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 Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
