What Are White Flakes on Face and How to Treat Them?

What Are White Flakes on Face and How to Treat Them?

Some people may experience continuous discomfort and feelings of self-consciousness due to dry, flaky, or itchy skin on their faces. Our research shows that while dryness and flaking can affect all skin types at any age and are typically transient, they are especially prevalent in those with sensitive or chronically dry skin. In order to get the best guidance on how to deal with dryness and regain the appearance of hydrated, healthy-looking skin, we advise consulting a board-certified dermatologist first if you think you could be suffering signs of dry skin.

Causes 

Even though dry, flaky skin can appear on any part of your body, including your hands, feet, elbows, or legs, it can be especially bothersome when it occurs on your face. There are several factors that may be involved if you have dry skin on your face and consequent flaking or irritation. Here are a few of the most frequent causes of excessively dry skin on the face.

1) Stripping or harsh skincare products

The cause of dry or flaky skin on your face is frequently a result of using skincare products with harsh ingredients. This is particularly true for some alcohol-based treatments that can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation or increased dehydration, like as astringents or harsh toners. This may also apply to items with strong fragrances, antiperspirant soaps, perfumed soaps, and other items made with drying alcohol components.

It's typically advised to look for non-comedogenic, mild, fragrance-free products developed with dermatologists if you have dry skin on your face, or to speak with a board-certified dermatologist directly for tailored advice. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help rebuild the skin's protective barrier, are two chemicals found in gentle hydrating creams like CeraVe Moisturising Cream that are intended to help retain moisture.

2) Outside Factors

If you experience seasonal flaky skin patches, environmental factors may be at fault. Every time the temperature or humidity levels change, your face may get drier. Your skin's look, whether on your face or any other part of your body, can be impacted by a general lack of moisture in the air. Fortunately, these cyclical dry spells are typically brief and don't need to worry about.

Long, hot showers or baths are yet another potential external cause of dry, flaky skin. The American Academy of Dermatology advises limiting bathing duration to no more than 5–10 minutes in warm water when treating dry skin because these practices can deplete natural oils from the skin.1

3) An Existing Skin Disorder

People who have chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis frequently experience itchy and dry skin. CeraVe suggests ceramide-based solutions because they can help restore the skin's protective natural barrier in those with various skin diseases who may also have a weakened skin barrier.

4) Particular Drugs

It's likely that some medications could also be a factor in your dry, flaky facial skin. Consult your doctor for the most effective, individualized treatment options if you think your medication may be causing you to develop symptoms of dry skin.

Despite the numerous factors that could contribute to dry skin on your face, a dermatologist can offer assistance by suggesting hydrating treatments, such as CeraVe products, which are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and non-drying. Read our informative article on selecting a face cleanser for dry skin to find out more about dry skin.

Treatment 

A number of skin diseases, such as dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis, can result in white flakes on the face. Depending on the underlying cause, there are a variety of treatments for white flakes on the face.

Creams that moisturize the skin: 

Using a moisturizing cream can hydrate the skin and lessen flaking if your white flakes are the result of dry skin.

Topical steroids:

 To lessen swelling and scaling in more severe cases of psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, your doctor may recommend a topical steroid cream or ointment.

Antifungal creams: 

If a fungal infection is the source of your white flakes, your doctor may advise using an antifungal cream to get rid of the infection and lessen flaking.

Medicated shampoos: 

If your white flakes are on your scalp and spreading to your face, medicated shampoos with active components like salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide may be able to help.

Altering your way of life by staying away from hot water and abrasive soaps, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and refraining from scratching or rubbing the affected region can all be beneficial.

How do get rid of them in a natural way? 

Depending on the underlying cause, a number of home remedies may reduce white flakes on the scalp or face. Here are a few at-home cures to take into account:

Tea tree oil: 

Tea tree oil has antifungal characteristics, so diluting it with carrier oil and applying it to the scalp or face may help to lessen dandruff flakes.

Aloe vera: 

Using aloe vera gel to calm the skin and lessen inflammation, which can cause dandruff or flaking, will assist.

Apple cider vinegar: 

Because apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory and antifungal characteristics, rinsing the scalp or face with a solution of apple cider vinegar and water may help to eliminate dandruff flakes.

Coconut oil: 

Because coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, massaging coconut oil onto the scalp or face can aid to moisturize the skin and decrease flaking.

Baking soda: 

Applying a paste made of baking soda and water to the face or scalp will help exfoliate dead skin cells and lessen peeling.