What to put on peeling skin

What moisturizer should you choose?

Creams and ointments moisturize dry skin more effectively than lotions, so the runniest option does not win by default. Look for a fragrance free product containing glycerin, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, mineral oil, petrolatum or shea butter. You do not need all of these ingredients in one jar.4

Choose "fragrance free" rather than "unscented." Unscented products can contain chemicals that hide other ingredients' smells and irritate dry, sensitive skin. For dry, peeling lips, lip balm or petroleum jelly is an option; switch lip balms if they sting or tingle.4

How to care for dry, peeling skin

1. 1Wash gently. Keep showers to five to ten minutes with warm water, not hot water. Use a gentle cleanser only where needed.
2. 2Pat dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing. Leave the skin slightly damp.
3. 3Apply your fragrance free cream or ointment immediately. Reapply several times daily, after handwashing and whenever the skin feels dry.
4. 4Let flakes come away naturally. Picking or pulling skin off creates openings for bacteria and increases the risk of infection.
5. 5Protect exposed skin with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, clothing and shade.

For peeling caused by dryness, stop skincare products containing fragrance, alcohol or retinoids. Ask your dermatologist before adding an itch relief cream, because some can worsen irritation. If moisturizer or another product burns, stings or irritates your skin, tell your dermatologist.4

What if the peeling follows sunburn?

Cool the skin with a cool shower or damp towel, then apply an unperfumed moisturizer. A moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy can soothe discomfort; apply it while the skin is damp and again when uncomfortable. Calamine lotion is another option for discomfort.25

For peeling sunburn without blisters, avoid petroleum jelly. Do not use ice, scratch away flakes or pop blisters. Cover the area from direct sunlight until healed. Sunburn usually improves within seven days, with peeling often starting a few days after the burn.2

What if skincare or a chemical peel caused it?

Alpha hydroxy acids encourage surface skin cells to shed, and light peeling can follow an acid treatment. A moisturizer can disguise light peeling after an acid treatment, which is a smaller assignment than launching another skincare routine.6

After a professional chemical peel, follow your clinician's aftercare: light moisturizers suit superficial peels, while deeper peels need thicker preparations. Keep treated areas cool and do not pick, because picking delays healing and causes scarring. Continue tretinoin, glycolic acid or hydroquinone only if advised. Report problems promptly, and protect treated skin from the sun, especially during the first six months.7

What if your feet are peeling?

For dry feet, apply a fragrance free cream or ointment at bedtime, then wear cotton socks to help retain moisture. Dry between your toes thoroughly after washing. Red, itchy, peeling feet can indicate athlete's foot, which needs antifungal treatment rather than moisturizer alone. Eczema or psoriasis can also need medication.3

When should you get medical help?

Get unexplained peeling checked, or seek help if home care is not working. Fever, chills, pus, swelling or painful, warm feet need medical attention. If you have diabetes and peeling feet, arrange a foot assessment. Seek urgent advice for sunburn with blisters, swelling, dizziness, sickness or a very high temperature, and for sunburn in a baby or young child.123