Sore, red painful skin on my face.

[Coffeeonmytoffee]

I have always had a bit of redness on my face but nothing like this. I had these red, raw, painful dry patches on my face. Every morning they are read and flaky.
I've usually just used La Roche-Posay Cicaplast - because it's what those patches can tolerate. Then I use other moisturisers on the rest of my face.
But all my skin has got drier and these patches are just so so sore.
I cleanse with Emma Hardie and Clinique.
I've tried Weleda skin food and it just hurts!
Emma Hardie facial oil is quite soothing but by the morning its just the same.
I'm 53 and have a good diet and I drink lots of water.
Any help would be amazing. I feel and look awful.

I sometimes get a bit of this when it turns much colder and the heating goes on.

I use a really mild cleanser and then something like diprobase for a few days until the skin flakiness dies down. Avoid exfoliants etc.

Also put a bowl of water above the radiator to stop the air drying out so much

Sounds like rosacea.

It's so hard to treat.

I think paying to see a dermatologist would be helpful for you

Body shop Hemp Skin protector works for me. I’m 51 and work outside.

@ShirleyPhallus Thanks I'll try that. I hadn't thought of that.
@felulageller Oh god!!

@CrotchetyQuaver How do you find a good one?

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads Thanks I'll get some.

I'd be inclined to start with your gp.

I sometimes get this (retinol use related and cold weather) and find the Aldi Miracle cream works wonders it is a dupe of the Elizabeth Arden 8 hour (I think) and it’s really thick and occlusive more like a balm than a cream. I put a decent layer on at night and by morning it’s usually much better. But I echo what others have said about checking with the dr first it could be psoriasis or eczema maybe.

Forget beauty products. They're shite. Try AVEENO, the blue top one that repairs the skin barrier, and get something like hydromol prescribed by your GP.

@Kjr33 Thanks - I'll have a look.
@Callcat - Thanks. I had wondered about that.

I have just looked at myself (reluctantly) in the mirror. It looks awful.
I really appreciate everyone's advice. I do feel so low about it.

Stop everything. Wash with an emollient cream (not E45), use a very basic moisturiser. I found diprobase good for moisturising. It's probably an allergic reaction to products and or seborrheic dermatitis. I had this a few years ago, GP prescribed hydrocortisone for the inflammation but I didn't use it and managed by stripping everything back to the bare minimum

It isn’t rosacea, that’s reddening / flushing of the skin, not flakiness

I’d just urge caution about beauty products. Even things like Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream really sting my skin when it’s in this flaky, sensitive feeling phase

If your skin is so reactive at the moment follow the less rule: less friction, less heat, less product, less time pare your routine right back to very very basic. Use stuff designed for sensitive reactive skin.

Pure Aloe vera gel can be very soothing and help repair the skin

I used hydromol for washing. Aveeno was dreadful for me - I had a reaction to that. I sat down with the GP and picked the products that had the fewest ingredients

Avene skin recovery cream is the only cream I could tolerate when my skin was like this, wonderful stuff.
I would see a GP if it persists though.

Cetaphil face cleanser and their spF 50 moisturiser. Has made the world of difference to my skin

I'm just on my way home from a day walking and my face is so raw. Tight and painful!!
I'm going to do as you say @ADreadedSunnyDay and really reduce what I'm using.

I started getting exactly this last year. This stuff has been a lifesaver for me, it takes around 3/4 days to work and then with daily use prevents it coming back.

@ShirleyPhallus I'm sensitive to every blooming thing!!

I'm going to try a few things people have mentioned - in small areas. Then I'll email the doctor with pictures to horrify them.
I really really appreciate everyone responding

I have had this and it's very hot and miss

What worked for me:

Completely unscented cleanser. I use JSS Sensitive Aftershow cleanser and Sukin cream cleanser
A.Florence milky hydrating toner
Skinsceuticals Phytocorrective serum
JSS Moisturiser

And when it's calm JSS Retinol oil

@Coffeeonmytoffee
It's awful isn't it? My face was so sore and I was so conscious of it. I kept putting on more and more expensive mosturiser and serums but nothing worked.The burning sensation was awful. Never got to the bottom of why it suddenly happened as I hadn't switched any products - now I just use epaderm moisturiser. Hope you get it sorted soon