Dry cracked skin on the face: what to know

Cold or dry air, hot water, over-cleansing, shaving, exfoliation, and fragranced products can remove protective oils and leave skin tight, flaky, and fissured. Atopic dermatitis commonly presents with itch and inflammation, while Psoriasis may create defined, scaly patches. Cracks around the nose or lips can also be aggravated by saliva, nasal discharge, or repeated wiping. The same appearance can have different causes, so burning, itch, location, and recent product changes help a clinician narrow it down.

Pause scrubs, acids, retinoids, fragranced products, and other newly added actives until the skin settles. Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, pat dry, then apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment while the skin is slightly damp. Emollient Therapy can support barrier care. Keep products away from the eyes and open cracks unless labelled for that use. Do not peel flakes or apply steroid, antibiotic, or antifungal creams to the face without suitable advice, since the wrong product can irritate facial skin or mask another condition.

Arrange a review if the cracks persist, recur, spread, or remain inflamed despite removing irritants. Seek prompt care for pus, crusting, rapidly increasing redness, warmth, swelling, severe pain, or fever. Swelling around the eye, eye pain, vision change, or difficulty opening the eye needs urgent assessment.

Ask which products should be stopped, whether the pattern fits Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, contact irritation, or infection, and which facial moisturiser or prescription treatment is safe for the affected location.