Dry skin behind your ears? 8 effective ways to treat it
| 8 minutes
Dry skin behind ears can be an uncomfortable and persistent issue, often causing itchiness, flaking and irritation.
While it may seem like a minor concern, neglecting this area can lead to worsening symptoms, including redness, skin cracks and infections.
If you are struggling with dry skin behind your ears, understanding the causes and effective treatment options can help restore healthy skin.
Why do you have dry skin behind your ears?
The skin behind your ear is thin, delicate and often overlooked in skincare routines.
Several factors contribute to dry skin behind ears, including:
1. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a leading cause of dry skin behind ears. It is primarily linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus naturally present on the skin.
While Malassezia is harmless in small amounts, certain factors can trigger its overgrowth, leading to inflammation and excessive skin shedding.
This condition is similar to dandruff and may also affect the scalp, eyebrows and skin behind the ears.
2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema weakens the skin’s barrier, making it prone to moisture loss.
If you experience dry skin behind your ears along with intense itching and redness, eczema may be the cause.
It can be triggered by allergens, weather changes and even stress.
3. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that triggers the rapid overproduction of skin cells.
This results in the formation of thick, scaly patches that can appear on different parts of the body, including the scalp, knees and behind the ears.
If dry skin behind ears does not improve with moisturisers and mild treatments, and you notice persistent scaling, bleeding or widespread patches, consult a dermatologist.
4. Harsh hair products
Using shampoos and conditioners with sulfates, alcohol and artificial fragrances can strip natural oils, making dry skin behind ears even worse.
Residual shampoo that isn’t rinsed off properly may also contribute to irritation.
5. Weather conditions
Cold, dry air in winter and excessive sun exposure in summer can lead to dry skin behind ears, leading to flakiness and tightness.
Low humidity levels can further dehydrate your skin, making it flaky and sensitive.
6. Poor Hygiene
Neglecting to properly cleanse behind your ears can lead to a build-up of oil, dirt, sweat and other environmental impurities.
These elements can clog the pores, leading to blockages and irritations, which ultimately result in dry skin behind the ears.
7. Fungal or Bacterial Infections
A yeast overgrowth or bacterial infection can cause dry skin behind ears accompanied by redness, peeling and discomfort.
If you notice swelling or a bad odor, an infection could be the culprit.
8 ways to treat dry skin behind ears
Treating dry skin behind ears does not have to be complicated—a consistent and targeted approach can help restore moisture and prevent further irritation.
The key to healing and maintaining healthy skin lies in a combination of hydration, gentle cleansing and addressing underlying causes.
By recognizing triggers and following a well-rounded skincare routine with these tips, you can effectively manage dry, flaky skin behind the ears and prevent future flare-ups.
1. Moisturise daily
Hydration is key to preventing dry skin behind ears.
A fragrance-free moisturiser with ingredients like Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin helps restore the skin’s protective barrier and lock in moisture.
While Ceramides are lipids that naturally occur in the skin and help to retain moisture, Hyaluronic Acid attracts water to the skin, ensuring that it stays hydrated and plump.
Glycerin, a powerful humectant, draws moisture from the air and helps keep the skin’s surface smooth and moisturised.
Regular use of a good moisturiser can significantly reduce the appearance of flakiness, itching, and dryness behind the ears.
Key ingredients to look out for: Glycerin, Ceramides, Alpha Bisbol, Hyaluronic Acid, Betaine.
2. Use a sulfate-free shampoo
Switching to a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo prevents dry skin behind ears caused by harsh cleansers.
Using a sulfate-free shampoo with certain nourishing ingredients (piroctone olamine, ivy leaf extract, Arctium Majus Root Water) not only prevents dryness but also promotes overall scalp health.
They are formulated without sulfates or other harsh chemicals, ensuring your scalp and the area behind your ears remain clean, hydrated and free from irritation.
Key ingredients to look out for: Shea Butter, aloe vera extract, Nasturtium officinale extract, hydrolysed pea protein
3. Cleanse gently
Harsh soaps or cleansers can disrupt the delicate skin behind your ears, stripping it of its natural oils and exacerbating dryness.
To maintain moisture balance, choose a mild, pH-balanced cleanser that gently removes dirt, sweat and impurities without causing irritation.
Key ingredients to look out for: Citric acid, Sugarcane extract, Zinc PCA
4. Exfoliate once a week
Using a mild chemical exfoliant, such as AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) or BHA, gently dissolves the dead skin without causing irritation.
These exfoliants are especially effective in keeping the skin smooth and clear by promoting cell turnover.
Timely and balanced exfoliation not only helps reduce flakes but also enhances the absorption of moisturisers, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Key ingredients to look out for: AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, Jojoba beads
5. Apply natural oils
Natural oils like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil are excellent choices for treating dry skin behind the ears due to their deep moisturizing and nourishing properties.
These oils are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins that help repair and restore the skin's moisture barrier, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated.
Additionally, their anti-inflammatory properties help reduce irritation and redness, soothing the skin and promoting healing.
How to use: For best results, simply massage a few drops of your chosen oil behind your ears daily, preferably after cleansing and patting the area dry.
6. Stay hydrated & eat foods that are known to be good for skin
Proper hydration and a nutrient-rich diet are key to managing dryness behind the ears.
Dehydration can aggravate the condition, making the skin more prone to irritation and flakiness.
Drinking ample water throughout the day helps keep the skin hydrated from within, while also supporting its natural moisture balance.
Incorporating skin-friendly foods into your diet is just as important.
These foods not only help maintain hydration but also boost the skin's overall health, ensuring that dryness behind the ears is minimized.
Best foods for hydration: Fatty fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.
7. Use a humidifier
By keeping your environment properly humidified, you create an atmosphere that supports your skin's natural moisture balance, helping it to stay soft and smooth.
Regular use of a humidifier can particularly benefit those who live in areas with harsh winters or have central heating, both of which tend to dry out the air.
Additionally, maintaining a consistent humidity level (ideally between 30-50%) helps to keep your skin healthy and prevent issues like dry, irritated skin behind the ears.
8. Consult a dermatologist if symptoms persist
If home treatments don’t improve dry skin behind the ears, consult a dermatologist. They can determine if you need prescription creams or other medical treatments.
Prevention tips for dry skin behind ears
This often-overlooked area can become irritated due to weather, allergies or harsh skincare products. The good news? A few simple habits can keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Here’s how!
Avoid scratching to prevent further irritation
Scratching dry skin can worsen irritation, cause micro-tears, and potentially lead to infection. Instead, soothe itchy areas by products specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Wear a hat or scarf in cold weather to shield your skin
Cold, windy conditions can dry out your skin and lead to discomfort, especially behind the ears.
Wearing a protective hat or scarf not only shields your skin from the elements but also helps to maintain moisture levels, preventing windburn and dryness.
Avoid Hot Showers
Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Instead, opt for lukewarm water when showering to help maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does skin inflammation from acne affect the skin behind the ears? If yes, how?
Ans. Yes, Acne isn’t restricted to the face – it can also develop behind the ears due to clogged pores, overactive sebaceous glands or bacterial infections.
Inflammatory acne can disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, leading to dryness and peeling.
The inflammatory response can damage the skin’s barrier, allowing moisture to escape and cause irritation as well as dryness behind ears.
2. How does stress impact dry skin behind ears?
Chronic stress triggers an increase in cortisol levels, which can disrupt the skin’s barrier function and impair moisture retention.
High cortisol levels are also linked to inflammatory skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or eczema, which can worsen dryness and irritation behind the ears.
Stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise and adequate sleep can help reduce cortisol production and maintain skin hydration and health.
3. Can I use the same moisturizer behind my ears as I do for my face?
Yes, if the moisturiser is fragrance-free, non-comodogenic and suitable for sensitive skin, it can be used behind your ears. However, opt for lighter formulas that do not clog pores, as the skin behind your ears can be more prone to irritation.
More articles to feed your curiosity...
Is Niacinamide the right skincare ingredient for dry skin?
Dry, flaky, and tight skin can feel uncomfortable and affect your appearance. Luckily, the right skincare routine with key ingredients can help. In this blog, discover if Niacinamide is the right choice for dry skin.
Combatting Issues Associated with Dry Skin and Acne: A Comprehensive Guide
What causes dry skin and acne? Here's a comprehensive guide to understand and care for your dry skin in a better way.
What are the essential skincare ingredients for dry skin?
Discover here which skin care habits are actually making your skin dry and rough? As per skin care experts, inculcate these moisturizing ingredients in your skin care routine to get soft and dewy skin.
Should You Use Hyaluronic Acid If You Have Oily or Acne-Prone Skin?
Hyaluronic Acid: What is it and how it helps the skin When it comes to hydrating the skin—there really isn’t any skincare ingredient that can do a better job than Hyaluronic Acid. It is one of the most well-known skincare ingredients in the market today—and for all the good reasons. It is typically found in skincare formulations targeting skin concerns like dryness and facial ageing. There are 4 forms of Hyaluronic Acid available in cosmetic formulations Raw form. Has a higher molecular weight, and mostly stays on the top layer of the skin. Hydrolyzed form. Split into smaller fragments, has a lower molecular weight. Alkaline form, also called Sodium Hyaluronate. This one is the most effective form of Hyaluronic Acid. It has a lower molecular weight and penetrates deeper layers of the skin. Plus, it promotes the production of naturally occurring HA. Cross-linked form. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) molecules are cross-linked to create a larger, more stable molecule. READ - A complete guide on Hyaluronic Acid Why you might need Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic Acid, also known as Hyaluronan, is already present in our body—it is mainly found in our connective, epithelial and neural tissues. According to a study, an individual weighing 70 kg has approximately 15g of Hyaluronan in the body. Its prime job is to lubricate the joint and retain the essential moisture in our stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the skin. With that comes a question—if we already have HA in our body—then what are these topical products for. Here’s a catch! As we age, Hyaluronic Acid in our body declines. Thus, skincare products containing HA can be a great addition to your skincare routine. Hyaluronic Acid decreases skin irritation HA contains healing properties, which can help minimise skin irritation. According to a study, Hyaluronic Acid controls skin inflammation, speeding up the healing process. Moreover, it increases blood flow to the areas where the skin barrier is compromised. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles According to a 2012 study, hyaluronic acid moisturises the skin and improves skin elasticity, thus visibly decreasing the depth of wrinkles. Moreover, a serum containing HA can improve smoothness, hydration, and the appearance of fine lines, according to a 2021 study. The study was conducted on 40 females—which went on for 6 weeks—none reported skin irritation or any side effect from Hyaluronic Acid. HA improves the penetration of other active ingredients If you happen to use any active ingredient, Hyaluronic Acid can enhance the penetration of the active ingredient through the stratum corneum. Basically, HA can enhance the efficacy of an active ingredient. Is Hyaluronic Acid good for oily skin? Hyaluronic Acid can help with one of the most underlying issues of oily skin—which is excess sebum production. Excess sebum is the primary cause of acne, skin inflammation, and a greasy, shiny appearance. According to a 2017 study, Hyaluronic Acid plays a vital role in regulating sebum production. The study was conducted on 20 individuals with oily skin—it concluded that Hyaluronic Acid is an effective candidate in controlling sebum production. With that, we can say that Hyaluronic Acid is a good choice of ingredient for oily skin. It can provide hydration and prevent moisture loss. Moreover, the comedogenicity index of HA is 0. Meaning, it will not clog pores or cause any acne breakouts. Should someone with acne-prone skin use Hyaluronic Acid? Absolutely yes! Hyaluronic Acid does not irritate the skin at all. Plus, it can help with inflammation and redness—typical cans of worms for someone with acne-prone skin. However, Hyaluronic Acid is not the right choice of ingredient to target active acne. HA might prevent acne breakouts because it helps in regulating sebum production. Aside from that, Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t play a significant role in treating acne. If you want a more targeted approach for your acne, look for skincare formulations containing Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, or Retinol. Does Hyaluronic Acid have any side effects? No, Hyaluronic Acid does not have any adverse effects, it is safe for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. You can use it every day, twice a day in your AM and PM skincare routine. What are the other skincare ingredients suitable for oily or acne-prone skin? Other than Hyaluronic Acid, there are various active ingredients that can help regulate sebum production and prevent and treat acne—here are they Niacinamide. Highly effective in regulating sebum production and reducing the severity of acne. A 2006 study proves that Niacinamide can effectively decrease sebum excretion rates. Moreover, Niacinamide contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the severity of acne and help with facial redness and skin inflammation. READ - Should Niacinamide be in your skincare routine if you have oily skin? Salicylic Acid. Effective daily approach to treat acne. A 2012 study says Salicylic Acid, especially in cleansers, is highly suitable for treating acne. The study was conducted on individuals with mild to moderate acne, and each individual reported significant improvements in acne lesions. Salicylic Acid also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe inflammation, itchiness, and facial redness. Retinol. Efficacious on both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne lesions. Retinol helps keep your pores clear by removing dead skin cells. For oily skin, it also helps regulate excess sebum, preventing clogged pores. READ - How Effective is Retinol for Treating Acne? Moreover, Retinol accelerates collagen and elastin production in the skin, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores and acne scars. References Papakonstantinou, E., Roth, M., & Karakiulakis, G. (2012). Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermato-Endocrinology, 4(3), 253-258. Draelos, Z. D., Diaz, I., Namkoong, J., Wu, J., & Boyd, T. (2021). Efficacy Evaluation of a Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum in Facial Photoaging. Dermatology and Therapy, 11(4), 1385-1394. Jung YR, Hwang C, Ha JM, Choi DK, Sohn KC, Lee Y, Seo YJ, Lee YH, Kim CD, Lee JH, Im M. Hyaluronic Acid Decreases Lipid Synthesis in Sebaceous Glands. J Invest Dermatol. 2017 Jun;137(6):1215-1222. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.01.017. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28163068. Draelos ZD, Matsubara A, Smiles K. The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006 Jun;8(2):96-101. doi: 10.1080/14764170600717704. PMID: 16766489. Stern R. Hyaluronan catabolism: a new metabolic pathway. Eur J Cell Biol. 2004 Aug;83(7):317-25. doi: 10.1078/0171-9335-00392. PMID: 15503855.
Hydrating vs Moisturising: Which One Is Good For Your Skin
We are here to break down some often-puzzled aspects of skin care such as whether your skin needs hydration or moisturisation. Read this blog to learn the difference between hydration and moisturisation.
+91 73407 58758