This Is Why You've Got Dry Patches All Over Your Face

When wintertime comes, it feels like your normal skin rules fly right out the window. Even the oiliest, most acne-prone people can suffer from dry skinand flakiness during the winter months thanks to extreme weather and low humidity. And you're likely not alone in wondering how you got those strange, dry spots that are suddenly emerging on your face. We literally feel your pain.

That's why we asked two leading dermatologists to explain what is going on with your skin, how to get relief ASAP, and what to do to prevent dehydrated patches from creeping back to terrorize again.What's Going On?

Several factors on their own, or combined, can create rough areas of dry skin, explains Montclair, New Jersey dermatologist, Jeanine B. Downie, M.D. In the winter, it's colder and drier temperatures that zap moisture, plus wind that hits skin when you're out in the elements without coverage from a hat or a scarf. Factor in low to no humidity levels and that makes it an ongoing challenge for skin to retain its own hydration. You've got a recipe for dryness—even if you have oily skin naturally.

Your skin-care routine may also be a culprit. "When you're overdoing it with too many harsh products or scrubbing your face aggressively, you're taking the moisture out," says Downie. Or if you're using and not regularly cleaning a facial sonic brush, it may have accumulated bacteria on the head that irritates your skin, leading to dryness. And some people are just genetically unlucky. If mom or grandma have always had dry skin, there's a higher chance your own complexion may not hold onto moisture well, adds Downie.

What To Do Right Away

Cut out treatment products that may be drying out skin, like toners and peel products, advises Downie. (You can always go back after your skin heals, and when the temperatures go up again with more humidity in the air.) "Switch to a gentle, sensitive skin cleanser that doesn't lather so that you're not removing moisture while washing—a skin-care step that can dehydrate skin the most," says Downie. And switch to a fragrance-free moisturizer that you apply at least twice a day. Fragrance can unnecessarily irritate skin and dry it out, so you don't want to do that with the product that's supposed to be replenishing your complexion. And if you're acne-prone, make sure you use an oil-free moisturizer that you feel comfortable applying generously without risk of breaking out. Look for labels that say non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic, which means the product won't clog pores or worsen breakouts.

How To Prevent Relapse

In the winter, one of the biggest factors that sets your skin up to get dry are long, very hot baths and showers, says New York City dermatologist, Anne Chapas, M.D. "This strips the face of its natural oils and leaves skin drier than it was before," explains Chapas. Limit shower time and cleanse your face with lukewarm water, and try options like cleansing wipes after workouts instead of hopping in the shower more than once a day. If you're taking a bath, adding oils to the tub will help make it a hydrating instead of dehydrating dip.

When going through your skincare routine, avoid harsh scrubbing of skin and pat skin dry instead of wiping dry. To get the most out of your facial moisturizer, apply it while skin is still damp—and if you're prone to feeling dry or like your skin is a size too tight during the day, carry your moisturizer and reapply it before you get to that point, suggests Chapas.

A humidifier is also a wise investment to help your skin retain more moisture, suggest both our dermatologists. It will even help your moisturizing skin-care products work better. Sleeping with it on in your bedroom can be especially helpful, since the added moisture in the air will help skin all over your body, as well as your hair and nails, says Downie.Read more at:short cocktail dresses | year 12 formal dresses