Drying out

[Rena-san]

So, my face is drying out badly. It is peeling and feels tight after washing it. I use Dove beauty bar for sensitive skin, cetaphil facial cleanser, and cetaphil facial moisturizer. I wash twice a day and put the moisturizer on in the morning. However, my face, especially my chin and around my eyes is peeling and painful. I'm sure this is the hormones, but could this be a sign I need a lower dose?
I've thought about not washing my face as often . . . maybe every other day? Good idea or bad idea?

[Jamie D]

Try washing with the soap and Cetaphil just once per day (rinse with warn water otherwise) and moisturize twice per day.

[MadelineB]

Try washing with the soap and Cetaphil just once per day (rinse with warn water otherwise) and moisturize twice per day.

Exactly!
You are using two cleansers, which is overkill for sensitive skin. I have very sensitive skin, and most days use a mild makeup remover wipe in the evening, with no soap at all. If I do need to wash my face, I use a gentle non-drying facial cleanser, and immediately moisturize afterwards with an oil-free moisturizer.

Regarding hormones, estrogen actually helps skin health and does not cause dryness. It is usually the anti-androgens which cause drying because some - particularly spironolactone - are also diuretics. Coffee and alcohol and wind or sun exposure can also increase skin dryness. So do some antihystamines and other medications. Too frequent washing for your skin type is the easiest to avoid.

[Jane's Sweet Refrain]

Hello,

Drying out around the eyes and peeling and painful may be dermatitis. I've had something similar. With me, it was a kind of immune-response for which over-the-counter hydrocortisone provided temporary relief. I now wash and moisturize with completely natural products, and it works very well for preventing these flare-ups. (It may be placebo effect, but it has lasted a long time). I use a castille soap to wash and organic virgin olive oil to moisturize. I've been very happy with the results. It may not work for you, but if it does, it's an all-natural, inexpensive solution.

--Jane

[Penny Gurl]

Over cleansing would be the case, even though Dave is supposed to be a gentle soap, it's still soap and can dry out your skin.  Maybe try a non abrasive facial cleanser, nutragena has a very nice mild alternative, remember healthy and happy skin needs oils and if you wash too much then you strip those oils away.