Does your skin have flaky skin? Here’s how to get rid of them and get soft, smooth skin
Unlike normal, dry skin, flaky skin can be an unsightly, uncomfortable problem. Not to mention the long list of possible causes: The causes of flaking skin could fill a textbook, ranging from common conditions like psoriasis and eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, to rare genetic disorders, skin lymphomas, or allergic reactions. Suffice it to say, nationally certified dermatologist Dr. Hayley Goldbach. Depending on the specific cause, the treatment for flaky skin may vary. (This is a symptom you should most likely see a dermatologist for—more on that later.) While the causes can vary, “in general, visible scaling is caused by the shedding of the top layer of skin, called the stratum corneum,” she explains. Below, Goldbach and board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, explain what you should consider if you have flaky skin, and which treatments you should try first.
Causes of Peeling Skin
As mentioned above, there are many reasons why your skin may be flaking. So it’s best to see a dermatologist to find out the right cause, especially if you’re not sure what it might be. However, here’s more information on five of the most common causes:
Dry skin: While flaky patches may not just be dryness (i.e., your skin may be dry but not actually flaky), there are a lot of overlapping conditions. “In most cases, flaking skin is caused by dryness or a lack of moisture,” explains Palm. “Scaly skin is often the result of a damaged skin barrier. When the skin barrier is damaged, its ability to retain moisture is compromised, which can lead to a flaky or flaky appearance.”
Eczema or atopic dermatitis: “This is an inflammatory disease where inflammation of the top layer of the skin causes the skin to appear scaly and red,” says Goldbach. It can also appear as crusty patches, which can cause the skin to break out and bleed if left untreated, adds Palm. In the case of eczema, there are often external factors (such as soaps and harsh perfumes) that can be triggers, she notes.
Psoriasis: “Psoriasis is another inflammatory disease,” explains Goldbach. “In this case, the top layer of skin is actually thicker. It grows so quickly that it doesn’t have time to shed properly, and pink or red patches with a ‘silver’ cuticle appear on the skin.”
Seborrheic dermatitis: Commonly known as dandruff, this condition causes flaky skin on the scalp that may break off the head. Inflammation plays a role here, too (the root cause of the problem is a reaction to yeast that occurs naturally in our bodies), and it’s often concentrated in the hair follicles, leading to flaky patches that may also look a bit greasy, Goldbach says.
Actinic keratosis: This precancerous condition, commonly called AK, is a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma. It’s caused by UV exposure and damage, and can appear as thick, flaky, or patchy skin that may be light pink, Palm says. Actinic keratosis often leads to skin cancer, so it’s especially important to get checked out by a licensed dermatologist as soon as possible. The skin often flakes and recurs, Palm adds, so if you notice scaly skin returning over and over, see your doctor.
This is what flaky skin looks like
Depending on the underlying cause, it can vary, but in general, flaky skin patches have a white and scaly appearance, Goldbach says. “Sometimes, depending on what’s causing the flaking, the skin underneath can be irritated and red,” she adds.
How to Treat Flaky Skin
In general, the first step to getting rid of flaky skin is to bind moisture back into the skin. Goldbach recommends using a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment, noting that this is an especially good place to start if you suspect the flaky patches on your skin are caused by dry skin or very mild eczema. Palm agrees, adding that gentle exfoliation can help, too.
While some flaky skin patches can be treated at home, you should know that many require specific treatments to address specific causes. For example, Goldbach tells us that with seborrheic dermatitis, moisturizers won’t help much because you have to fight the yeast that’s causing the inflammation. Eczema usually requires a prescription for topical or oral steroids, while actinic keratosis definitely requires an evaluation by a dermatologist, Palm says.
Generally speaking, unless you’re certain your flaking skin is due to dryness, seeing a professional is absolutely crucial to determine the cause and proper treatment. “There are many reasons why your skin may flak, so it’s important to see a dermatologist, especially if your flaking skin doesn’t go away with a simple moisturizer,” advises Goldbach.
Final Conclusion
While flaky skin patches can be uncomfortable and worrisome, dermatologists have shed light on the most common causes and effective treatments for each. If you’re experiencing flaking skin for the first time, aren’t sure what’s causing it, or are finding that moisturizing and gentle exfoliation aren’t helping, make an appointment right away with a professional who can help you. Once you have a diagnosis and treatment plan in place, you’ll be on your way to soft, smooth skin again.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
