Causes can involve external factors likesunburnor chemicals.
It can also happen due to skin diseases likexerosis cutis(severe dry skin) or certain drugs.
Treatments for peeling skin can include home remedies, over-the-counter products, or prescription treatments.
Daniel de la Hoz / Getty Images
Home Remedies
There are several options to venture to address peeling skin at home.
This can help reduce skin peeling and flaking.
Aloe Vera or Soy
Aloe veraand soy are common ingredients found in over-the-counter moisturizers.
Honey
Research indicates thathoneyhas properties that can promote tissue repair and modulate immunological responses.
This may be beneficial in healing peeling facial skin.
A cool shower can help treat skin peeling on larger areas.
Avoid using soaps or bath oils, which can irritate the problem.
Ointments and creams are preferred because they are typically more effective and less irritating than lotions.
These treatments treat pain and inflammation associated with peeling, but may not address the peeling itself.
Medical Treatments
For those with persistent or severe peeling, medical treatment may be the best option.
Changing to a comparable medication under the guidance of your healthcare provider may reduce peeling.
Topical Corticosteroids
Corticosteroidointments or creams can treat the symptoms of peeling and flaking skin on your face.
This treatment and other types of aggressive removal of peeling facial skin are not advised.
Prevention
Living with facial peeling requires extra attention to your skincare routine.
Using the right techniques can help you reduce symptoms and the amount of peeling that occurs.
Summary
Skin peeling on your face can occur as a result of chronic or acute problems.
Treatment for skin peeling on your face varies based on the cause of your problem.
In many cases, treatment may involve prescribed treatments and daily moisturizing along with proper skincare.
Drinking plenty of water and avoiding harsh chemicals can support healthy skin before and during peeling.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Contact dermatitis defined.
National Eczema Association.Atopic dermatitis.
Boston Children’s Hospital.Toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Food and Drug Administration.Allergens in cosmetics.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases.Pemphigus.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Psoriasis.
Mount Sinai.Scalded skin syndrome.
2019;17(S7):3-33. doi:10.1111/ddg.13906
American Academy of Family Physicians.Edema.
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Isotretinoin: The Truth About Side Effects.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).Do you have dry, flaky skin on your face?
Here’s what you could do.
National Cancer Institute.Skin and nail changes during cancer treatment.
2018;24(3):459-465. doi:10.1111/srt.12454
Yale Medicine.How to treat a sunburn.
2016;5(1):241. doi:10.5195/cajgh.2016.241
Skin Cancer Foundation.Sunburn and your skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin.
How to treat a sunburn:Tips to stop the pain and start the healing.
Yvette C. Terrie Bsp.Itchy, scratchy skin: preventing and managing xerosis.
BMJ Best Practice.Toxic shock syndrome: summary.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Eczema: steroids and other topical medications.
Skin Care Foundation.Why does my skin peel when I get sunburned and what should I do about it?
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dry skin.
Northwestern Medicine.Skin care in the dry air.
