HomeAnswersDermatologydry skin

How can I treat sensitive dry skin that cracks at 19?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have sensitive dry skin, but cannot find products that can help my skin. It sometimes cracks and is flaky, especially around my scalp. I am a male, 19, weigh around 110.231 pounds, and am 5 feet 9 inches tall.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Misha Saghir

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can appreciate how difficult it is to deal with dry, sensitive and flaky skin. And dealing with dry and sensitive skin can take some care and the use of products which do not cause further irritation of the skin.

For dry and sensitive skin:

A soap-free or syndet bar should be used as regular soaps are very drying to the skin.

The use of lukewarm water instead of hot water should be used and shower time should be limited to less than ten minutes.

Immediately after washing, apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer, preferably one containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to lock in moisture.

For areas prone to cracking, like hands or elbows, thicker ointments or balms (like petroleum jelly or a urea-containing cream) are helpful.

Avoid antibacterial soaps as they tend to dry out the skin further.

For your dry and scaly scalp,

Try a gentle, moisturizing shampoo designed for dry scalp or dandruff containing Ketoconazole, Pyrithione zinc, or Selenium sulfide. Use the shampoo twice a week.

Use gentle massage with some natural oils such as mineral oil or sunflower oil before shampoo.

Don’t use products that contain alcohol, fragrances, or harsh exfoliants, as these can be harmful to sensitive skin.

Loose clothes and hydration help as well.

In a few weeks, most dry sensitive skin conditions improve greatly through gentle treatment.

Hope this information helps you regarding your query.

Let me know in case you need any further help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 21, 2026
Reviewed At July 1, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

dry skinflaky scalp

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.