In the last 2 years, I have had numerous problems with my facial skin. I am 39, overweight, smoke, but don't drink, take drugs (except Ibuprofen for arthritis or headahces which I hate doing). I have a very low fat diet and avoid fried foods. I try to take as much fresh produce in my diet as possible. I drink about 2-4 litres of fluid a day depending on the temperature outside. My biggest problem there is sugar. If I take any sugar substitutes, I get really bad headaches. I have arthritis in my right hand, knees and hips, going through early menopause, get abcesses all, and I do mean, ALL the time, have hayfever really bad, and have rosacae, which affects mostly my cheeks. The skin on the rest of my body seems well hydrated, and even oily at times, but my face is a different story. My skin is so dry that it looks like I have dandruff all the time on my face. If I try using anything on my face, it makes it red, no matter how expensive or perscription. I have even tried all those labelled hypoallergenic, all natural, and even got a list of ingredients to watch out for from online and make sure not to use those. Every site I have been too says not to use anything with parafin or steroids, but that is all the doctor gives me and it does absolutely no good. My skin flakes all the time and I was told to use a gentle exfoliator, but when I try, my face breaks out with huge blister like looking patches (reminds me of when I get hives on my legs when I walk through tall grass) and my face feels like it's on fire. Even if I use a face cloth, or a baby brush, or even using my fingers gently rubbing in cicrles this happens. The degree to which I'm affected depends on the amount of pressure used. If I scratch my face, it does the same. When my eyes are affected by hayfever, my eyes get touched (I try really hard not to rub them, only touch them with gentle pressure using a cold cloth) they do the same as the rest of my face. I have tried everything from Tesco, Boots, or other chemists generic medications for dry skin. I have tried several different ones you can only get online. I have even tried going the all natural route buying from Holland and Barrett. I've tried making my own using herbs I grew, such as Thyme and Rosemary wash. I have used Chamomille and Calendula as well. None of those seem to affect my skin and I do not break out, but they do no good either. I have tried Aveeno, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, E45, Oil of Olay, Nivea, Guinot, and countless others. Chemists, GP's and a few nurses had me use Aqueous Cream and Double Body, steroid creams, antibiotics, and other stuff, which did nothing at all. I've tried using the most gentlest washes I could find, even making my own with the Thyme, Rosemary, chamomille and calendula (no soaps), which didn't feel all that clean, and no problems at all with it, but didn't actually help the condition of the skin. I've even tried using Olive oil on my skin. I'm at my witts end here because I hate going out in public with a face that looks covered with dandruff and nothing, no matter how much work I put into it, or how much money is spent, or how many 'professionals' I speak to, nothing, absolutely nothing works. I've cut back on smoking, trying to lose weight, exercising more and that has been months of working on those things and still, nothing. I actually have times where my face breaks out if I sweat too much. Exercise seems to do more harm to it but I need the exercise for other reasons and can't stop those. If there's anything you could suggest for extremely sensitive skin, that helps with rosacae, and occassional eczema and psoriasis, I would be eternally grateful!
One of the possibilities for your symptoms is of seborrheic dermatitis. The other possibility which I can think of is atopic dermatitis. Although steroids, are commonly used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, there are certain other agents also which are used like immune modulator drugs e.g. tacrolimus. These are available in the form of ointments and tend to prevent the recurrence. You can discuss with your dermatologist regarding the right use.
There are certain other non-pharmacological measures which are equally important in treating atopic dermatitis. These are Lubricating the skin frequently, avoiding harsh soaps and cleansers, preventing scratching or rubbing whenever possible, protecting skin from excessive moisture, irritants, and rough clothing, maintaining a cool, stable temperature and consistent humidity levels, limiting exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, pollens, and animal dander & Recognizing and limiting emotional stress.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.