Can you use La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+M for dry skin on your face?

What can a moisturiser do for dry facial skin?

Dry skin lacks enough moisture to stay soft. It can feel tight or rough, flake and sometimes itch. Moisturisers help soften and smooth dry skin, reduce water loss and support the skin's protective barrier. These are general moisturiser benefits, not a promise of a particular Lipikar result. For choosing a facial moisturiser, look for a product intended for the face, without fragrance, and with moisture attracting ingredients such as glycerin.1

What if it feels too rich on your face?

Greasy preparations generally hold moisture in the skin best, but a less oily finish can be more comfortable on the face. A moisturiser you are willing to use regularly is more useful than one you avoid because of its finish, however impressive the letters after its name look. Choose a texture that suits the dryness and that you will actually apply.2

You can use one moisturiser on your face and another on your body; a shared bathroom does not require a shared formula. Ointments contain the most oil and retain moisture well, lotions contain the least, and creams sit between them. A cream or lotion can suit less dry skin, while an ointment can suit very dry skin.3

How should you apply it?

If your label allows facial use, follow its directions. These general emollient application steps also help:

1. 1Wash your hands before applying the moisturiser.
2. 2After washing your face, leave the skin slightly damp so the moisturiser helps trap water.
3. 3Dispense a pump onto clean hands. For a tub, use a clean spoon or spatula rather than putting your fingers inside.
4. 4Smooth a thin layer over the dry areas in the direction of hair growth, rather than rubbing vigorously.
5. 5Leave the moisturiser on to absorb rather than washing it off.

Use moisturiser daily while your face feels dry. Morning, bedtime and straight after washing are useful opportunities. General emollient care can require two to four applications a day, depending on dryness. Regular application matters because the moisturising effects are temporary. Do not count a moisturiser as sun protection unless its label specifies SPF; use sunscreen for sun protection.1256

What if you also have acne?

Acne does not remove the need to moisturise dry skin. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tretinoin and isotretinoin can cause dryness and irritation, and daily moisturising can help you tolerate them. Look for wording such as "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on your exact product. Those descriptions mean a moisturiser is unlikely to cause acne, not that breakouts are impossible.4

If you use a prescribed steroid cream on your face, keep the moisturiser and steroid at least 30 minutes apart, unless your clinician gives different instructions. Do not mix them together or apply them simultaneously. If you receive ultraviolet light treatment or radiotherapy, ask your treatment team about moisturiser timing.56

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using the moisturiser if it makes your skin itchy, sore or irritated, and ask a pharmacist about an alternative. Sensitive or inflamed skin can react to ingredients in emollients. See a dermatologist if facial dryness does not go away or keeps returning. Cracking, bleeding or painful sores need medical attention rather than simply more moisturiser, because broken skin can develop an infection.13