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Dry Rough Skin

Written by: Alice Hart-Davis

Last Updated: 22 September 2023

Many people suffer with dry skin on their face and/or body. There are a number of factors that cause dry skin and its severity will vary depending on whether or not you have a condition such as eczema or psoriasis, known medically as “dermatitis”. For most people, dry skin is most prevalent during the change of seasons, in the colder winter months in particular. This is because our skin is subjected to constant changes between the cold and wind outside and the central heating indoors, which can all strip it of moisture. If you are suffering with dry skin there are a number of ways of treating it, many of which can be done easily at home. Scroll down to see all the FAQs about dry, rough skin.

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FAQ ABOUT Dry Rough Skin


Why is my skin dry even when I moisturise?

If you asked most women what their favourite skincare product is “moisturiser” would probably be the top answer, but there’s a conundrum when it comes to moisturiser and dry skin, and something that is highly debated among experts.

Undoubtedly moisturisers relieve the feeling of sore, dry skin, but there is a theory that repeated use over time can actually create a self-perpetuating cycle. Your skin is dry so you apply moisturiser but then your skin becomes “lazy” and forgets how to hydrate itself. You become more and more reliant on moisturiser.

Healthy, flourishing skin, with a non-compromised barrier, keeps itself moist by producing ‘natural moisturising factors’ (NMFs) so it should not be dry. The goal really is to address your skin health and function and target the underlying cause of the dryness rather than to keep putting a plaster on the problem. That being said there are a wide range of products in the category of moisturisers and their effectiveness will depend on the ingredients they contain and their formulation. Hydrated skin is healthy skin and there are products that not only feel nice but also offer effective support to your skin in keeping hydrated.

What causes dry rough skin?

There are a number of factors that cause dry skin and its severity will vary depending on whether or not you have dermatitis or a condition such as eczema or psoriasis.

Extremely dry skin is known medically as “dermatitis” and there are various different forms of this but the main ones are:

Contact dermatitis – caused by a reaction when your skin comes into contact with an irritant, such as a soap, chemical agent, washing powder or other detergent, that causes an inflammatory response. Contact dermatitis can also be known as “allergic contact dermatitis” when people have an actual allergy to a substance. Latex would be an example.

Atopic dermatitis – Atopic dermatitis is more commonly known as eczema. This condition is a chronic inflammation of the skin and often runs in families meaning there is a genetic factor to it. It is often caused or made worse by abnormal reactions to irritants, food and environmental allergens causing the skin to become red, flaky and itchy. Atopic dermatitis is most likely to appear on the face, elbows and the backs of the knees.

For most people, however, dry skin is most prevalent during the change of seasons, in the colder winter months in particular. This is because our skin is subjected to constant changes between the cold and wind outside and the central heating indoors, which can all strip t of moisture. Taking hot baths and showers frequently can also dry out the skin as can swimming, especially in chlorinated pools. Another factor that contributes to dry skin is the products we use. Things like soaps, detergents, hand washes, hand sanitisers and shampoos are all designed to clean and remove dirt but at the same time they also get rid of the skin’s naturally moisturising oils, leading it to become dry.

How to soothe dry skin on the face?

Although becoming over reliant on moisturisers can leave you stuck in a vicious cycle, for most people a moisturising product would be a first choice when it comes to dry skin.

Moisturised, hydrated skin feels nice and looks smoother and plumper. It also reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles which are more prominent and visible on dry skin.  Most moisturisers are made up largely of water and this is why they feel good and offer instant relief. They are simply providing some much-needed hydration to dry skin cells. They feel nurturing and soothing to apply as they usually have a lovely texture and often smell nice, so it’s no wonder many women love their moisturiser.

There are different ways types of ingredients in moisturisers work. Moisturisers containing humectants like glycerine, urea and hyaluronic acid, work by attracting water into the outer layers of skin while occlusives, such as oils and lanolin, form a film on the skin to keep moisture in and stop it escaping into the outside air. Emollients like oils, shea butter and lanolin, smooth over the surface of the skin to fill in the tiny cracks in the skin’s barrier .

Hydrating serums have also become more popular in recent years. This is because they usually contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful water-attracting molecule that helps put moisture back into your skin. Also unlike most moisturisers, which tend to sit on the top of the skin, HA serums soak in and work to moisturise from within the layers of the skin by attracting water almost like a sponge.

Why is the skin around my mouth dry and flaky?

There are many reasons we get dry skin around our mouths but the most common cause is a change in outdoor temperature, especially when it becomes colder and there is a wind chill in the winter.

When our lips and mouth become dry most of us have a tendency to lick them in an attempt to moisturise them, but this only serves to make the problem worse and the skin becomes more dry and chapped.

Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, in particular perioral dermatitis can all make skin around the sensitive mouth area more dry.

What skincare brand should I use for dry flaky skin?

There are so many brands out there that offer a solution to dry skin that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Choosing the right products and brands that work for you will depend on a variety of factors such as your skin type; Personal preference i.e. whether you like a product that feels light and fresh or one that feels rich and creamy, with or without fragrance; What you want the product to do i.e. do you just want a moisturiser or are you looking for anti-ageing ingredients or SPF too?;  How you want the product to make you feel i.e. do you want it to be pampering or are you more interested in result?; Your budget; Your ethical views about skincare i.e. do you want to only use brands that are vegan, environmentally conscious and cruelty free?; How much time and effort you want to put into your regime i.e. do you just want to get up an go with one product or do you want a selection of products that work in conjunction with one another? The list goes on.

There are thousands upon thousands of moisturisers to choose from however when it comes to problem dry skin there are a few that stand out. We like Superdrug vitamin E cream, Cerave Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin and Embyrolisse Lait-Crème Concentre Nourishing Moisturiser.

How do I prevent dry flaky skin?

Keeping your skin hydrated and functioning in a healthy way will help prevent dry skin. Drink plenty of water and use products which encourage skin barrier repair, exfoliation and skin cell turnover. These active products, such as retinols/vitamin A can be slightly irritating and drying at first which may seem counter intuitive but in the long term they can help your skin to function properly and not be so reliant on moisturiser. Protecting your skin in the sun by wearing SPF will also help keep it healthy and prevent damage which can inhibit its normal function. Hot baths and showers can also cause dry skin so limiting the time you spend in hot water can help. Also be mindful of chemicals and detergents that you use in all products from your washing powder to cleaning products, shampoos and soaps. These can all contribute to dry skin but there are plenty of less harsh, irritating, skin-friendly brands out there.

Why do I have eczema on my face?

Although eczema is a common skin condition, it’s exact cause is unknown. It tends to affect the face, hands and elbows in particular causing it to become red and itchy and dry. It is believed that there is a genetic tendency to develop the condition. Symptoms can unexpectedly flare up for no obvious reason, however, there are certain triggers that may impact it including: chemicals, detergents, soap or shampoo; infections with bacteria or viruses; inhaled irritants such as pollen or house dust mites; being stressed or run down; fluctuations in hormone levels i.e. before your period; and eating certain foods.

How can I treat dry rough skin?

Our skin is around 60 per cent water, but it can easily become dry. If the skin barrier (the outer layer of the skin, which shields our insides from the outside world) becomes damaged or ‘compromised’, it can lose water, causing it to become dry and rough in texture. The most effective way to treat dry skin is to restore healthy skin barrier function. In-clinic treatments such as peels, dermaplaning, laser resurfacing and hydro-facials can help remove dead layers of skin and encourage the skin to heal itself. At home using products containing active ingredients, such as vitamin A or acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid can help exfoliate the skin and help it to function healthily once more. There is a bit of persistence required and a period of discomfort to go through with some of these products but it’s worth the investment if you can persevere. Otherwise finding a good quality moisturiser or hyaluronic acid serum can help keep your skin more hydrated and supple. Also don’t forget to drink water – natures natural hydrator!

Are there any tweakments for dry and rough skin or should I use skincare?

If your skin has become red and sore from dry skin then your skincare practitioner or dermatologist may recommend an at-home approach using skincare before having treatment. If your skin is damaged and sore then more aggressive exfoliating treatments may not be recommended. LED light therapy is a soothing and healing treatment which can be beneficial. If the skin is dry and flaky but not cracked, bleeding or broken, the treatments that help to remove the dead cells on the outer layer of the skin can be really effective. These include things such as peels, dermaplaning, device-based treatments which use hydro-dermabrasion or things like laser resurfacing. Skincare can be extremely effective for tackling a multitude of skin concerns. For most effective results consult with a practitioner who can recommend the right products for you.

Home remedies for itching on the face and dry patches?

If you are looking for a natural, home remedy to relieve itching and dryness on the face there are a number of things you can use. Many people rave about the benefits of coconut oil, particularly massaged into the scalp for dry, flaky skin. Menthol is also another soothing essential oil that can calm itching. If your skin is really red and itching cooling it may help offer some relief. You can apply a cold wet cloth or an ice pack to the area for five to 10 minutes. If you are using an ice pack be careful to put a barrier, such as a thin soft towel between the ice pack and your skin as you don’t want an ice burn.

Other home remedies that have been backed up by studies and trials include applying a mixture of “colloidal oatmeal” or apple cider vinegar.

The oatmeal is mixed with water to create a sort of paste and is then applied to the skin to form a protective barrier and keep moisture in. It is thought to be both an anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant and has been shown to reduce dryness, intensity of itching and even roughness and scaling.

Apple cider vinegar is known for its disinfectant and antiseptic qualities. It contains acetic acid and can be diluted in water at a ratio of 1:1 and applied. This is particularly useful for an itchy scalp, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.


ASK ALICE

Alice answers your question. Want to ask Alice a question? Pop it in here and check back in a few days for the answer.


Hello, hello! I adore your guide, thank you so much. Today I stumbled across the black carbon laser treatment. I’d never heard of it before so naturally my first instinct was to turn to your terrific site for the lowdown, but I couldn’t seem to...

Hiya, TTG editor Georgia here. We don't have anything on the site about carbon laser peels because they're not all that popular these days, but perhaps we should! In short, a liquid containing carbon is painted onto the skin, which grabs onto dirt in the pores, then a laser is used to zap the carbon, and the grime, oil and pollution with it. It's great for tightening pores and leaving skin glowing.

I’m 38 and still get acne on my cheeks but skin also dry and sensitive skin, and I can see the ageing… I use ZO end to end but not sure it’s the answer, plus it’s very £££. I looked at your Acne Fixers Bundle but how do I also tackle...

Dry and sensitive skin suggests that your skin barrier isn't in great shape. Work on this by focussing on gentle, hydrating products – a hyaluronic acid serum, sealed in with a moisturiser and, in the morning, topped with sunscreen. Once your skin is feeling stronger and more comfortable, start using a product with retinol or another retinoid (start slowly, with tiny amounts and twice a week at first) to help with acne management. Taking lots of omega-3 supplements can really help with skin hydration and skin quality, too. These are my current favourites....

Sagging, thin, dry, ageing skin – what one thing should I try? I wear sun cream every day and take HRT. I lost a little weight and my neck skin looks crumpled and my face has started sagging with lines. I work for the NHS and am not wealthy but if...

Hiya, TTG editor Georgia here. It sounds like a course of injectable moisturiser injections on the face and neck would be your best bet. Have a look at some of the different brands here to get an idea of what they offer (they all differ slightly based on their ingredients and composition) – some are better at tightening sagging skin than others. All will smooth out the crumpling/ crepey texture that you mention and reduce your lines. You’ll also get a lovely, refreshed glow and ‘springier’ skin. And most importantly, use the Practitioner Finder to find someone we recommend near you who offers this treatment....

Can you recommend the best home device for wrinkles and texture for smoothing the skin on the face, please?

Hiya, TTG editor Georgia here. There aren't really any devices as such for treating texture at home. Aside from DIY microneedling with a roller – which Alice and I rarely advise – your best bet will be a home peel and active skincare, something with smoothing AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) to regulate textural issues. This will also help address wrinkles at the same time, as will a retinol product – which you should absolutely be using in your daily routine. If you did want to invest in a device for your wrinkles alone, you could try the NuFace Line Fix Smoothing Device, which is particularly good around the eyes and mouth, but it's not...

Hope you can answer me, I have very dehydrated skin so am thinking of Profhilo injections. Some websites say that it is only suitable for the lower face and the forehead area won't be affected. Others say it will work for the entire face?

Hi, Profhilo and all the other injectable moisturisers are great for dry skin, and they work wherever they're injected – though if your skin is really dry, you may need more treatment than average in order to see results. The injection protocol that is taught for Profhilo only involves injections in the mid and lower face, but most expert practitioners now take a more creative approach and place the product where they feel it is most needed, which can include the forehead and the area beside the eyes. If your skin is really dry, it's also worth packing in the hydration in your skincare, with a gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum and a...

Good morning Alice, I have just discovered you and your fantastic website through Instagram! I was wondering what you think of Institute Esthederm SPF? It doesn’t tell you what protection it is. I can be sensitive since menopause. THANK YOU.

Hi, it's a great brand though, yes, it is really confusing because they describe their approach to sun protection in such a very different way to everyone else. Just pick one of the products that describes itself as High Protection or Very High Protection and you'll be fine. Also, if your skin is sensitive since menopause, that may be because it is drier, and the skin barrier isn't as good as it used to be, so give it a hand by using a hyaluronic acid serum after cleansing, then a moisturiser (preferably one with ceramides which are good at holding moisture in the skin and allowing it to rebuild that barrier) before you put your sunscreen on...

What is your recommendation for a face cream for dry skin?

If you want just one thing, I'd suggest the Profhilo moisturiser which is light but powerful. But I feel compelled to add that there's a good deal going on with dry skin. It's not holding onto moisture like it should, which means your skin barrier isn't in great shape. So... cleanse your face gently, with warm water rather than hot, so you don't strip any more moisture out of the skin. I love cleansing oils for drier skin. Then use a hyaluronic acid serum like the Medik8 Hydr8 B5, which will help your skin hang onto moisture. Seal that in with a moisturiser like the Profhilo one. And when all that has settled, add sunscreen on top, as the...

What would be your recommendation for a 38-year-old starting to show signs of ageing? Dark circles, fine lines and general lacklustre, dull skin.

I'm very keen on a supporting skin from within with appropriate supplements. My favourite three are a liposomal vitamin C called Altrient C, Totally Derma collagen drink, and OG omega-3 supplements which all benefit the skin in different ways. Tweakments-wise, a round or two of an injectable moisturiser treatment might help boost your skin condition and skin strength and amplify the effects you get from skincare and supplements....

After toxin and filler, my forehead is still a bit textured and rough. Would a laser treatment be the solution for smooth skin? If yes, which one?

Yes, possibly. Does your practitioner offer laser? If not, take a look at our practitioner finder to find someone in your area (for me, it's all about the person using the device, even more so than the device they're using). Or it might be that a couple of rounds of an injectable moisturiser treatment like Belotero Revive or Volite might do the job as these hydrate the skin, encourage the skin to remodel itself and make it smoother/ stronger/ tighter. Also, make sure you're using good quality skincare. I'd suggest vitamin C serum, moisturiser and sunscreen in the mornings and some sort of retinoid in the evenings  – see the shop on the...

Hi, just wondering if Profhilo would be a good match for me. I’m 64 with very thin saggy, dry skin. Would love to attain a dewy glow …. haha – can’t even recall what that’s like. Many thanks, Silvana

Hi Silvana, yes I'm sure that any injectable moisturiser treatment like Profhilo or Volite or Restylane Skinboosters would help. These treatments give skin a massive hydration boost, which helps the skin to regenerate itself from within and grow stronger and smoother and look more like it did when it was younger. You may need more rounds of treatment than average to achieve the results you're after – the older we are and the drier our skin, the more product it takes to work its magic on the skin. Follow this up with some high-quality skincare – there are lots of suggestions in the TTG shop....

I'm 51 with very dry skin/sun damage (Queensland, Australia) with no skincare routine or tweakments. I don't know where to start! Skin treatment? With menopause I just look so tired!

Ah, sympathies. I'd start with your doctor, to consider hormone replacement, as this has such a huge and fundamental effect on everything from brain and heart health, to our skin (more oestrogen means more collagen in the skin, which means stronger, firmer, better hydrated skin that doesn't look so old and tired). Then skincare! Take a look at the skincare advice on our downloadable factsheet about dry, rough skin, which you can grab on this page.  If you want more detail, I've written a whole book called Start with Skincare which you can find on Amazon. In terms of products, start with a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum, a moisturiser...

I'm having Belotero Revive skin booster with Dr Granite. What was your experience with the treatment, did it work?

Hiya, it's TTG editor Georgia here answering your question on Alice's behalf. You can watch how Alice got on with Belotero Revive with Dr Granite in her Tweak of the Week video here. Results-wise, says she liked the way it can be used wherever the practitioner decides it's most needed – in her case, around the crow's feet wrinkles and her upper-lip-lines – and it gave a really nice hydrating and softening result in these areas.

Hi Alice – please let me know whether you have tried Belotero Revive for skin boosting and if so what you think of it. Thanks!

Hiya, editor Georgia here answering on Alice's behalf. Alice had Belotero Revive with Dr Alexis Granite at Skinesis Medical in London last year. You can watch the Tweak of the Week video here and find out more about her experience.

I had moisture injectables in my neck region, is this a similar thing to Profhilo? I can’t remember the brand but it wasn't Profhilo?

Hiya, editor Georgia here answering on Alice's behalf. Without being able to say for sure as you can't remember the exact name of the product you had injected, Profhilo is categorised as an injectable moisturiser, yes. Other widely-used products in this category include Sunekos, Juvederm Volite, Restylane Skinboosters, Belotero Revive and Texone Redensity 1. If none of these ring any bells it would be a good idea to get back in touch with the practitioner who did your previous treatment and ask what product they used, and how much you had injected. It's always good to note down exactly what products you had injected in your face and when,...

Does Profhilo work?

Hiya – editor Georgia here answering on Alice's behalf. Yes, Profhilo works if you're a suitable candidate. However, no tweakment is 100 percent guaranteed to give you the results you're after – it's also about being realistic with your expectations. Some people try Profhilo and don't see much of a result, so go on to try another injectable moisturiser like Teosyal Redensity 1, Restylane Skinboosters, Juvederm Volite or Belotero Revive, and are satisfied. There are a few on the market so it may be worth finding a practitioner who offers a couple of them and knows each product's ideal patient selection well....

Can I have Profhilo when I'm breastfeeding?

Difficult one to answer - in that technically the treatment won't harm you. Not that there are studies to show this, as no companies want to use pregnant women as a test group for any cosmetic treatment. But legally, doctors should not treat a woman who is pregnant or breast-feeding with anything unless there is a medical need to do so.

I am considering Profhilo but another treatment called Pluryal has been recommended, which would you suggest?

Hi, all of these injectable moisture treatments such as Profhilo and Belotero Revive and Juvederm Volite are great for delivering a deep and lasting hydration which enables the skin to rejuvenate itself  (make more collagen, tighten up a bit etc) and Pluryal is a decent brand though I haven't tried it myself. It's different in that it contains a cocktail of antioxidant ingredients as well as hyaluronic acid, which makes it a bit more like a mesotherapy mix, but a properly hydrating one. Ask your practitioner why they are suggesting that particular brand, and if you are satisfied with the answer give it a try.

Hi, just wondering if you'd heard of Jalupro & Sunekos, and what your thoughts are? I've heard they're comparable to profhilo, but am unsure of how or if they differ?

Jalupro I don't know; Sunekos I've tried. It is made with concentrated amino acids to stimulate growth/repair in the skin, whereas Profhilo, Juvederm Volite, Teoxane Redensity 1, Belotero Revive and Restylane Skinboosters—which are all different brands of ‘injectable moisture treatment’, or ‘skinboosters’ as they are collectively known—use a fluid form of hyaluronic acid gel to hydrate the skin from the inside and encourage it to produce new collagen and elastin. So Sunekos and Profhilo (and the other HA Skinboosters) are aiming at similar effects, but via different routes. Sunekos didn’t work for me—I had four sessions,...

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