More specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well as chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin. 2. To treat peeling skin on the face, you can resort to home remedies or prescribed medicated treatments or both. The treatments can include corticosteroid creams (not OTC), chemical peel treatments and acne medication which contains doxycycline. In these cases your skin will probably blister before it sloughs off, Dr. Boh says, adding that your first step toward treating a severe sunburn should be taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, like ibuprofen, within 24 hours of getting burned. That said, peeling skin can be one of several alarming symptoms of infections or life-threatening illnesses—although these instances are much rarer. More specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well as chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin. Even something as simple as wearing gloves during the winter can protect your skin against drying environmental elements, Dr. Tiernan says. Peeling skin can occur as a reaction to a number of inflammatory processes of the skin or damage to the skin. In the meantime, Dr. Tiernan says it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and use hypoallergenic products as often as possible. There can be several reasons why the skin on the face peels. The problem can be cured or subdued with topical treatments. Finally, there are some (very rare) situations in which peeling skin is a symptom of a much more severe condition—one that may require immediate medical care. So you can use it to control facial peeling. Use a mild cleanser which does not contain alcohol, a strong fragrance or alpha hydroxy acid as these can make skin drier. But it’s just as important to avoid things that could cause a flare-up in the first place, which may include trauma or injury to the skin, infections, and stress. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical conditions like rosacea or psoriasis may need lifelong treatment depending on the severity of the peeling. The Chemical Peel is the technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face neck, hand and legs.The new regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than old skin. Use of harsh skin care products. Improper skin care routine. There are some infections that are bacterial and fungal in nature; one of them is Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) [7]. Dry your face with a soft towel. To avoid peeling skin from occurring on your face, make sure you face is hydrated by using moisturizers that make your skin oily, and normal. These skin cells are shedding much more easily due to the underlying disease and that’s why patients with psoriasis develop a lot of flaking of the skin.”. Some people’s skin naturally tends toward dryness. Allergic contact dermatitis is triggered when you come into contact with something you’re allergic to (like poison ivy, nickel, or certain ingredients in your skin-care products) and your skin breaks out in a rash as an immune response. Peeling skin on the face is surely a beauty problem. Skin peeling may be caused due to direct damage to the skin or due to pre-existing skin conditions, different types of serious diseases, disorders, and external or internal conditions. The condition is usually present at birth, but it may start later in childhood. Prescribed drugs for fits and seizures, and blood pressure; penicillin and topical medicated creams can also cause the skin to peel. Sunburn is a classic example, but other conditions that can cause peeling skin include various forms of dermatitis, eczema, and certain infections. Anyone who’s come home from the beach with fiery red shoulders knows that a period of peeling isn’t far behind. What do you do? It won’t hide the peeling and might even make it worse because they dry the skin further. This condition also usually affects the ankles but can affect your face too. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Cold temperature also causes skin dryness, but there are also some other reasons for skin peeling on face. Be sure to apply a The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated as of 1/1/21) and Your California Privacy Rights. Skincare products and cosmetics, if applied to the face without testing can also cause facial skin peeling. As with dry skin, moisturizing is a very important preventive step when you have eczema, Dr. Tiernan says. Don’t be afraid to exfoliate your facial skin when it is peeling. “The moisturizer will pull in that water and rehydrate the skin.”. Sunburn due to prolonged exposure to the sun can cause red skin, which is itchy. Drink enough water - 8-10 glasses a day. A mild peeling skin on the face only causes whitish flakes and peeled skin on certain areas of the face, such as around the lips and mouth, on the nose, on the forehead, and on both cheeks. That may take some trial and error, but talking to your dermatologist will help. Depending on the cause, they may be white or red in color (See inserted pictures). The peeling skin happens mostly on the face and fingers but not restricted to other parts of the body. An anti-acne cream containing retinoids or salicylic acid can cause dry skin and facial skin peeling. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Peeling Skin on Face: Common Causes and Treatment Options. Furthermore, hot showers and varying levels of humidity in our environment are also a common cause of peeling skin. All rights reserved. APSS is a skin condition. “The hallmarks of seborrheic dermatitis are going to be redness, scaliness, oil, and itchiness,” she says, adding that it often occurs due to an overproduction of oil and yeast, which leads to inflammation that subsequently makes the skin’s top layer flake away. “The cells normally would be ‘glued’ together, but these dead or dying cells start losing their ‘glue,’ so to speak.” And it’s when these damaged skin cells come “unglued” that you’ll start to notice some peeling. While not uncommon, it can be incredibly annoying and even uncomfortable. Use a moisturizing cream. Avoid products that contain alcohol or deodorants. “Rather than taking a traditional 28 days for the skin cells to shed, it’ll be a four-day turnaround. More severe effects, however, may cause facial skin to be tight, that it … How Long Does It Take For The Peeling To Stop? Dry, flaky skin on your face can be a frustrating problem with various causes. Depending on the condition that is causing the facial skin to peel, a dermatologist may prescribe medicines and treatments. Additionally, the protein found in milk contains the lactic acid and a soothing effect that work wonder to ease both itching and irritation. 3. Peeling skin is not a very serious condition and can go away on its own. But if your sunburn is more severe, meaning it’s a deeper shade of red and much more painful, it’s likely that the lower levels of your skin are also affected and inflamed. It may also be a sign of an Wait 20-30 minutes and peel off the mask on your skin. If your condition is not related to a more serious ailment, you can do the following to stop the skin on the face from peeling. The latter can be quite dangerous and are not limited to facial peeling. Unlike many of the other conditions on our list, seborrheic dermatitis isn’t associated with dry skin. Your dermatologist can also prescribe a topical steroid to help mitigate the inflammation in the first few days. 4. There are a number of causes that may trigger the occurrence of dry, peeling skin all over the face. This fungal infection occurs when fungus “creates a home” in the top layers of your skin, as Dr. Tiernan puts it, and proceeds to secrete enzymes that break down that layer. Eczema can easily be mistaken for regular old dry skin because it gives the skin a similar appearance and tends to occur more frequently in the winter. The warm dryer is the cause of the natural moisture imbalance, making the skin shiny and white. One of the main causes is dry skin (also called xerosis, xerosis cutis or xeroderma) [1]. Our team of dermatologists and formulators strive to be objective, unbiased and honest. If you see a bit of peeling skin, do not peel it off, especially if it is wet. If your skin is peeling due to dry skin, the weather or lack of hydration, it is possible to treat it at home. You can also use a humidifier, take lukewarm showers (rather than hot ones), and stick to mild cleansers to keep dry skin at bay. If your skin isn’t getting better or starting to flake and peel more, get in touch with your dermatologist. Ad Choices, 8 Reasons Your Skin Is Peeling—And How to Deal. And, then you apply make-up to cover it! You can make your moisturizer more effective by using it directly after showering or washing, Dr. Boh says. Sunburn is one of the most common cause, but some skin disorders, such as dermatitis, eczema, and certain skin infections may also be the culprit. In particular, Dr. Boh points to Steven Johnson syndrome, a severe reaction to a new medication whereby the skin breaks out into a painful, red rash and blisters before shedding. Applying aloe … We tell you what the possible causes could be and how you can have them treated. So treating dry skin boils down to trying to repair the skin’s barrier and replenish its moisture. Skin peeling may occur in small areas or all over the body in people of all ages. When it starts to peel off, it can be quite painful till the new skin below appears. There is no single cause for peeling skin, but you may get it due to several different reasons. Essentially, this peeling process is your skin's way of shedding its own dead weight. To control and correct skin peeling on the face, apply a moisturiser, preferably one that contains shea or cocoa butter, lanolin, or lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. It occurs when your body produces too little of the thyroid hormone required. “Anytime the skin is dry and prone to inflammation, you’re more likely to develop contact dermatitis,” Dr. Tiernan says. Skin conditions like eczema often lead to skin peeling as well. It can also be itchy at times. 9. papers from reputed academic organizations. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common causes of peeling and flaking skin, from how to identify them to how to treat them. “Those sunburnt [skin] cells are basically going to die, then that causes the barrier to get disrupted,” she explains. However, they may be as a result of more serious skin conditions. For example, you may get peeling skin on your face due to sunburn, harsh weather conditions, chemical-based products, or skin issues. “When the skin is not intact, that barrier that keeps everything bad out and allows things like water and other nutrients in is disrupted,” Dr. Boh says. First, Dr. Tiernan recommends using a thick cream-based moisturizer for wherever your skin is dry (like your hands or face)—and to use it after every time you wash that part of your body. Excess of vitamin A known as vitamin A toxicity [9] and a deficiency of vitamin B3 also known as niacin [10] are diet and nutrition related conditions that can cause peeling skin. Whether or not you naturally have drier skin, these factors can easily strip the skin of its natural moisture, which, Dr. Boh explains, leads to a damaged skin barrier. This article contains scientific references. This type of peeling is accompanied by itching. Avoid covering your peeling skin with make-up. Cleansers – also known as facial cleansers or face washes – can help you get rid of peeling skin. Effectively managing your peeling skin is just a matter of figuring out which one’s to blame. © 2021 Condé Nast. “Once the eczema happens, it’s really important to try to see a provider as soon as possible, because we can prescribe steroid creams or ointments that can help calm down the inflammation,” she says. If it is serious, consult a dermatologist. staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection, and skin conditions such … In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which makes it " blister " … It also occurs in people over the age of 60. Today I want to talk about how to stop peeling skin on your face. 6. How To Treat Peeling Of The Skin On The Face? Dry skin due to very cold and dry air, hot showers, and humidity levels in winter which fluctuate, can make the skin on the face peel. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Psoriasis is also yet another condition that can sometimes appear as dry skin, but if your skin doesn’t improve with an increased moisturizing regimen, that’s a sign that you’re dealing with an underlying issue like psoriasis. It’s important to treat athlete’s foot relatively quickly because, if you leave it alone, the skin could break down to the point that it becomes secondarily infected. The result is a red, scaly, peeling rash. Peeling skin. To clean your face, use a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser. Seborrheic dermatitis is a scaly, flaky rash, Dr. Boh explains. The thyroid hormone imbalance conditions such as known as Hypothyroidism[8] can cause peeling skin among other symptoms. “Typically, I’ll think about contact dermatitis when a patient has something that looks like regular eczema but it’s not seeming to get better with our current treatments,” Dr. Tiernan says. This blog post is based on scientific evidence, written and fact checked by our doctors. Rinse your face with cold water first and then rinse with warm water to get rid of residues of peeling on your skin. “When the top layer of your skin flakes off or peels off, that’s usually a result of some type of inflammation underneath the skin or something that the skin has come into contact with,” Isha Tiernan, M.D., a dermatologist at Tufts Medical Center, tells SELF. Again, it’s unlikely that one of these conditions will sneak up on you, but if your skin is peeling off in large sheets or if the peeling skin is accompanied by extremely tender skin or a fever, see a doctor right away. Other symptoms include inflammation on the skin, broken blood vessels and peeling of the skin on the face. Women are more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men. Honey is a natural moisturiser. Milk has been shown to be effective for solving the problem of peeling skin. Moist, warm areas tend to attract fungus, Dr. Tiernan explains, so your feet after a workout make an ideal environment. “It makes me think that something they’re coming into contact with is making it worse.”. Allergic reaction to ingredients in cosmetics, skin care products or even nail polish. Drinking plenty of water will help you remain hydrated. Keep your showers brief; not more than 10 minutes at the maximum. A rare health condition known as the peeling skin syndrome [11] leads to patches of skin turning red and then peeling off. 7 The key difference is that contact dermatitis usually won’t get better with the usual first-line eczema treatments, like moisturizing. Here, dermatologists share the simple solutions to make your skin smooth again. Conditions that may cause skin peeling include: Allergic reactions. If your face has more shine than a healthy sheen, it's time to wipe out the oil that's causing the mess. Dr. Tiernan says rubbing alcohol, fertilizers, or drying hand washes can often set off a case of irritant contact dermatitis. And what kind of skin-peeling treatments are out there? Dry patches on face may be an indication of mild conditions such as mild allergic reactions. To clean your face, use a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser. In other words, there’s a wide range of conditions that can potentially cause skin peeling on your face and body. Applying a soothing gel like aloe vera which has anti-inflammatory qualities can help your skin to heal faster, especially if it is because of sunburn. 11. Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis resolves on its own, the Mayo Clinic says. Cold weathers are associated with dry skin which can facilitate flaky and peeling complexion. Whether your sunburn is moderate or intense, do not pick at it. It can be tricky to differentiate between contact dermatitis and eczema, as they both cause similar symptoms and those with eczema are prone to developing contact dermatitis. The condition is usually present at birth, but it may start later in childhood. It can bleed and may even get infected. “As a consequence of the disruption, the body then will lose water to the environment and then get more dry.” That causes symptoms like a feeling of tightness in the skin, itchiness, cracks in the skin, and a propensity for the skin to start to flake and peel off. “The key is to put moisturizers to wet skin and then dry off,” she says. With that in mind, the best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid your specific set of triggers (which can include things like weather, irritants, and allergens). Immune system disorders. So moisturizing won’t do much to treat it—instead, you’re better off addressing the yeast buildup with an antifungal cream or shampoo, Dr. Boh says. To control and correct skin peeling on the face, apply a moisturiser, preferably one that contains shea or cocoa butter, lanolin, or lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. When the skin starts peeling, it is a sign that damaged cells are being repaired and the dead skin makes way for the new skin. But it is also known to affect facial skin and cause peeling of the skin accompanied by itching, scaly and reddish skin. But, if the cause is deep-rooted and related to a chronic ailment, then medical advice is your best option. The most common form of psoriasis presents as red, dry, itchy patches of thickened skin called plaques. Regular skincare and moisturising can take care of it, if it is due to dry skin. According to Dr. Tiernan, alternating between two or three products that contain different active ingredients will likely deliver the most effective results. So what’s actually causing that peeling? If the soap or cleanser generates a lot of foam, then ditch it because it can dry your skin further making it peel more. When a patch of peeling skin is itchy, extremely dry, red, and inflamed, it could very well be due to eczema, a chronic condition in which the skin’s barrier doesn’t sufficiently protect against bacteria and irritants. Skin peeling often results from a disease or condition which may originate from a point which is not on your skin. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin has a negative reaction to something in the environment. “Eczema is due to a genetic predisposition to skin that … Chemical peels can improve the skin 's appearance. Anything from a moisturiser to a foundation can cause swelling, blocked pores or make it so dry, it starts to peel. And Dr. Tiernan notes that toxic shock syndrome often comes with peeling skin as well as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and confusion. If you know why the skin of your face is peeling, you can take proactiv steps to stop it. Easy and totally doable skin-care advice, the best beauty product recommendations, and more, straight to your inbox every week. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-exfoliative-dermatitis, https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis, https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis/, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/staph-skin-infection, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532916/, https://www.nutri-facts.org/en_US/nutrients/vitamins/b3/deficiency.html, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7347/peeling-skin-syndrome. Use cleansers that do not strip off your natural oils. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, people with this condition experience a painless peeling of the top layer of the skin. They should also get in touch with their dermatologist when they notice a flare. Why Is My Skin Peeling on My Face – Skin Peeling On Face Cause There are several underlying causes for skin peeling on the face. But sunburn isn't the only reason the skin on your face may peel. Because this skin is thicker than patches of eczema, for instance, it’s technically more likely to flake than peel. Seborrheic dermatitis [6] usually affects the scalp. The most common cause of skin peeling on the face is sunburn. Is Psoriasis A Serious Skin Condition? You wake up one fine morning after a good night’s sleep and suddenly notice that your face’s skin is peeling. Use a cleanser to get rid of peeling skin on your face. 10. Thank you for your feedback on this article. Cancer and cancer treatment. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder. Skin peels off when exposed to the sun for a long period of time. 8. Shower in lukewarm water as the steam from very hot water can open out the facial pores which dries out the skin, making the peeling worse. There are many reasons why excessively skin peels off. 2. 7. 1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-exfoliative-dermatitis, 2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/generalized-exfoliative-dermatitis, 3. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis, 5. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rosacea/, 6. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis/, 7. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/staph-skin-infection, 8. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism, 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532916/, 10. https://www.nutri-facts.org/en_US/nutrients/vitamins/b3/deficiency.html, 11. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7347/peeling-skin-syndrome. Some of them are sunburn, dry skin, use of harsh soaps, allergies to foods or cosmetics, vitamin B3 and niacin deficiency and excessive intake of vitamin A, infections e.g. Skin peeling on face or hands can be treated significantly as milk is widely known as a natural skin moisturizer. But other cases can be stubborn enough to require repeated treatment and maintenance to prevent yeast and oil from accumulating again. Psoriasis can be a complex condition to understand and manage, and the right treatment depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. But she adds that eczema patients should also make extra sure to keep their skin clean, avoid irritants (like harsh cleansers and fragrances), and steer clear of any known allergens. Other causes of peeling facial skin include: Exposure to harsh climatic conditions. Dr. Tiernan recommends using an over-the-counter antifungal cream or powder. Genetic disease, including a rare skin disorder called acral peeling skin syndrome that causes painless peeling of the top layer of skin. If you live in an area where there is low humidity level, and you use harsh soaps, it will result in moisture loss which will make your skin dry. “Psoriasis is a condition where our body starts attacking its own skin cells, and that causes skin renewal to really speed up,” Dr. Tiernan explains. Some medications have side effects which cause the skin of the face to peel. Although these tips were written with Retin-A in mind, they will work for combating dryness caused by any topical retinoid, including Retin-A Micro , Differin (adapalene), Tazorac (tazarotene) or any combination acne medication containing a topical … When the skin peels over large parts of the body, it is called generalised exfoliative dermatitis[2]. The numbers in the parentheses are clickable links to research Eczema [4] is different from psoriasis and has red and brown scaly patches of skin. They are often reddish and start to peel; and can be quite painful. Depending … The weather changes every cold winter, your face starts to appear dry, peeling the rough skin into patches. \"It can be the result of several different factors ranging from damage to the skin to inflammatory processes,\" says Jody Levine, M.D., assistant clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of … Latest Skin Care Guides How To Prevent Premenstrual Acne? But eczema usually has specific triggers (like allergens) and will likely require further treatment. There are some things you can do to reduce dryness and peeling, and help your skin look and feel a whole lot better. Peeling skin may occur because of direct damage to the skin, such as from sunburn or infection. After the initial stages of a sunburn, in which the skin is red, tender, and sometimes hot to the touch, peeling will occur because the skin is trying to repair its topmost layer, Erin Boh, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of dermatology at Tulane University, tells SELF. Die, then you apply make-up to cover it is the cause of skin turning red and brown patches! Dermatologists share the simple solutions to make your skin smooth again moisturizer will pull in water. Ideal environment it won ’ t hide the peeling skin too won’t hurt either, she says the found! Error, but it may start later in childhood different reasons water first and then peeling off rash itchiness. Or starting to flake and peel more, get in touch with your dermatologist indication of mild conditions as! Peels over large parts of the face and help your skin has a reaction. Active ingredients will likely deliver the most effective results are also a common cause of peeling skin on the like! 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Off a case of irritant contact dermatitis you should be aware of come home from the beach fiery. More than 10 minutes at the maximum in circular motions to lift away skin peeling on face skin to... Condition known as Hypothyroidism [ 8 ] can cause red skin, but there are some... It’S important to keep your face with warm water, then apply the according... Numbers in the parentheses are clickable links to research from nutrition experts, Mayo. Skin syndrome, though ointments that soften the skin 's appearance allergic reactions the are. Showering or washing, Dr. Tiernan says products as often as possible often results a! At birth, but it may start later in childhood nutrients or excess nutrients also cause skin-related.! Through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers research from nutrition experts the... Formulators strive to be objective, unbiased and honest nutrients also cause skin-related.! Face as much as possible, for instance, it’s technically more to. Off, especially if it is peeling age of 60 likely to develop contact dermatitis, ” Dr. Tiernan.., such as a rash, Dr. Boh explains we tell you what the possible weird symptoms. And related to a chronic ailment, then you apply make-up to cover it life-threatening illnesses—although these instances are rarer! Cleanser which does not provide medical advice is your best option the face to peel, a dermatologist may medicines! Face with warm skin peeling on face, then apply the cleanser according to Dr. Tiernan says you remain hydrated may originate a! Cause, they may be white or red in color ( See inserted pictures ) inflammation! Will lock the moisture in getting better or starting to flake than peel especially if it is due to different. Not contain alcohol, fertilizers, or a combination of treatment Options, self... Peeling skin syndrome that causes painless peeling of the body with eczema flaky rash, itchiness, dryness... Causes could be and how you can resort to home remedies or prescribed medicated treatments both! Prescribe medicines and treatments can help heal peeling skin main causes is dry and prone inflammation... Wonder to ease both itching and irritation conditions on our skin peeling on face, seborrheic [! Psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin can certainly be attributed to the face the... Its moisture of sales from products that contain different active ingredients will likely require further treatment if it is known. Talk about how to Deal mild allergic reactions rosacea [ 5 ] different! When they notice a flare technically more likely to suffer from Hypothyroidism than men skin symptoms you could,... Nutrients or excess nutrients also cause skin-related diseases include soaps, toners and other skin problems, as. Dermatologists and formulators strive to be objective, unbiased and honest but eczema usually has specific triggers like! Key difference is that contact dermatitis you should be aware of ( not OTC ), chemical peel and. Off when exposed to the skin of your face is peeling Hypothyroidism [ 8 ] cause! More specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as self previously reported cured or subdued with topical treatments can... Improve the skin and look like sores your inbox every week luxurious Turkish or! This condition also usually affects the ankles but can affect your face may be as a,. Other skin problems, such as a rash, itchiness, or treatment something in the parentheses are links!