July 3, 2026

Dry Skin on Your Face: Causes, Tips and Treatments

Dry skin in winter is something many of us suffer with. Bitterly cold weather teamed with central heating, hot showers and inconsistent skincare can all contribute to dry patches and flakes – all of which makes applying make up and feeling good that little bit more difficult…

Dry skin on the face can happen at any time of year. If your skin feels dry, dull or difficult to apply makeup on, the first step is to understand what could be causing it and how to support your skin with the right routine, products and professional treatments.

Dry Skin: Causes, Tips & Treatments

Dry skin on the face is often caused by a lack of moisture or natural oils in the skin. Common triggers include weather changes, sun exposure, indoor heating, air conditioning, hot showers, harsh skincare, dehydration and over-exfoliating. This can leave the skin feeling tight, rough, flaky or dull. A consistent routine with gentle cleansing, regular moisturising, daily SPF and the right professional treatment can help restore a smoother, healthier-looking glow.

Download a FREE beauty guide

Discover our collection of free beauty guides.

What Causes Dry Skin on the Face?

Dry facial skin happens when the skin does not have enough moisture or natural oils to stay soft, smooth and comfortable. This can make the skin feel tight, look flaky or appear dull. Common causes of dry skin include:

Changes in temperature or humidity
Sun exposure
Wind exposure
Central heating or air conditioning
Hot showers or baths
Harsh, irritating or inconsistent skincare
Over-exfoliation
Dehydration
Some skin conditions or allergies

Dry skin can appear anywhere on the face, but the location of your dryness may give you clues about what is contributing to it.

Dry Skin Around the Eyes and Eyebrows

The skin around the eyes is delicate, so it can become dry or irritated more easily than other areas of the face. Potential causes include:

Makeup or cosmetic irritation
Allergies
Harsh makeup removers
Over-cleansing
Seborrheic dermatitis
Dry or sensitive skin

If the skin around your eyes is red, itchy, sore or flaky for a long time, it is best to seek advice from a professional.

Dry Skin Around the Nose

Dry skin around the nose is common, especially if the area is frequently touched, wiped or exposed to harsh products. Potential causes include:

Cold or windy weather
Indoor heating or air conditioning
Harsh soaps or cleansers
Makeup removers that strip the skin
Frequent nose blowing
Dry or irritated skin barrier

A gentle cleanser, soothing moisturiser and daily SPF can help protect the area and reduce further irritation.

Dry Skin on the Cheeks

The cheeks are often exposed to the elements, which means they can become dry, tight or rough throughout the year. Potential causes include:

Sun exposure
Wind exposure
Dehydration
Over-exfoliating
Harsh skincare products
Changes in temperature
Lack of moisturiser or SPF

Even when it is not sunny, UV rays can still affect the skin. Wearing SPF every day helps protect the skin from sun damage, dryness and premature ageing.

Dry Skin Around the Mouth

Dryness around the mouth can feel particularly uncomfortable, especially if the skin becomes cracked or flaky. Potential causes include:

Dehydration
Chapped lips
Lip licking
Lip plumpers or irritating lip products
Toothpaste irritation
Weather changes
Harsh skincare products

Try to avoid licking the lips, as this can make dryness worse. Use a nourishing lip balm and keep the surrounding skin moisturised.

Is Your Skin Dry or Dehydrated?

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are often confused, but they are not exactly the same. Dry skin usually lacks oil, which can make the skin feel rough, flaky or uncomfortable. Dehydrated skin lacks water, which can make the skin feel tight, dull or less plump. You can have dry skin, dehydrated skin, or both at the same time. This is why the right treatment depends on how your skin looks and feels. If your skin feels rough and flaky, exfoliation may help. If it feels tight and thirsty, hydration should be the focus.

How to Prep Dry Skin for Makeup

Dry skin can make makeup look patchy, flaky or uneven. The right preparation can make a big difference.

1. Exfoliate Gently

Gentle exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the surface, creating a smoother base for makeup. Avoid harsh scrubs, as these can irritate dry skin and make flaking worse. If your skin feels rough, dull or uneven, professional exfoliation may also help. SkinBase Microdermabrasion is a great option for skin that needs a deeper refresh, as it removes dead skin cells from the surface to reveal fresher, smoother-looking skin underneath.

2. Hydrate the Skin

Hydrating serums and moisturisers can help the skin feel softer and more comfortable before applying makeup. Look for lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas that sit well under makeup. If your skin feels tight, thirsty or lacking in glow, SkinBase Hydro may be a suitable treatment option. Hydro combines gentle exfoliation with targeted serums to help refresh and hydrate the skin, making it ideal for dehydrated or dull-looking skin.

3. Use a Primer

A good primer can help smooth the look of dry patches, blur texture and create a better base for foundation.

4. Choose Cream or Liquid Makeup

Powder and matte formulas can make dry skin look more obvious. Cream and liquid formulas are usually a better option, as they help the skin look fresher and more radiant. This applies to foundation, concealer, blusher and bronzer.

5. Apply Makeup Lightly

Heavy makeup can cling to dry patches. Use a light hand and build coverage gradually. A damp beauty sponge can help create a smoother, more natural finish.

What Not to Do If You Have Dry Skin

If your skin is dry, a few simple changes can help prevent makeup from looking patchy. Avoid applying makeup with your fingers, as this can disturb dry patches and absorb some of the product. Try to avoid too much powder, especially on areas that are already flaky. If you need to reduce shine, use a small amount only where needed. Waterproof formulas can also feel drying, so it may be better to choose hydrating, non-waterproof makeup where possible.

Best SkinBase Treatments for Dry and Dull Skin

If your dry skin is caused by dead skin cell build-up, dehydration, dullness or changes in your environment, a professional SkinBase treatment can help support a healthier-looking glow. The best treatment for you will depend on your main concern.

SkinBase Microdermabrasion for Dry, Flaky and Dull Skin

SkinBase Microdermabrasion is a professional exfoliation treatment that uses fine crystals and a vacuum action to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This makes it a great option if your skin feels rough and congested, and looks dull and uneven.

How Does MD Work?

Skin naturally renews itself, but dead skin cells can build up on the surface. This can make the complexion look tired, dry and uneven. By clearing away this surface build-up, Microdermabrasion helps reveal fresher, smoother-looking skin underneath. It can also help your skincare products absorb more effectively, making it a useful treatment if your moisturiser does not seem to be working as well as it should.

SkinBase Hydro for Dehydrated and Tight Skin

SkinBase Hydro is a nourishing facial treatment that combines gentle exfoliation with targeted serums to refresh and hydrate the skin. It is a great option if your skin feels dehydrated and tight, and looks dull.

SkinBase Hydro Glow

While Microdermabrasion is ideal for dry, flaky build-up, Hydro is especially beneficial when the skin needs hydration and nourishment. It is also a good option if your skin needs a gentler approach or if you want a fresh, healthy-looking glow without downtime.

SkinBase Collagen Lift for Dryness, Fine Lines and Loss of Firmness

Dry skin can sometimes make fine lines look more noticeable, especially when the skin is lacking moisture, firmness or bounce. SkinBase Collagen Lift is a non-invasive radio-frequency treatment designed to firm, lift and smooth the appearance of the skin. It is a great option if your dryness is linked with visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Support Your Skin Between Treatments

To keep dry skin looking and feeling its best, consistency is key. Use a gentle cleanser, a soothing toner, moisturise morning and night, drink plenty of water and apply SPF every day. Avoid over-exfoliating and give your skin barrier time to recover if it feels irritated or sensitive. A professional treatment can help refresh the skin, but your daily routine will help maintain your results between appointments.

Ready to Treat Dry, Dull Skin?

Dry skin can happen in any season, but the right skincare routine and professional treatments can help restore a smoother, healthier-looking glow. If your skin feels dull, flaky, tight or rough, find your nearest SkinBase therapist and discover the best treatment for your skin.