently itchy skin. To create a treatment plan that meets your needs, your dermatologist will also ask questions. Have you or any close blood relatives had atopic dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, or food allergies?

Because each patient has unique needs, you will receive a customized treatment plan, which may include:. Moisturizer : Your dermatologist will select a moisturizer that contains the right amount of active ingredients, such as urea, ceramides, lactic acid, or glycerol, to heal your skin.

The right mix will hydrate your skin and restore its outer layer. Some patients need a prescription moisturizer. Treatment for any underlying skin condition : Some common skin conditions can cause excessively dry skin, such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, or psoriasis.

Kirkland-Kyhn, et al. Caring for aging skin. In: American Journal of Nursing. Atopic dermatitis. Accessed June 16, Sunscreen: How to protect your skin from the sun. Food and Drug Administration.

Accessed March 5, Sunscreen FAQs. The American Academy of Dermatology. Saving face How to customize your skin care routine with your skin type. Accessed Aug.

Kermott CA, et al. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. McCook JP. Topical products for the aging face. Clinics in Plastic Surgery.

Azizzadeh B, et al. Topical skin care and the cosmetic patient. In: Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation. Related How to heal cracked heels How to heal cracked skin at thumb tip Mayo Clinic Minute: Moisturizer tips from a dermatologist.

Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book.

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Refer a Patient. Executive Health Program. International Business Collaborations. Supplier Information. Admissions Requirements. Degree Programs. Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help. You can expect permanent results in all but one area.

Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails.

Dermatologists care for people of all ages. Dry skin can flake, itch, crack, and even bleed. To help relieve dry skin, dermatologists offer these tips. Following the same skin care routine year-round may not work so well when the humidity drops. Without a change in your skin care, dry air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

Dry, itchy skin can flake, crack, and even bleed. Stop baths and showers from worsening dry skin. When the humidity drops or your skin feels dry, be sure to: Close the bathroom door.

Use warm rather than hot water. Limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes. Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.

Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, avoid using so much that you see a thick lather. Blot your skin gently dry with a towel. You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one? If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages. To get relief from excessively dry skin, you need to apply the moisturizer that your dermatologist selects as often as prescribed in your treatment plan.

If you have excessively dry skin, dermatologists recommend treatment. Without treatment, you have a greater risk of developing another skin condition, such as a skin infection.

Long-term scratching can cause thick patches of permanently itchy skin. To create a treatment plan that meets your needs, your dermatologist will also ask questions. Have you or any close blood relatives had atopic dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, or food allergies?

Learn about potentially harmful chemicals and soap alternatives. There are many brands offering face moisturizers that suit a variety of skin types and issues, including eczema and acne. We review 10 of the best…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How to get rid of dry skin on the face: Top 6 remedies. Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — By Jamie Eske — Updated on November 8, Causes Moisturize Gentle cleanser Exfoliate Bathing habits Humidifier Medication Prevention Contacting a doctor Summary Some people are more prone than others to dry, flaky skin on the face.

What causes it? Moisturize daily. Use a gentle cleanser. Exfoliate to remove excess dry skin. Practice better bathing habits. Use a humidifier. When to contact a doctor. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article.

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Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Related Coverage. What to know about dry skin Medically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN. Medically reviewed by Kim Rose-Francis RDN, CDCES, LD. What causes dry skin on a baby's face? Medically reviewed by Dr.

Ana M. Use a moisturizer that prevents the loss of moisture into the air. Ointments that are greasy are best, but you may prefer creams. Try using a humidifier in your home. Keep moisture in your skin by taking fewer baths or showers using warm rather than hot water and applying lotions, ointments, or creams after bathing.

If dry skin does not improve with home remedies, or appears to be infected, talk with your healthcare provider. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you.

Also know what the side effects are. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Search Encyclopedia. Dry Skin What is dry skin? What causes dry skin? Other causes of dry skin include: Living in dry, desert climates Swimming Jobs that need frequent handwashing Bathing often Skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis Cold air Hot water, such as from frequent hot baths or showers What are the symptoms of dry skin?

Dry skin can affect people differently. Symptoms include: Rough skin that is scaly or flaky Mild to moderate itching Cracking skin that may bleed Chapped or cracked lips How is dry skin diagnosed? How is dry skin treated? Also: Don't use harsh soaps, detergents, or perfumes. This finding supports the use of petroleum jelly to treat dry skin, especially when caused by aging.

Aloe vera gel may help provide relief from dry skin, according to a study. A person with dry skin on their hands or feet can apply aloe vera gel and cover the affected area with a sock or glove.

People may prefer to do this before they go to bed and leave the gel on all night. If dry skin is on another area of the body, applying aloe vera gel liberally and allowing it to soak in may achieve a similar effect.

Applying emollients and moisturizers regularly after bathing helps prevent dry skin. People can also prevent dry skin by avoiding things that may trigger dryness or irritation, including:.

If environmental factors or aging is not the cause of dry skin, a person may have an underlying skin condition. If a person suspects this is the case, then they should speak to a doctor. If home remedies and store-bought moisturizers do not alleviate the symptoms of dry skin, a person may also wish to speak to a pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments.

It is important to keep skin moisturized and to treat dry skin as soon as possible. If left untreated, dry skin can lead to:. Redness, swelling, or pus may indicate a bacterial infection. If a person suspects their skin has become infected, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Dry skin is more common when the weather is cold. People can treat most cases of dry skin using home remedies. Learn more about taking care of the…. Dry skin is a common health problem, especially as adults age.

Learn which ingredients to look for in a lotion and find 10 of the best lotions for dry…. When the skin does not produce enough natural oil, it becomes dry. Moisturizing, exfoliating, and medications can help treat this.

Dry, scaly, or cracked skin on the feet is common. People can relieve dry skin using exfoliators, moisturizers, and foot soaks. Learn more here.

Some chemicals in soap may affect health or cause skin irritation. Learn about potentially harmful chemicals and soap alternatives.

My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?