If you're looking for a natural alternative, I strongly recommend jojoba and meadowfoam oils as moisturizers. They work excellent together. For instance, jojoba oil contributes to skin healing in many ways you can even imagine: it helps to cure sores and wounds, but also has antimicrobial properties that prevents the accumulation of bacterial and fungal microbes that attack the skin.
Consequently it acts as a natural moisturizer and environmental barrier as well, that can prevent external substances to dry your skin again. The beauty of jojoba is that it rarely causes allergic reactions. Let me know if you have more questions about it. I'm pretty sure this will fix your temporary facial issue.
Good luck!
Esther.