How To Help Reduce The Appearance Of Peeling Skin Quickly

If you’ve ever had a moderate to severe sunburn, you know the feeling of having dry, flaky, peeling skin as it heals from over-exposure to UV rays. However, there are many reasons why your skin may be peeling besides sun exposure, and if it’s happening without any apparent cause, it can be annoying and upsetting. Here’s what you need to know to help your sunburned skin stop peeling as quickly as possible.

WHY DOES SKIN PEEL?

Skin typically peels as part of the healing process when it has been damaged or reacts against a topical substance. Sometimes, it’s an outward sign of an underlying condition, which is why if your skin peeling doesn’t resolve on its own or your skin irritation presents itself with other changes to your health such as fever, vomiting, vision changes, or difficulty breathing, it may be best to get medical attention.

The leading causes of skin peeling include:

  • Sunburns
  • Irritation, chafing, or rubbing
  • Chemical or thermal burns
  • Strong acne treatments
  • Chemical peels
  • Eczema
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Viral infections (mono, measles)

Peeling skin can appear on its own or with other skin changes such as redness, pain, and inflammation.

HOW TO HELP REDUCE THE APPEARANCE  OF PEELING SKIN

Can you stop peeling skin? Depending on the underlying health condition that’s causing your peeling skin, you can try adjusting your skincare routine to help moisturize your skin to help reduce the appearance of peeling skin. However, when it’s caused by a health issue like those mentioned above, you should see a doctor to treat those causes medically before moving on to the symptom of peeling skin.

Here are steps you can take that may help with skin discomfort after it starts peeling.

PAT SKIN DRY AFTER BATHING

Rubbing irritated skin vigorously may be your unconscious habit when drying off after a shower or bath, but this could cause unnecessary abrasion and irritation to your skin, causing it to peel. Damp skin followed by an application of moisturizer can help skin look and feel more hydrated, especially areas that are peeling.

STAY HYDRATED

The moisture in your skin doesn’t come out of thin air – it’s taken from your body, which is mostly water itself. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water each day is good for both your skin and overall health. By keeping your skin hydrated, you can prevent it from drying out, cracking, and peeling.

APPLY MOISTURIZER

The most general solution to dry skin is to moisturize it with a quality, non-comedogenic moisturizer. People with sensitive skin can benefit even more with a high-quality moisturizer like our Soothe Dermal Repair Balm.

USE A GENTLE EXFOLIANT OCCASIONALLY

When your skin is flaking and peeling, it can help to speed the process along with a gentle exfoliant if the flaking skin is not also tender and irritated, like after a sunburn. However, take care to exfoliate the peeling area as gently as possible, and don’t exfoliate every day since this could cause dead skin cells to flake off before they are ready. Usually, a weekly exfoliation is all you need to regain your smooth texture as quickly as possible.

ADD A HUMIDIFIER

Some areas of the country and certain homes are drier than others, which can cause your healthy skin to dehydrate and peel by default. Introduce moisture into your living spaces with a humidifier if you suspect the dry air is to blame for your peeling skin.

PROTECT SKIN FROM THE SUN

Important for not only reducing  premature skin aging, sun exposure is the cause of many skin conditions, including peeling skin. The best practice for people looking to get sun protection and get smooth, beautiful skin is always to wear sunscreen when venturing outside, as regular unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays damages your skin cells whether you notice it in the moment or not.

THE BEST PRODUCTS FOR DIFFERENT AREAS

Skin peeling can occur on any area of the body. Using the right product will help your skin recover faster and maintain a vibrant-looking complexion. Consider the following products for the face and body:

FEET 

To smooth peeling skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet, try our Mint Renewal White Sand Body Polish. The enriched blend of sugar and salt helps to slough away rough skin on the tough soles of your feet to improve painful cracking and peeling skin concerns.

HANDS 

Our Papaya Pineapple Bamboo Body Polish is perfect for individuals concerned with peeling skin in the fingers and around the fingernails. This creamy exfoliant will help keep your skin visibly moisturized and smooth to minimize peeling and dryness.

BODY 

Different areas of the body undergo different levels of wear and tear, which is why it’s necessary to choose the right product.

FACE

The delicate skin on the face must be carefully treated with gentle products and ingredients. We recommend the following products for different areas of the face.

HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BEST SKIN EVER

Dealing with persistent or embarrassing skin conditions requires the best formulas from professionals who have the experience to choose quality ingredients. If you want to take your skincare to the next level and help with peeling skin or other skin conditions, Epicuren Discovery is a great place to start.

Browse our complete collection of potent skincare products or take our Skin Quiz to be matched with products that are right for your specific skin type and concerns.

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