Understanding Dry Skin: Causes, Sudden Flakiness & How to Treat It – Especially on the Face

Dry skin – we’ve all experienced it at some point. Whether it’s that uncomfortable tight feeling after a shower, flaky patches that show up uninvited, or a sudden bout of irritation that seems to appear overnight – dry skin can be both frustrating and confusing. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of dry skin all over the body, what might be behind that sudden dry and flaky skin, and how to treat dry skin on the face – gently, effectively, and with care.

What Causes Dry Skin All Over the Body?

Dry skin, or xerosis, occurs when your skin lacks the moisture it needs to stay soft and supple. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, the causes can be varied – and often preventable.

Here are some of the most common culprits behind dry skin from head to toe:

• Weather: Cold, windy air or centrally heated homes can strip moisture from the skin.
  
• Hot Showers & Harsh Soaps: Prolonged exposure to hot water, combined with drying soaps or body washes, can damage the skin’s protective barrier.
  
• Lack of Hydration: If you’re not drinking enough water, your skin will likely show it.
  
• Ageing: As we age, our skin produces less oil, making it prone to dryness.
  
• Underlying Conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, and even diabetes can result in persistent dryness.

Why Is My Skin So Dry and Flaky All of a Sudden?

One day your skin feels fine, and the next – it’s rough, itchy, and peeling. Sound familiar?

Sudden dryness or flakiness can stem from:

• Environmental Changes: A sudden drop in humidity or change in climate can affect your skin.
  
• New Skincare Products: Ingredients like retinol, AHAs, or alcohol-based toners can trigger dryness, especially if overused.
  
• Stress or Hormonal Shifts: Fluctuations in stress or hormones can impact skin health more than we realise.
  
• Over-exfoliation: Using scrubs or peels too frequently can damage your skin barrier, leading to flaky patches.
  
• Allergies or Irritants: Sometimes, a reaction to detergent, fragrance, or a fabric can cause a flare-up.
  

If your skin is suddenly acting up, take a moment to reflect on anything that’s changed recently in your routine or environment.

How to Treat Dry Skin on the Face (Without Making It Worse)

Facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the body, so it requires special care. Here’s how to treat dry skin on your face without stripping it further:

1. Cleanse Gently
   Use a fragrance-free, creamy cleanser that won’t foam up too much. Avoid anything with alcohol or sulphates.
   
2. Moisturise Smartly
   Look for moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin – they help lock in moisture without clogging pores. Apply straight after washing your face, while it’s still slightly damp.
   
3. Skip the Scrub
   Ditch gritty exfoliators – instead, opt for a mild chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid) once or twice a week, and only if your skin can handle it.
   
4. Use SPF Daily
   Yes, even in winter! Dry skin is more vulnerable to UV damage, so don’t skip sunscreen.
   
5. Hydrate from Within
   Drinking plenty of water and eating omega-rich foods (like flaxseed, salmon, and avocado) can support skin health from the inside out.
   
6. Humidify Your Space
   A small humidifier in your room can work wonders, especially during colder months.

Conclusion

Dry skin doesn’t have to be a constant battle. By understanding the causes – whether it’s environmental, hormonal, or product-related – and treating your skin with kindness, you can restore balance and comfort.

If dryness persists or worsens, it’s always worth speaking to a GP or dermatologist to rule out underlying concerns.