How to remove flaky skin

Why is your skin flaking?

Dry skin lacks moisture in its outer layer, which forms the skin's protective barrier. The surface becomes rough, less flexible and scaly, and severe dryness can lead to cracks and inflammation. Moisturizing treats the dryness behind the flakes rather than just removing what you can see. Cold air, low humidity, excessive bathing, soap, detergents and friction from rough clothing can contribute. Aging and certain medicines can also cause dryness. Flaking can accompany conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, so the same routine will not address every cause. Start with gentle care for ordinary dryness; persistent or inflamed patches need a closer look.13

How to care for flaky skin each day

1. 1Wash with warm rather than hot water. Keep baths and showers to five to ten minutes, and avoid repeated bathing throughout the day.
2. 2Use a gentle cleanser where needed, rather than soaping every patch of skin. Focus body cleansing on areas such as the underarms, groin, hands and feet. Avoid scrubbing.
3. 3Pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing. Leave your skin slightly damp so moisturizer can help lock in that water.
4. 4Apply moisturizer straight after washing. Spread it gently over the dry areas rather than working at the flakes.
5. 5Reapply moisturizer two to three times daily, or more often when needed. Include after handwashing and whenever your skin feels dry or tight.

Use enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil without building a thick lather, because your bathroom does not need a foam production department. If you shave, do it at the end of your bath or shower, when the water has softened your hair and skin.4

Which moisturizer should you use?

For dry body skin, a cream is a useful starting point. Look for a formula that combines water attracting ingredients, moisture sealing ingredients and ingredients that soften rough skin. These are called humectants, occlusives and emollients. Hyaluronic acid and urea attract water. Dimethicone and petrolatum help prevent moisture loss. Mineral oil and shea butter help soften and smooth dry skin. Ceramides are fats that help hold moisture in the skin's barrier; a moisturizer containing them can support that barrier. Judge a moisturizer by its ingredients rather than its price, because the price tag is not an active ingredient.6

Should you exfoliate the flakes?

Do not make exfoliation your first response to dry flakes. Scrubs and exfoliating products can remove more skin than intended, leaving newly damaged skin that needs to heal. Continuing to exfoliate can keep that cycle going. Treat flaky areas gently when washing, drying and moisturizing. Over exfoliating, harsh soaps and cold weather can damage the outer barrier and leave skin dry, flaky or itchy. If a routine is making dryness worse, reducing the irritation matters more than adding another exfoliant.26

How do you remove flaky skin from your face?

Wash gently without hot water or scrubbing, then moisturize within five minutes. Use products intended for the face. A lighter lotion or gel generally suits facial skin, while very dry skin can need a richer moisturizer. For a severely dry spot, gently dab on a petroleum jelly based product before bed. If coating the whole face leads to pimples, limit or discontinue that approach. Review more than your cleanser: makeup and shampoo can also contribute to facial dryness. Astringent toners and retinol can dry skin out. Stop cosmetic retinoids while treating dry skin; if a retinoid is prescribed, ask your prescriber about adjusting the routine.246

What helps stop the flakes returning?

Choose gentle, fragrance free products. Unscented products can contain ingredients that hide odors and irritate dry skin, so an absent smell is not much of a product specification. Fragrance free also does not mean free of every possible allergen. Protect exposed skin with a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, shade and protective clothing. Wear gloves for wet tasks and cold weather. Choose loose cotton clothing, or put cotton or silk between your skin and rough fabrics. A bedroom humidifier can help in dry air; clean it regularly to prevent mold. Use laundry detergent without fragrances or dyes if those products are contributing to irritation.146

How long does flaky skin take to improve?

When home care is effective, dry skin tends to improve within two weeks. Keep moisturizing during that period rather than treating the flakes once and stopping. A tendency to dryness can persist, particularly when contributing factors remain. Maintaining moisture and reducing those triggers can improve it. If dryness continues or worsens, arrange a medical assessment rather than increasing the amount of exfoliation.37

When should you stop a product or see a doctor?

• Tell a dermatologist if moisturizer or other products cause burning, stinging or irritation. Ask before using an itch relief cream on extremely dry skin.
• Seek care for open cuts or sores from scratching, itching without a visible rash, or dryness and itching that prevent sleep.
• Have facial patches checked if they are wet and red, persistently pink, or itchy enough to interfere with daily life.
• See a dermatologist promptly if dry or thickening skin develops during cancer treatment.

If you use a prescribed skin treatment, leave 20 to 30 minutes between it and an emollient, and ask your doctor which goes first. Take moisturizer from a tub with a clean spoon or spatula. Keep emollients and fabrics carrying their residue away from flames and cigarettes; washing does not completely remove the residue. Emollients can also make baths and floors slippery.5