Dry or Rough Patches on Your Face: Causes & Treatments

Woman looking at herself in the mirror, wondering when to start using an anti-wrinkle cream to keep a visible youthful skin

For some of us, dry spots on the skin or face can be a common, uncomfortable occurrence, especially during the colder months. Not only does flaky, scaly skin look bad, it itches too!

But what if you're not sure what’s happening on your skin? Maybe you’re noticing a little rough face texture, or some flaking that won’t go away. If that sounds like you, you might be dealing with early signs of dry patches on your face.

The good news is there’s plenty you can do about it. There are clear reasons why your face is rough, and Clarins can give you the know-how to help deal with them properly. Follow along to learn if you have dry patches on your face and the steps our beauty experts recommend to leave it feeling moisturized and comfortable.

Key Takeaways

Dry patches can occur even if you don’t have a dry skin type—environmental factors, harsh skincare products, or lifestyle habits (like long hot showers or alcohol use) can all disrupt your skin’s moisture balance.Micellar water gently yet effectively removes impurities from skin without needing to scrub or rinse.
Ingredients matter. Look for products that include jojoba oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or squalane—hydrating powerhouses that visibly smooth and comfort dry, rough skin.Micellar water is easy to use, just pour some on a cotton pad or cloth and gently wipe over your skin.
Your shower habits may be working against you. Hot water, long baths, and vigorous scrubbing can strip your skin of its natural oils, worsening dry spots.
Overnight masks and hydration facials can make a visible difference. These moisture-boosting rituals help replenish your skin barrier and support a visibly softer, more even texture.
Clarins’ Hydra-Essentiel line and plant-powered skincare are formulated to restore hydration and visibly smooth texture—without overwhelming sensitive or dry skin.

What are common signs of dry skin on the face?

During the winter, throughout the year, or after an intense workout, noticing any of the following on your face, is a sign you have dry skin:

Flaky skin
Rough skin
Scaly or peeling skin
Tight feeling skin
Itchiness
Cracks on skin
Redness
Bleeding
Dullness of skin

If you notice that your cheeks are dry while your T-Zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily, it’s a sign that you may have combination skin.

What causes dry patches of skin on the face?

So, you’ve confirmed that you have dry patches on your face for at least part of the year. But what causes dry skin in the first place?

“Dry skin” is a skin type, just like combination or oily skin. Our skin naturally produces an oil called sebum to keep itself hydrated. When a sufficient amount of sebum isn’t created, your skin doesn’t get enough hydration and becomes dry, allowing those pesky dry spots to make a home on your face.

However, it’s possible to get dry, flaky skin on your face from other factors like:

Environmental factors: Cold weather, dry air, or excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause your skin to dry out (yes, even if you don’t usually have dry skin). Overheated or heavily air-conditioned rooms can dry out your skin, as low humidity levels lead to moisture loss.
Low-quality skincare products: The harsh chemicals in some skincare and shower products can irritate your skin and strip all oils, causing dry, itchy patches on your face.
Shower practices: While taking a long, hot bath might sound perfect after a busy day, frequent showering and scrubbing, or spending too much time in the tub, may lead to drier skin from excessively removing the skin’s oils.
Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to dryness because of their skin’s natural makeup. Your skin barrier function and sebum production levels are largely determined by genetics, which can influence how your skin holds onto moisture over time.
Underlying health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, thyroid imbalance, diabetes, or kidney disease, can also lead to facial dryness. If you suspect an underlying issue may be at play, you should check in with your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle: If you aren’t drinking enough water, your body (including your skin) isn’t getting sufficient hydration, which means — you guessed it — dry skin. Other lifestyle factors, such as eating poor-quality food, smoking, or drinking alcohol, can cause dry and dull-looking skin.
Exercise: Your skin can lose moisture due to sweating when you exercise, so you need to stay hydrated while you work out, or your skin will become dehydrated. Learn more in our guide to proper skincare for the gym.
Age: As we age, our skin’s oil production slows, which can cause skin to become fragile and dry. It’s worth noting that dry skin from genetics or deeper medical issues aren’t the same as dehydrated skin. While both types of skin lack moisture, the causes for dehydrated skin tend to be mostly external, and aren’t due to a lack of sebum.

What is the best face skincare routine for treating dry patches?

To treat or prevent dry skin, follow a regular dry skincare routine. Here’s a step-by-step routine to help you hydrate dry patches on your face:

1. Use a gentle facial cleanser

Facial cleansers that contain alcohol, artificial colors, harsh chemicals, or fragrances can irritate and dry out your skin. Opt for a gentle foaming face wash that's made specifically for dry skin.

Expert tip: Use plant-based products such as Clarins' dry skin face cleansers for the best results.

2. Moisturize at least twice a day

Moisturize your face a few minutes after showering and before bed every night. You can also moisturize after washing your face during the day. Use gentle moisturizers for dry skin to hydrate your face, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too.

3. Exfoliate

Sometimes, dead cells tend to accumulate on the skin, which can show up as dry patches. Exfoliating once a week with a gentle exfoliating scrub can visibly clear away dead skin cells and dry patches.

Clarins’ exfoliating face masks are gentle on your skin and remove dead cells to reveal the soft, smooth skin underneath, making the perfect addition to your dry skincare routine.

Other tips to treat dry patches of skin on your face

Dealing with dry patches isn’t just about what products you use—it’s also about the everyday habits that support your skin. From how you shower to what ingredients you look for, small shifts can make a big difference. These extra tips are designed to help prevent dryness before it starts and give your skin the comfort, hydration, and glow it’s been craving.

Target dry patches by changing lifestyle habits

Spending too long inside the bath or the shower can exacerbate symptoms of dry skin. So, limit your bathing time to 5-10 minutes and use warm water instead of hot water. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower. If you wash your face during the day, use lukewarm water and moisturize afterward.

When removing your makeup, use a gentle face cleanser and don’t scrub too vigorously.

Limit exposure to air conditioning and heaters

Spending too long in front of a fireplace or an air-conditioned room can suck the moisture from your face. Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to your room during the dry season.

Don’t forget to cover your face when going out in extreme weather conditions. Before stepping out in the sun, lather on some facial sunscreen (preferably broad spectrum SPF 50+) that contains moisturizer to prevent your facial skin from drying out too much. Clarins sunscreens come with an anti-pollution complex that helps reduce dry skin while protecting your face from the harsh effects of the sun.

Look for plant-powered ingredients that nourish and comfort

When shopping for skincare, scan the label for ingredients that support dry, sensitive skin, like jojoba oil, shea butter, squalane, and safflower. These botanical extracts help create a comforting cocoon on the skin’s surface, reducing rough patches and helping your complexion feel soft and smooth. Clarins scientists have spent decades researching plant-powered solutions, and you’ll find many of these moisture-replenishing ingredients in our formulas, especially those created for dry or mature skin types. Jojoba oil, for instance, nourishes the skin, without leaving behind a heavy or greasy feel.

Try an overnight moisturizing mask for extra hydration

If your usual moisturizer isn’t enough, a thick overnight mask can work wonders while you sleep. Look for masks with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plant oils, or omega-rich extracts that help visibly smooth and soften dry spots by morning. Apply it as the last step in your evening routine, and let your skin soak up the nourishing benefits overnight. The sensorial texture of an overnight mask adds a spa-like moment to your routine, while giving your skin the support it needs to feel plumped and replenished. It’s an easy, no-fuss upgrade to your skincare ritual—just apply and drift off.

Book (or DIY) a hydration facial

A hydration facial instantly boosts moisture to dry, tired-looking skin, especially helpful during seasonal transitions or after travel. At a spa, your skin is often treated to steam, gentle exfoliation, massage, and deeply hydrating masks or serums to help refresh and comfort the complexion. For a DIY version at home, cleanse thoroughly, exfoliate gently, then layer on a hydrating mask followed by a face oil and moisturizer. Give yourself a relaxing facial massage to help encourage absorption and support circulation. Whether at home or with a professional, a targeted hydration facial can help smooth texture and visibly revive dry patches.

What kind of skincare products should you use for dry, patchy skin?

Skincare products composed of toxic ingredients can do more harm than good for dry skin, and in some instances, can even cause dry patches!

The beauty experts at Clarins carefully select plant-based ingredients that target each skin type.

If you have dry skin, you need hydrating skincare products. Explore the full set of dry skin skincare products available:

Click here to view Clarins' products for dry facial skin.

If you have dry skin patches on your face and oily skin in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), you need skincare products for combination skin. Our spa experts use ingredients with balancing properties to hydrate dry skin and mattify oily skin.

Here’s the full set of combination skincare products:

And don't forge to use the best non-toxic makeup, powered by plant extracts!

Take charge of the dry spots on your face

If dry spots on your skin or face keep your face from feeling its best, a few simple changes can make all the difference. A consistent routine is key, from switching to a gentler cleanser to layering on deeply hydrating products. Clarins’ research-backed formulas—like our plant-powered Hydra-Essentiel line with hyaluronic acid and organic leaf of life—are designed to restore comfort and smooth rough texture so your skin feels soft, supple, and radiant again. With the proper care (and a little help from Clarins), your skin can get back to glowing in no time.

Any questions?

How do I get rid of dry spots on my face?

Dry spots often show up when your skin’s natural moisture barrier is out of balance. Start with a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser, layer on a hydrating serum, and follow with a nourishing moisturizer—especially one with squalane or shea butter. Add a face oil at night or try a weekly hydrating mask to lock in moisture and boost comfort.

Why do I have dry patches on my face?

Dry patches can happen for lots of reasons—changes in weather, skincare products that strip the skin, or even things like stress or travel. Sometimes, your skin just needs a little extra love and hydration. A rich, replenishing moisturizer and a gentler routine can help get things back in balance.

How do I improve overall face texture?

Start by gently exfoliating (once or twice a week) to smooth out rough patches and boost radiance. Follow with hydrating layers—like a serum and moisturizer—and don’t skip SPF. A consistent routine with antioxidant-rich formulas can help refine texture and bring back that soft, smooth glow.