Very dry, inadequately hydrated skin may result in peeling on the surface, and understandably, individuals experiencing the condition will want to know how to get rid of peeling skin quickly and safely.
While you may be able to prevent this problem by moisturizing regularly using products suitable for your skin type, if it already exists, read on as we tell you the basic causes and explain how to get rid of face peeling. It’s important to note that if the peeling is chronic or becomes uncomfortable, you should see a dermatologist for professional treatment.
Why is Your Skin Peeling Off?
Environmental factors such as humidity, wind, and the sun’s rays may irritate and dry out the skin, causing it to peel. This peeling, itchy skin may also appear due to certain skin conditions that began in a different area of the dermis, so before explaining how to fix peeling skin, we’ll discuss the various causes in more detail.
Cause #1 - Skin Conditions
Peeling skin may be caused by a skin condition, and other accompanying symptoms could include a rash, itchiness, dryness, and irritation. These are some of the different diseases and conditions that may lead to skin peeling:
- Eczema: Also called atopic dermatitis, it causes dry, crusty, cracked, flaky skin.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition presents as itchy, scaly, flaky skin around the scalp and other regions like the face, nose, chest, eyebrows, and eyelids.
- Ichthyosis: This dermal disease can result in dry, ‘fish scale’ skin.
- Psoriasis: People with this condition develop peeling skin and itchiness.
- Xeroderma: This issue leads to dehydrated, rough, tight, and flaky skin.
If you think you may have one of these skin conditions, see a dermatologist as soon as possible and follow the recommended treatment.
Cause #2 - Sunburn
If you stay in the sun for too long without protection, your skin absorbs harmful UV radiation which can cause damage and lead to premature aging, redness, and flaking.
Therefore when you go outside always apply sunscreen, and additionally, cover vulnerable areas, for example by wearing a hat. Don’t forget, you should use sunscreen in every season, as the sun’s rays have an impact even in the darker months.
Sunscreen also helps alleviate discomfort and promote skin healing. We recommend using a product that contains a minimum of SPF 30 and has active ingredients like zinc oxide, glycerin, and beeswax, which are safe for all skin types including those that are sensitive.
In addition to sunburn from solar rays, it’s possible to develop thermal burns from other heat sources such as fire, steam, or floor heaters. It is particularly important to wear protective clothing to cover thermal burns when outside in the sun, to prevent further damage.
Cause #3 - Irritation
Environmental factors and weather conditions like wind, extreme heat, and low humidity could irritate and damage your skin, leading to dry patches, and in turn, peeling. In addition, other factors like rubbing your skin can both cause and exacerbate irritation.
Cause #4 - Acne Treatments
Some of the lower-quality acne treatments on the market could dry out the skin due to ingredients that damage the protective barrier and allow moisture to escape easily. The result may be a peeling, flaking complexion that feels sensitive and tight.
Of course, if you develop these symptoms, you should discontinue the acne treatment immediately.
How to Get Rid of Peeling Skin
If your peeling skin is mainly due to factors like the weather or lack of hydration, rather than an underlying skin condition, you have several choices when it comes to remedying the issue. In this section, we’ll explain how to fix peeled skin and even how to heal peeling skin overnight if the condition is not too severe!
Step #1 - Apply Moisturizer
Almost two-thirds of your skin is made up of water, most of it in the deeper dermis layers, and peeling skin occurs when the dermis isn’t adequately hydrated. Additionally, exposure to external agents may irritate your skin and cause water loss, making it rough to the touch, irritated, and tight.
For all of these reasons, daily application of a good quality moisturizer is essential and the best choice for reducing dry, peeling skin quickly and restoring the complexion’s natural glow and vitality. Infusoderm offers deep hydration in a light, non-greasy formula that can be used every day to not only alleviate dryness and reduce peeling but to provide instant refreshment so the skin appears healthy and rejuvenated.
Step #2 - Pat Face Dry
It’s important to always treat your skin gently at every stage of the skincare routine. Patting it dry with a soft, non-abrasive towel that will absorb excess water without causing damage is just one step that not only benefits individuals who need to reduce peeling skin but is recommended for all skin types who want to improve their skin’s health and natural glow.
Step #3 - Exfoliate
The main goal of exfoliation is to ensure that your skin is completely free of dead cells, oils, and dirt, thereby preventing clogged pores from damaging the dermal structure or causing breakouts and surface imperfections.
If you already have dry, peeling skin, it’s essential to avoid harsh scrubs that will create further damage, opting instead for a formula that contains gentle, non-abrasive fruit acids, and only exfoliate once or twice a week. This will avoid disturbing the skin barrier that protects from harmful external agents that can cause redness and irritation.
In addition, making sure that you drink an adequate amount of water daily, meaning 6-8 glasses, helps exfoliation by washing away dirt, oils, and dead skin cells that could clog the pores. Staying sufficiently hydrated is one of the most important tips for the prevention of dry skin.
The Advanced Exfoliating System contains a range of effective, dermatologist-developed products that are suitable for all skin types, including very dry and sensitive.
Step #4 - Add a Humidifier Inside Your House
People have always used humidity and steam to help alleviate respiratory conditions, but it’s also an effective method for eliminating peeling skin, particularly in the winter when the air is very dry. Using a humidifier in your home can maintain ideal moisture levels, thereby reducing the risk of flaking, itchy skin during the drier months.
FAQs
Question #1 - Should you remove your peeling skin?
You may be wondering how to remove peeling skin, thinking that this is a good way to remedy the problem but our advice is to leave it alone. While exfoliating can help safely remove dry, dead skin cells, picking at or physically peeling off your skin can cause damage and make it vulnerable to infections.
Instead, you should follow our suggestions above for how to stop face peeling which includes regularly applying a high-quality moisturizing cream, preventing the skin from sunburn by protecting it with sunscreen, and using a humidifier to prevent the air from getting too dry.
Question #2 - How do you get rid of peeling skin overnight?
If the problem with your skin isn’t too severe and you just have some mild peeling, you may be able to improve it drastically overnight if not get rid of it completely. Using a rich moisturizing cream at night or a hydrating overnight mask are two methods that can certainly help reduce dry, peeling skin quickly, although it should be noted that if the underlying cause is one of the medical issues we have mentioned, you’ll need to see a physician or dermatologist who can advise you best on how to get rid of peeling skin on your face.
Conclusion
If you want to get rid of persistent dermatological issues like peeling skin, we recommend that you use clinically proven products containing ingredients backed by scientific research. With treatments for all ages and skin types that include a gentle, yet effective exfoliant, a richly-conditioning night cream, intensely hydrating serums, and more, our range of products will help improve the health and overall appearance of your complexion, replacing dry, peeling skin with a soft, silky-smooth texture.
Melissa Feldman
Melissa Feldman lives in Toronto, Canada and works as an independent research writer. She has undergraduate degrees in both Teaching and Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Immigration. Melissa is skilled at writing compelling articles and producing academic, marketing, and creative content. She writes about a range of lifestyle topics, including health, fitness, beauty and nutrition. She has more than two decades of experience reviewing and editing publications intended for both public and professional audiences.
