Derm DMs: Why do I have dry skin on my forehead?

Dry skin is one of the most common skin problems during the cold season. Although it is often viewed as a whole, segmental dryness (when only certain areas of your skin are dry) can happen quite often. Personally, my forehead is flaky this year, and I can't help but wonder why? For answers, I spoke with a dermatologist nurse and Skincare.com consultant. Natalie Aguilar. 

“Sometimes segmental dryness can be caused by product or material irritation, sweat, sun exposure, or wind,” she explains. " the forehead is one of the problem areas, as it is one of the closest parts of the body to the sun. Keep reading for more information on forehead dryness and our tips for keeping the area hydrated during the winter and beyond.

Some Reasons Why You May Experience Dry Forehead

In fact, there are many reasons why you might experience dry forehead, from sun exposure to hair products and even sweat. After the scalp, the forehead is the part of the body that is closest to the sun, which means it's the first area that encounters ultraviolet rays, explains Aguilar. Be sure to apply sunscreen thoroughly all over your face to reduce the risk of sunburn, which can also lead to dryness. Use a sunscreen with moisturizing properties, such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Moisture Cream SPF 30 with Hyaluronic Acid to moisturize and protect the area at the same time.

While hair products have been known to occasionally cause breakouts, Aguilar says they can also dry out the forehead if the product migrates down. Sweat also causes increased dryness of the forehead. “The forehead is the part of the face that sweats the most,” explains Aguilar. "Sweat contains small amounts of salt, which can dry out the skin or upset the pH." One of the best ways to help address both of these potential causes is to cleanse your face regularly to remove any hair product residue and sweat residue. 

Some skin products, such as exfoliators, can also cause forehead dryness when overused. “Excessive exfoliation and using too many acid-based products can weaken and break down your epidermal barrier,” says Aguilar. Reduce the frequency of exfoliation when your skin starts to feel tight or dry, and be sure to keep the moisture barrier intact by applying a facial moisturizer such as L'Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Day/Night Cream.

Dry Forehead Care Tips

Incorporating moisturizing skin care products into your daily routine can help with dry forehead. Aguilar recommends looking for formulas with hyaluronic acid. "I love PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boost Serum because it provides long-lasting hydration at three levels of the skin: instant hydration and occlusion at the surface, as well as a proprietary blend of HA-Pro Complex that encourages the skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid, resulting in long-lasting hydration. He speaks. For a more affordable option, we like Mineral Vichy 89. This serum not only hydrates the skin but also strengthens and repairs the skin barrier for less than $30. 

Aguilar also suggests using a milk or oil based cleanser such as Lancôme Absolue Nourishing & Brightening Cleansing Oil Gelbecause they are less likely to tighten the skin and often contain moisturizing ingredients. To completely seal in moisture, complete your nightly skincare routine with a facial oil (our favorite is Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate). “Applying facial oil over hyaluronic acid can help with a dry or irritated forehead,” she says.  

Finally, it may be a good idea to invest in a humidifier and turn it on while you sleep. “A moisturizer not only helps prevent dryness, it also helps keep skin hydrated throughout the night,” says Aguilar.