How to Heal Cracked Skin on the Face

Of all the skin on your body, your face is especially vulnerable to harsh weather, drying facial cleansing products, and other irritants. Skin can become scaly, dry, and cracked, and it can be helpful to know some home remedies to heal your skin.^{[1]XResearch source} It is also important to know when to see your doctor for a more thorough medical evaluation and treatment.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Trying Over-The-Counter and Home Remedies

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1
Be aware of strategies to prevent dry skin. Knowing the causes can help to eliminate (or cut back on) any environmental factors that may be triggers for your cracked skin.^{[2]XResearch source} These include:
- Long showers or long baths (soaking can actually dry out your skin)
- Harsh soaps (mild cleansers are better for dry cracked skin)
- Swimming pools
- Cold, windy weather
- Irritating clothing (such as scarves) that may trigger a skin reaction
The less time your face is exposed to water and cleansers, the better. Use mild soap or cleansers, and refrain from scrubbing.
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3
Be careful with baths and showers. You'd think lots of water would be helpful to re-moisturize your skin, but too much water can actually dry skin out. Keep baths and showers to 5-10 minutes duration.^{[3]XResearch source}
- It can be helpful to add ingredients such as a natural oil (like mineral, almond, or avocado oil), or adding either 1 cup of oatmeal or baking soda to your bath if you are going to have one.^{[4]XResearch source} Bathing can be soothing to dry skin (as long as not done in excess or for long periods of time), and adding any of these ingredients can help to keep the moisture in your skin.
- Gently pat your face dry after your bath or shower. Vigorous drying with a towel can make cracked dry skin worse.
- Also choose milder soaps for bathing as they are less irritating and less drying to the skin.^{[5]XResearch source}
4
Use lots of moisturizing creams or lotions.^{[6]XResearch source} As soon as you get out of the bath, gently pat your skin dry (do not vigorously rub) as this helps to preserve as much of the natural moisture in your skin. Also apply a moisturizing agent right after bathing, as well as at other times during the day.
- If your skin is sensitive and prone to allergic reactions, choose a moisturizing cream or lotion that says "hypoallergenic" on the label.
- If your skin is prone to acne, choose a moisturizing cream or lotion that says "anti-comedogenic" on the label.
- If your skin is extremely dry in a certain location, petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can be a great option.^{[7]XResearch source} For a less greasy option, you can also try Aquaphor. When used on the areas of particular dryness, it can lead to a fast recovery as it is extremely effective. However, the "look" is less conducive to going out in public as it can leave a shiny, greasy appearance, so it is best to use it at night.
- Coat your face in Vaseline or Aquaphor if you live in a place that gets especially dry and cold during the wintertime. This will help to protect your face from becoming dry and cracked.
^{[8]XResearch source} Although it can be tempting to pick or scratch at it, especially if your skin gets scaly or red, this can worsen the cycle and actually cause more damage to your skin.
6
Stay well-hydrated.^{[9]XResearch source} It is important to drink at least 8 cups of water daily, and more if you are doing exercise to compensate for fluid lost in sweat.
- Good hydration gives your skin the best chance of staying moisturized; although it is not a guaranteed "cure," it can certainly help the situation.
7
Know when to see a doctor.^{[10]XResearch source} If your skin does not show improvement after two weeks of treatment with a combination of moisturizers and the above treatments, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional. Also, if you have red or scaly lesions on your face that are getting worse, it is best to see a doctor or a dermatologist (a doctor specializing in skin care) sooner rather than later.
- Although dry cracked skin is relatively common, specific lesions on your skin (unusual lumps, bumps, or colors), sudden onset, or rapid worsening of your skin warrant a visit to your physician. There could be something going on that could benefit greatly from a medicated cream or ointment or, in rare instances, from more complex medical treatments.
- Changes in your skin can also be a sign of a new allergy or sensitivity. Talk to your doctor about this possibility if your skin is changing.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Trying Medical Treatments

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Be aware of potential underlying medical causes of dry cracked skin.^{[11]XResearch source} These can all benefit from treatment of the underlying condition, which will, in turn, improve the condition of your skin. Conditions that can lead to dry, cracked skin include:
- Thyroid conditions
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Eczema, allergic reactions, or psoriasis among other skin conditions
- Medicines or topical products that say to avoid the sun within a certain period after application or ingestion
2
Know worrisome signs that you should be seen and treated by a physician. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, it is best to book an appointment with your doctor (or dermatologist) sooner rather than later:^{[12]XResearch source}
- Sudden onset of your dry skin
- Sudden itchiness
- Any signs of bleeding, swelling, oozing, or intense redness
3
Use medicated topical creams. Your doctor can prescribe specific creams, lotions, or ointments to help heal your skin condition more quickly. Examples include:^{[13]XResearch source}
- Prescribing a topical antihistamine to reduce any itching.
- Prescribing a topical cortisone cream (a steroid that suppresses a hyperactive immune system) to diminish any inflammation that may be associated with skin lesions.
- Prescribing antibiotics or anti-fungals if an infection is found.
- Prescribing stronger pills (oral medications) if topical treatments are insufficient.

Expert Q&A

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I have a very chapped skin; it feels like chapped lips. It's also the first time my skin has become like this. I swim in a pool about 6 times a week. Could my skin be irritated by the water? How do I get rid of this?
Janice Litza, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.
Janice Litza, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
Expert Answer
Most likely the increase in water time and the products used to keep the water clean are causing mild irritation and dryness. Making sure to wash with mild soap after each swim is important. Using a thicker moisturizer, cream or ointment/oil-based, when your skin is still a little wet from the shower is best.
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Where can you go without health insurance?
Janice Litza, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.
Janice Litza, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
Expert Answer
In the US, major health systems usually have a payment system based on income for people who don’t have insurance. I would ask a local clinic that is connected to a major health system, as these might be more available. For areas where there is a health provider shortage, community health centers are designed to take care of all patients, specifically those without insurance, as they get funding to help offset the cost. Primary care is what is available, not often specialty care, but it’s a good access point.
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Quit smoking. Smoking dries out the skin due to a lack of nutrients. It can also make the skin age faster, causing more wrinkles.
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Wear sunscreen as it can help with peeling from burns.
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