Why Do Dry Patches Occur?
Having dry patches on the face is more common than you think. That doesn’t make it less frustrating, though, especially if you’re one to keep up with your skincare routine. You may be wondering why this happens even though you’re meticulous about your regimen.
Most times, figuring out why dry patches occur is a no-brainer, that being the lack of moisture on the face. However, it may also be due to several underlying reasons, such as the ones listed below:
You’re Using a Harsh Facial Wash
While it may be true that facial washes eliminate grime and dirt, they also strip the skin of its natural oils. Harsh ones even contain many drying ingredients, like salicylic acid and alcohol. These chemicals may prove too much for your skin, causing dry patches to appear.
Your Genetics May be the Culprit
If you’ve always had bouts of dry patches on the face ever since you can remember, you can blame genetics. That’s right; you may have inherited your dry skin condition from your mother or father’s side of the family. This is due to a gene mutation that inhibits the production of filaggrin, which is responsible for the hydration of your skin barrier.
Blame it on Your Acne Medications
Certain acne medications can also be the reason for the dry patches on your face. For instance, that retinol you consider a holy grail may speed up your skin cells’ turnover rate. The result? You get that itching, peeling, and flaking that signals you to take it easy with the product usage.
There are plenty of other reasons that are behind the dry patches on your face. These may be due to skin ageing, too much sun exposure, or an underlying medical condition. No matter what the cause of these is, one thing’s for sure - you’ll want to treat them. Read on to find out how to do so.
How to Get Rid of Dry Patches on the Face
Getting rid of dry patches on the face can be done with the help of a professional. However, if you’re not keen on this, there are several products that can help you cure dry skin naturally. Check out the following:
Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil has many uses, one of which is the ability to treat dry skin effectively. It’s a natural moisturiser that does wonders in improving skin hydration and texture. Not only that, but the oil is known to lock in your skin’s natural moisture.
This is because VCO has strong emollient properties, able to fill in gaps in dry, flaky skin. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of it before bedtime, or even anytime! Soon, you’ll wake up with a soft, moisturised face with no traces of dry patches at all.
Shea Soap
If you’re looking for a gentle cleanser that’s a fit for any skin type, then the shea soap is meant for you. It’s rich in antioxidants and packed with vitamins capable of curing damaged skin cells. It also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, so you get the bonus of soothing skin irritations as well.
Shea is known as an emollient, meaning it’s more than capable of softening dry skin patches. Using it as a cleanser will only give you benefits, more so if combined with other ingredients. For instance, ever heard of shea soaps infused with honey & oatmeal? It’s the perfect solution for your stressed and dry skin woes.
Sugar Scrub
Exfoliation is a crucial step in a skincare regimen that some people scrimp on. Don’t make this mistake, though, especially if you’re experiencing dry patches on your face. This is because it’s something that you do to get rid of and remove dead skin cells.
Fun fact: the skin continuously sheds old cells to make way for newer, fresher ones. However, there are times the old ones cling to the surface resulting in dry patches. To remedy this, use a sugar scrub that gently removes dead skin cells while promoting a brighter skin tone.
Aloe Vera Gel
If you’re not an avid fan of oils that may come off as thick on the skin, get yourself some aloe vera gel. It has the same moisturising effect and relief as other natural oils. However, it is far more absorbent and gives off a lighter feel on your face.
All you have to do is apply aloe vera gel on your skin liberally and let it soak. Doing so will not only treat your dry patches but also alleviate redness and irritation. For reference, you can extract the gel yourself from an aloe plant or buy it easily on the market.
Face Packs
Yet another remedy for dry patches is face packs that nourish and heal the skin. That’s right, these masks aren’t just for show and can be used to treat certain conditions. So long as you choose the right ingredients for a pack, you’ll have clear, moisturised skin in no time!
If you’re looking for face mask ideas to treat dry patches, you won’t need to go that far. Certain fruits in your pantry will do just fine, like that banana and avocado lying around for a while. You can also egg white face packs or even use honey you left on the fridge. These products are effective in rejuvenating dry skin, so don’t be afraid to rely on natural, homemade facial masks.
Generally, dry patches on the face stem from the lack of moisture and hydration. However, sometimes, it may also be because of your skincare routines. No matter the cause, there are only two routes available for you.
You can try consulting a board-certified dermatologist to get to the root of your skin condition quickly. That, or you can rely on all-natural products proven to soothe, moisturise, and restore your skin to its glowing glory.
Written by Myrtle Bautista
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