Skin peeling may be due to a number of reasons from reactions to skincare products to poor lifestyle to genetics and so on. Depending on the cause, there may be a range of effective treatments and methods of prevention. These include:
1. Apply moisturiser
Using a moisturiser right after washing and drying the face can help lock in moisture. Doing so can treat peeling skin that results from dryness. It is best to use a moisturiser that is fragrance-free. Moisturisers that contain one or more of the following ingredients may help soothe dry skin- shea butter, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil.
2. Using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
Switching to a soap-free, mild cleanser can help heal peeling skin on the face. Don’t use antibacterial or fragranced cleansers, as these can increase skin dryness.
3. Avoid products that dry the skin
When the skin is peeling, take care to use products that do not strip the skin of oil. Avoid using astringents, or products that contain alcohol, alpha hydroxyl acids, or benzoyl peroxide. Topical retinoids can also contribute to dryness. Retinoids are synthetic versions of vitamin A, and they frequently appear in skincare products. Switching to a product with a less potent retinoid or using retinoids less frequently can prevent them from drying out the skin.
4. Dry the skin gently
After washing, pat — do not rub — the skin dry with a soft towel. This gentler approach can help prevent further peeling or soreness.
5. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera gel acts as an anti-inflammatory treatment for sunburn. Anyone with a sunburn should avoid further sun exposure while their skin is healing. Stay indoors as much as possible, and wear protective clothing outside. Doctors also recommend using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30–45 or higher.
6. Drink plenty of water
Drinking enough water every day can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent peeling. Drinking lots of water is especially important to prevent dehydration in people with sunburn, which pulls fluid from the rest of the body.
7. Wear sunscreen every day
Using sunscreen every day can help prevent damage and further peeling. It can also combat symptoms of conditions such as rosacea. Dermatologists recommend wearing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
8. Focus on the underlying cause
Various health conditions can cause peeling skin on the face, and each has specific symptoms and treatments. If a fungal infection is causing the peeling, for example, antifungal medications can help. These are typically topical ointments, but some are available as pills. If hypothyroidism is causing excessive skin dryness and peeling, it may help to adjust the dosage of thyroid hormones.