Why is my face still dry after moisturizer?

What is keeping your face dry?

Dry skin lacks moisture in its outer layer. That layer normally acts as a barrier, helping keep water inside; when its function is impaired, skin holds water less effectively. Harsh soaps, excessive washing, hot water and friction can contribute. A moisturizer can help hold water in your skin, but it cannot negotiate with the heating. Cold air, indoor heating and excessive air conditioning can keep the surrounding air dry.34

How should I change my routine?

1. 1Wash gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing, and keep showers short rather than letting your face sit under hot water.
2. 2Pat your skin gently, leaving it damp. Apply moisturizer promptly instead of waiting until your face is completely dry; after a shower, aim for within three minutes.
3. 3Choose a richer moisturizer if your current one leaves you tight or flaky. Apply enough to cover the dry areas gently.
4. 4Reapply a plain moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry, including later in the day. Check whether the product contains an active medicine before treating it as an unrestricted moisturizer.

What should I look for in a moisturizer?

Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, attract and bind water. Occlusives, such as petroleum jelly and mineral oil, form a coating that helps retain water already in the skin. Many moisturizers combine both. If you are prone to acne, heavy occlusive products can aggravate breakouts; look for a product labeled noncomedogenic rather than automatically choosing the greasiest option. Introduce one new product at a time so a reaction is easier to trace.5

If you have eczema, tiny cracks in the skin allow water to escape quickly. Choose a gentle, fragrance free cream or ointment rather than a lotion: lotions contain less oil and lock in less moisture. A cream containing ceramides can help replace some of the natural moisturizing lipids that eczema skin lacks. Moisturizer is part of eczema care, not a replacement for treatment of a flare.26

Why does my skin feel dry again a few hours after skincare?

Water loss can continue after you finish your routine. Reapply moisturizer as needed, and consider a bedroom humidifier if heating makes the air dry; aim for indoor humidity of 30% to 50%. Retinol, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can also contribute to dryness. Review their frequency, but follow your prescriber's instructions for prescription products, including their order with moisturizer.35

Can washing with only water still leave skin feeling dry?

Yes. Hot water and excessive bathing can dry skin even without cleanser. Switching to water alone removes the cleanser from the routine, not the weather from the room. Water alone also does not adequately remove oily dirt that sticks to skin. Use lukewarm water, avoid prolonged washing and moisturize while your face is damp.17

When does dryness need medical attention?

Dryness can improve once contributing factors are controlled, but a tendency to dry skin can persist. Seek medical advice if dryness continues despite these changes, or you develop redness, persistent itching, a rash or wounds that do not heal. Age, some medications and conditions such as thyroid disease can contribute to excessive dryness. A rash with fever, blistering or rapid spreading needs urgent medical care.145