What causes dry flaky face skin and how do you get rid of it. There are a number of causes of dryness and flaking. One of the likely culprits is skincare products. So, let's start with that.
Skincare Products
Many of today's skincare products contain petroleum based alcohols and other ingredients that cause excessive dryness. When used frequently, they can cause flaking, too.
Anytime the skin's moisture levels fall, dead cells on the skin's outer layers detach from the deeper layers. The flakes that you see are actually those cells.
Harsh cleansers and exfoliants are among the skincare products that could be the problem. Alcohol based aftershave, toners and astringents could also be to blame. Acne treatments are another common cause of excessive dryness.
Chlorinated Water
If you live in an urban area and are serviced by a public water treatment facility, there is probably chlorine in your water. The facilities use it to kill bacteria and prevent overgrowth of algae. Every time you shower, it is like you are swimming in a chlorinated pool. Combine the chlorine with popular facial cleansers and you can end up with dry flaky face skin.
The Sun
Sometimes the sun can cause dryness issues, without causing redness or burning. Actually, any source of heat can reduce the skin's moisture content to the point where flaking occurs.
Low Levels of Hyaluronic Acid
Low levels of hyaluronic acid are typically associated with the aging process. The glue-like substance is responsible for holding the cells of the skin's outer layers together. When the skin's level becomes too low, the cells can easily become detached. You can't see hyaluronic acid, but you can see dry flaky face skin.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis simply means inflammation of the skin. It is a common term used to describe a number of different conditions. In addition to dryness and flaking, symptoms may include:
• Redness
• Irritation
• Burning
• Cracking
• Swelling
Dermatitis may be caused by:
• An allergen or irritant in a skincare product
• Exposure to a toxin
• Excessive cleansing
• Exposure to a plant allergen
When left untreated, excessive dryness can lead to dermatitis or infection. The skin's moisture levels help to naturally protect against inflammation, infection and irritation. When moisture is depleted, irritation and infection are more likely to occur.
Age or Hormonal Changes
Although secondary causes of dry flaky face skin, age and hormonal changes that occur throughout a person's life can cause the problem. As mentioned above, hyaluronic acid levels become lower with age.
Low estrogen levels that accompany menopause and the menopausal transition can cause the skin's sebaceous glands to be less productive. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, which helps to hold moisture in.
Hormonal changes during puberty stimulate increased sebum production, which is one reason that so many teenagers suffer from excessive oiliness and acne. A lifetime of failing to think about your skin's health could also cause dry flaky face skin as you age. The solution to the problem is simpler than you think. Read my next article to learn about How to Get Rid of Dry Flaky Face Skin.
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