How can you effectively stop flaking skin. What are the top dermatologist-recommended methods for relieving dry skin. Which skincare habits can help prevent and treat flaky skin conditions.

Understanding the Causes of Dry, Flaking Skin

Dry, flaking skin is a common concern that affects many individuals, often leading to discomfort and self-consciousness. To effectively address this issue, it’s crucial to understand its root causes. Environmental factors, such as low humidity and harsh weather conditions, can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Additionally, certain skincare habits, medical conditions, and aging can contribute to skin dryness and flaking.

Environmental factors play a significant role in skin health. Cold weather, wind, and low humidity levels can deplete the skin’s moisture barrier, leading to dryness and flaking. Indoor heating during winter months can further exacerbate the problem by reducing indoor humidity levels. Excessive sun exposure can also damage the skin’s protective barrier, resulting in dryness and peeling.

Skincare habits can inadvertently contribute to dry, flaking skin. Frequent hot showers or baths, using harsh soaps or cleansers, and over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils. Neglecting to moisturize regularly or using products unsuitable for your skin type can also lead to dryness and flaking.

Medical conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and thyroid disorders can cause dry, flaky skin as a symptom. Certain medications, including diuretics and retinoids, may also contribute to skin dryness as a side effect. As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil, making it more prone to dryness and flaking.

The Role of Hydration in Maintaining Healthy Skin

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy, supple skin. When the skin lacks adequate moisture, it becomes dry, tight, and prone to flaking. Understanding the importance of hydration can help you develop an effective skincare routine to combat dryness and flaking.

Water is crucial for skin health, as it helps maintain skin elasticity and promotes cell turnover. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. However, topical hydration is equally important for maintaining skin moisture levels.

The skin’s natural moisture barrier, composed of lipids and natural moisturizing factors, helps retain water and protect against external aggressors. When this barrier is compromised, water loss increases, leading to dry, flaky skin. Proper skincare can help reinforce this barrier and improve skin hydration.

Strategies for Improving Skin Hydration

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during dry seasons or in air-conditioned environments.
• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or washing your face to lock in hydration.
• Choose skincare products containing humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which attract and retain moisture in the skin.
• Incorporate facial oils or serums into your routine to provide an extra layer of hydration and nourishment.
• Limit hot showers and baths, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare Routine for Dry, Flaky Skin

Establishing a proper skincare routine is crucial for managing dry, flaky skin. Dermatologists recommend a gentle yet effective approach to cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing to alleviate dryness and promote healthy skin.

Cleansing

Gentle cleansing is essential for dry, flaky skin. Opt for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Cream or oil-based cleansers are particularly beneficial for dry skin types. Avoid hot water when cleansing, as it can further dry out the skin. Instead, use lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

Exfoliation

While exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture, it’s important to approach it carefully when dealing with dry, flaky skin. Over-exfoliation can exacerbate dryness and irritation. Dermatologists recommend gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) over harsh physical scrubs. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.

Moisturizing

Moisturizing is the most critical step in managing dry, flaky skin. Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which help attract and retain moisture in the skin. For very dry skin, occlusive ingredients like petrolatum or shea butter can provide an extra barrier against moisture loss. Apply moisturizer to damp skin to lock in hydration, and reapply throughout the day as needed.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is crucial for all skin types, but especially for dry, sensitive skin. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it daily, even on cloudy days. Look for sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin, which often contain moisturizing ingredients and are less likely to cause irritation.

Natural Remedies and DIY Treatments for Dry Skin

In addition to dermatologist-recommended skincare routines, many natural remedies and DIY treatments can help alleviate dry, flaky skin. These options can be particularly appealing for those seeking more natural or cost-effective solutions.

Honey Mask

Honey is a natural humectant with antimicrobial properties. Applying a thin layer of raw honey to clean, damp skin for 15-20 minutes can help hydrate and soothe dry skin. Rinse off with lukewarm water and follow with your regular moisturizer.

Oatmeal Bath

Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe dry, itchy skin. Add finely ground oats to your bathwater or make a paste with water to apply directly to dry areas. Soak for 15-20 minutes, then gently pat your skin dry and moisturize immediately.

Avocado and Olive Oil Mask

Rich in healthy fats and vitamins, avocado and olive oil can provide deep hydration for dry skin. Mash half an avocado and mix with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to clean skin, leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off and moisturize.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera has soothing and hydrating properties that can benefit dry, irritated skin. Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to clean skin or mix it with a few drops of vitamin E oil for added nourishment.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Healthy Skin

While skincare products and treatments play a significant role in managing dry, flaky skin, lifestyle factors can also have a substantial impact on skin health. Making certain changes to your daily habits can help improve skin hydration and overall skin health.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants can support skin health from the inside out. Include foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which can help maintain skin hydration. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A, C, and E provide antioxidants that protect the skin from damage and support collagen production.

Hydration

Drinking adequate water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining skin hydration. While the exact amount varies depending on individual factors, aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily. Herbal teas and water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon can also contribute to your daily fluid intake.

Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for skin health and repair. During sleep, the body increases blood flow to the skin and produces growth hormones that aid in cell regeneration. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support skin health and overall well-being.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact skin health, potentially exacerbating dryness and other skin conditions. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise into your routine to support skin health and overall wellness.

When to Seek Professional Help for Dry, Flaky Skin

While many cases of dry, flaky skin can be managed with proper skincare and lifestyle changes, there are instances where professional medical help may be necessary. It’s important to recognize when your skin concerns require the expertise of a dermatologist or healthcare provider.

Persistent Dryness

If your skin remains dry and flaky despite consistent use of moisturizers and gentle skincare products, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Persistent dryness could indicate an underlying skin condition or a need for prescription-strength treatments.

Severe Itching or Discomfort

Intense itching, redness, or discomfort associated with dry skin can significantly impact your quality of life. These symptoms may indicate conditions like eczema or psoriasis, which require professional diagnosis and treatment.

Signs of Infection

If your dry, flaky skin becomes cracked or develops open sores, it may be at risk of infection. Signs of infection include increased redness, warmth, swelling, or the presence of pus. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice these symptoms.

Sudden or Unusual Changes

Any sudden or dramatic changes in your skin’s appearance or texture warrant professional evaluation. This could include the rapid onset of dryness, changes in skin color, or the appearance of new growths or moles.

Advanced Treatments for Persistent Dry Skin Conditions

For individuals with persistent or severe dry skin conditions, dermatologists may recommend more advanced treatments beyond over-the-counter products. These treatments can provide relief for chronic dryness and associated symptoms.

Prescription Topical Medications

Dermatologists may prescribe stronger topical medications to address severe dryness or underlying skin conditions. These can include:

• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching
• Prescription-strength moisturizers or barrier repair creams
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors for conditions like eczema
• Retinoids to promote cell turnover and improve skin texture

Oral Medications

In some cases, oral medications may be necessary to manage severe dry skin conditions. These can include:

• Oral antihistamines to reduce itching
• Systemic corticosteroids for short-term management of severe flare-ups
• Immunosuppressants for conditions like severe eczema or psoriasis

Light Therapy

Phototherapy, or light therapy, can be beneficial for certain skin conditions associated with dryness and flaking, such as psoriasis or eczema. This treatment involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Professional Treatments

Dermatologists may recommend in-office treatments to address dry, flaky skin:

• Chemical peels to gently exfoliate and improve skin texture
• Microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover
• Hydrafacials or other hydrating treatments to deeply moisturize the skin

These advanced treatments should always be performed under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional. They can be tailored to your specific skin concerns and combined with at-home care for optimal results.

Managing dry, flaky skin often requires a multifaceted approach combining proper skincare, lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, professional treatments. By understanding the causes of dry skin and implementing dermatologist-recommended strategies, you can achieve healthier, more hydrated skin. Remember that consistency is key in skincare, and it may take time to see significant improvements. If you’re concerned about persistent dryness or other skin issues, don’t hesitate to consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.

Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin

Diseases & conditions

• 
  
  Coronavirus Resource Center
  
• 
  
  Acne
  
• 
  
  Eczema
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Psoriasis
  
• 
  
  Rosacea
  
• 
  
  Skin cancer
  
• 
  
  A to Z diseases
  
• 
  
  A to Z videos
  

• DIY acne treatment
• How dermatologists treat
• Skin care: Acne-prone skin
• Causes
• Is it really acne?

• Types & treatments
• Childhood eczema
• Adult eczema
• Insider secrets

• Types of hair loss
• Treatment for hair loss
• Causes of hair loss
• Hair care matters
• Insider secrets

• What is psoriasis
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Skin, hair & nail care
• Triggers
• Insider secrets

• What is rosacea
• Treatment
• Skin care & triggers
• Insider secrets

• Types and treatment
• Find skin cancer
• Prevent skin cancer
• Raise awareness
• Español

Featured

How Natalie cleared her adult acne

Natalie tried many acne products without success. Find out how a board-certified dermatologist helped Natalie see clear skin before her wedding.

JAK inhibitors: A newer type of medication

JAK inhibitors are helping patients with alopecia areata, eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Here’s what you need to know.

Everyday care

• 
  
  Skin care basics
  
• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Injured skin
  
• 
  
  Itchy skin
  
• 
  
  Sun protection
  
• 
  
  Hair & scalp care
  
• 
  
  Nail care secrets
  

• Basic skin care
• Dry, oily skin
• Hair removal
• Tattoos and piercings

• Anti-aging skin care
• For your face
• For your skin routine
• Preventing skin problems

• Bites & stings
• Burns, cuts, & other wounds

• Itch relief
• Poison ivy, oak & sumac
• Rashes

• Shade, clothing, and sunscreen
• Sun damage and your skin
• Aprenda a proteger su piel del sol

• Your hair
• Your scalp

• Nail care basics
• Manicures & pedicures

Featured

Practice Safe Sun

Everyone’s at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists’ tips tell you how to protect your skin.

Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin

Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

Darker Skin Tones

• 
  
  Skin care secrets
  
• 
  
  Hair care
  
• 
  
  Hair loss
  
• 
  
  Diseases & Conditions
  

• Acne
• Dark spots
• Dry skin
• Light spots
• Razor bumps

• Caring for Black hair
• Scalp psoriasis
• Weaves & extensions

• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia
• Hairstyles that pull can cause hair loss

• Acanthosis nigricans
• Acne keloidalis nuchae
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Keloid scars
• Lupus and your skin
• Sarcoidosis and your skin
• Skin cancer
• Vitiligo
• More diseases & conditions

Featured

Fade dark spots

Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.

Untreatable razor bumps or acne?

If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.

Cosmetic treatments

• 
  
  Your safety
  
• 
  
  Age spots & dark marks
  
• 
  
  Cellulite & fat removal
  
• 
  
  Hair removal
  
• 
  
  Scars & stretch marks
  
• 
  
  Wrinkles
  
• 
  
  Younger-looking skin
  

Featured

Laser hair removal

You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

Scar treatment

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Botox

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.

Public health programs

• 
  
  Skin cancer awareness
  
• 
  
  Free skin cancer screenings
  
• 
  
  Kids’ camp
  
• 
  
  Good Skin Knowledge
  
• 
  
  Shade Structure grants
  
• 
  
  Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™
  
• 
  
  Awareness campaigns
  
• 
  
  Flyers & posters
  
• 
  
  Get involved
  

• Lesson plans and activities
• Community grants

Featured

Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.

Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use

Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

Find a dermatologist

• 
  
  Find a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  What is a dermatologist?
  
• 
  
  FAAD: What it means
  
• 
  
  How to select a dermatologist
  
• 
  
  Your digital health
  
• 
  
  Prior authorization
  
• 
  
  Dermatologists team up to improve patient care
  

• Finding accurate health information
• Health apps
• Wearable medical devices
• Telemedicine
• Protect your information

Featured

Find a Dermatologist

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

Peeling Skin on Face: Causes and Treatment

Dry skin (xerosis cutis) can cause the skin on your face to peel, as can other health conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. Cold air, hot showers, and fluctuating humidity can cause peeling skin, especially in the winter. Skin that peels over a large portion of your body is called exfoliative dermatitis.

For people who wear makeup, covering up peeling skin can aggravate the problem and make the peeling worse. But being patient while you wait for your skin to stop peeling can be difficult. Keep reading to find out what dermatologists recommend for getting rid of peeling skin on your face.

Dry skin is the most common skin condition, and it could be why your face is peeling. But there are a handful of other conditions that can cause the skin on your face to peel. By looking out for other symptoms, you may be able narrow down what’s causing your symptoms.

Here are some potential causes of peeling skin:

• Sunburns. Red, irritated, and inflamed skin that’s been damaged by the sun will flake off slowly to expose new skin underneath.
• Medications. Skin can peel as a side effect of certain medications. Blood pressure medications, penicillin, topical medications, and seizure medications can cause your skin to scale and peel off.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. While this condition typically affects the scalp, it can also develop on your face and cause scaling, itching, redness, and peeling.
• Eczema is an autoimmune condition marked by red or brown scaly patches, as well as peeling that can occur on your face.
• Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by white, scaly patches of skin that can become red and peel. Psoriasis patches can be sore and painful.
• Hypothyroidism happens when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, and it can cause fatigue, weight gain, thinning hair, and peeling skin.
• Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that can cause broken blood vessels under your skin, swollen or red skin, and peeling skin on your face.
• Staph and fungal infections. These dangerous infections are accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and inflamed skin at the site of the infection.
• Allergic reaction to cosmetics or skin care products. Something you’ve applied to your face, like a new foundation or moisturizer, can clog pores and cause swelling or hives. Your skin may also dry up and shed once it’s been irritated, resulting in peeling skin on your face.
• Niacin deficiency and vitamin A toxicity are nutritional conditions that can lead to peeling skin.
• Peeling skin syndrome is a rare health condition in which patches of your skin become red and inflamed before peeling off.

If your face is peeling because of a sunburn or an allergic reaction, the peeling should stop within three to seven days. If your skin is peeling often, or if it doesn’t stop peeling after it’s been triggered by environmental exposure, you should speak with a doctor.

Call a doctor right away if you notice:

• blistering over large portions of your body
• fever or chills that occur alongside a sunburn or allergic reaction
• nausea, dizziness, or confusion that sets in around the same time your face began peeling
• skin that oozes a yellow liquid, smells foul, or cracks and does not stop bleeding

In most cases, peeling skin on your face is a temporary symptom triggered by an irritant or environmental factor.

To speed up healing, avoid covering peeling skin with makeup and don’t try to peel the skin off your face yourself, as this may cause dark spots or scarring. Within a week, peeling skin should resolve by itself.

There are times when recurring symptoms can indicate a different cause, such as a chronic skin condition or hypothyroidism. Keep an eye out for other symptoms, and speak to a doctor about recurring symptoms. If you don’t already have a dermatologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Eliminate flakiness and maintain a tan: tips for those who have not used sunscreen

Bronze tan is a bright accent in the Instagram report of an amazing vacation. Sun and sea, beach and palm trees – in general, all inclusive is magnificent in all its forms and variations. Except for the moment of comparing yourself to the queen of the desert, who changes her skin when she returns home. And yes, she does it much better: one jerk – and a new one. She, of course, does not know anything about the fact that it was necessary to heed the advice “put on cream, otherwise you will peel off”, and is completely unaware of peeling after sunburn. So, what to do to restore smoothness to the skin and preferably very quickly? The experts of the beloved MAKEUP know this, and are ready to share valuable information with you: all the most important is in our article.

Contents:

• How to eliminate peeling after sunburn?
• Proper hydration of skin with flaking after sun
• Proper nutrition for smooth skin and tanning

How to eliminate peeling after sunburn?

First, it is worth saying why the skin begins to peel off after tanning: this is a signal of ultraviolet oversaturation. If protective and moisturizing products “did not participate” in the process of getting a tan, you can only imagine the level of oversaturation. Therefore, we do not waste time on “oohs” and “sighs”, but choose a soft, gentle scrub – best of all, sugar, without sharp abrasive particles, but with olive, avocado, sweet almond oils. It is not necessary to scrub the skin vigorously with a scrub – let it melt and apply a light massage.

After the procedure, a thin oily film will remain on the skin – let it be completely absorbed, and blot the drops of water with a soft towel.

A finely ground natural coffee scrub is a good option for removing flaking.

Is peeling worth it? Only if the tan is uneven and it is necessary to even out the skin color. It is better to choose sparing products based on sea salt, enriched with vegetable oils, and delicate peels based on oatmeal and green coffee.

Proper hydration of the skin with peeling after sunburn

1. A moisturizer is a must in the morning and evening beauty diet. Now the skin especially needs a sufficient amount of moisture. The best option would be a product with a light consistency – gel, fluid, lotion, milk. Mandatory ingredients of the composition: aloe vera, calendula, chamomile.

2. If cream, then also with the lightest possible consistency. Let it contain vitamin E, collagen, hyaluronic acid, wheat germ oil, antioxidants.

3. Moisturizing spray with thermal water throughout the day will not only refresh, but also give a feeling of comfort. Droplets of moisture enriched with vitamins and minerals are essential for every cell of the skin.

4. Pure spring water is your best friend for hydrating your skin from the inside out. Feel free to increase the amount to 2.5 liters. Add fresh juices and green tea to your diet.

Proper nutrition for smooth skin and tanning

Remembering all the unique properties of vegetable oils:

• olive oil: smoothes wrinkles and folds, rejuvenates, eliminates dryness;
• cocoa butter: improves skin firmness and elasticity, softens, gives smoothness, eliminates peeling;
• wheat germ oil: restores skin elasticity, eliminates dryness, smoothes, slows down the aging process.

Both in pure form and as part of ready-made beauty products, these oils will help not only eliminate flaking and restore smoothness to the skin, but also maintain a tan.

Here are some more nutrition tips for smooth skin, and it’s not about cosmetics at all. Make friends with carrot juice, savor red fish and seafood, love the vitamins in sweet bell peppers, avocados and tomatoes, treat yourself to fruit salads. Remember that apricots are the rays of the sun, and nuts and seeds are beauty treats.

Now you know how to restore smoothness to your skin and a great mood for yourself. Enjoy summer, because it’s not over yet! Drink August in small sips, carefully savoring every drop!

Why does my tan start peeling off and how can I stop it?

First, let’s remind you that sunbathing is not the safest activity. The sun is not only heat and vitamin D, but also a powerful source of ultraviolet radiation, which causes at least skin aging, at most cancer.

But, despite all the warnings, the temptation to face the winter not with aristocratically pale skin, but with a beautiful bronze tan is too great. Therefore, most of us go to the beach and take a lot of sunbathing.

And then disappointment – the skin becomes covered with white bumps and begins to peel off in pieces that look like small rags. And usually in the most noticeable places: on the face, shoulders, legs, and so on. It looks extremely unattractive, and the long-awaited beautiful tan is no longer there. Why is this happening?

If you look at our skin in a section, it will look like a thin layer cake – first comes a layer called subcutaneous fat, then the dermis and epidermis. This last layer of skin, visible to us, in turn, consists of several thin layers.

You have probably noticed that if you slightly scratch the skin (for example, with a sheet of paper), then there is not even a scratch, but a barely noticeable tear. This means that you have damaged the topmost layer of the epidermis without touching the deeper layers of the skin.

So, back to tanning. Ultraviolet, which is contained in excess in the sun’s rays, severely damages the upper layer of the epidermis. And for those who are in the sun for too long, this layer literally dries out in the sun. Damaged, dry and, in fact, dead skin, the body no longer perceives and begins to reject. Actually, this “rejection” and “results” in peeling.

Photo: © flickr/Harold Navarro

How to stop it? Alas, if you have already noticed small scales on the skin, then the rejection process has been launched and it will not work to reverse it. It is better to throw all your strength into helping the body quickly get rid of the top dried layer of the epidermis. All kinds of scrubs, peels, and so on come to mind. Yes, dermatologists advise using scrubs, but only soft ones (!). In no case should you rub the flaky skin with a rough washcloth – this will only make it worse and irritation, and maybe open wounds, will be added to the peeling.

— Sunburn is a skin burn, after which the natural process of peeling (renewal, regeneration, recovery) begins, which lasts about seven days. In order to remove peeling, you need to use emollients – oils during water procedures, restoring balms after hygienic treatment of the skin. Thanks to this, the upper layer of the skin is restored, peeling becomes less pronounced, regeneration occurs faster, – said Olga Saperova, dermatovenereologist at the Medicina clinic.