Itching on the face

Why does your face itch?

Itching on the face has many origins:

• Dermatological: itching is very frequent in cases of eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.
• Non dermatological: systemic pruritus, neurological pruritus, psychogenic pruritus, senile pruritus (pruritus that affects the elderly), etc.

Environmental factors will tend to aggravate itching on the face and contribute to skin discomfort:

• Hard water, water that is too hot.
• Gestures that are too abrupt, rubbing, friction, especially when washing, drying or removing makeup from the face. We often forget that the skin of the face is thin and sensitive and that hygiene and skin care must be performed gently, with the fingertips.
• Adverse weather conditions, such as cold or wind.
• Sun exposure.
• Indoor and outdoor pollution.
• Stress, often very present in our daily life.
• Wearing masks throughout the Covid-19 pandemic significantly increased skin discomfort and itching on the face due to built-up moisture, friction, allergies to certain mask components, etc.
• Unsuitable hygiene, skin care and makeup products, applied quantities that are too large or not rinsed off properly.

Beware of popular misconceptions! Generally, having an itchy face is not a sign of a lack of hygiene and skin care. On the contrary, people with itching on the face want to take care of their skin and find a solution to alleviate or even eliminate facial pruritus.

Where on the face is the itching located?

It is important to know that itching on the face can occur anywhere on the face: cheeks, nose, mouth, forehead.

Itching on the face is rarely isolated and is accompanied by sensations of overheating or even burning, tingling and tightness. They can be associated with other itching on the rest of the body or on the scalp.

Some itching on the face has specific characteristics:

• Itchy eyes: you should generally refer to a doctor for any eye problems. It could be an infection, an allergy, dry eye or eyelid eczema. Avoid scratching too intensely to avoid damaging the structures of the eye.
• Itchy ears: here again, a medical consultation is necessary in most cases. While waiting for medical advice, do not put anything in the ear, neither ear drops, nor objects that would allow you to scratch harder.
• Itchy beard: the skin under the beard is difficult to access because of the hair. And yet, you must be sure to afford your beard the appropriate hygiene and moisturizing skin care to avoid itching.

How to relieve itching on the face?

In cases of itching on the face, start by spraying a little thermal spring water on the face for immediate relief. This simple act can be repeated as many times as necessary during the day and night. A hand fan or a small electric fan can also be used to provide a cooler feeling.

Wash your face with a product suitable for sensitive and itchy skin, such as a superfatted soap, a syndet or a soothing cleansing oil. Lather with fingertips and rinse thoroughly, before gently dabbing the skin dry with a soft cotton towel.

Morning and evening, apply a soothing moisturizing cream generously to the face and neck, without perfumes or harmful substances.
In cases of itching on the face, limit the number of cosmetics applied to the face and remember to choose them carefully! Opt for hypoallergenic formulas with a minimum of ingredients.

Protect yourself effectively from the sun because UV radiation can make itching on the face worse.