Struggling with flaky skin? You’re not alone. Experts say flaky, peeling skin is a common condition, especially during the winter months. We’ll explore some of the biggest culprits behind flaky skin (some of which might surprise you!) and give you easy tips on how to get smoother, healthier skin ASAP.
What causes flaky skin?
You might think a simple case of dry skin is the culprit behind your flakes and dry patches. And while dry skin can definitely lead to flakes, it’s not the only cause. Flakes can be triggered by other skin conditions, or by outside factors that might surprise you. Ready to learn more? Here are the top five causes of skin flakes, and how to fix them.
Reason #1: Your Skin Is Dehydrated
Many people think dry skin and dehydrated skin are the same thing, but they’re actually different. Dry skin happens when your skin lacks oil, and it’s a skin type. Dehydrated skin happens when your skin lacks water, and it can occur in any skin type. (Counterintuitively, even oily skin can become dehydrated.) So why does dehydrated skin flake? When your skin lacks water, it disrupts your natural moisture barrier and the dead skin cells on the outmost layer of your skin can’t shed evenly. Instead, they build up and flake away, creating a flaky or scaly appearance.
The fix: Dry indoor air can pull water from the skin, so in the winter, make sure to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Avoid long, hot showers, and use the “sandwich” technique when you moisturize: First, apply a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help bind water to your skin. Then, seal it in with an “occlusive” moisturizer that forms a barrier to trap in hydration. Petrolatum, dimethicone, and plant-based oils and butters (like shea butter and jojoba oil) are all effective occlusives.
Reason #2: You’re Not Exfoliating Regularly
As we age, the natural cycle at which our body sheds dead skin cells slows down. When you’re a teenager, it’s as short as 14 days, and in your 20s and 30s it’s about 28 days. It slows down more in your 40s and 50s, and it can take up to 60 to 90 days for older adults. All that to say, if you’re of a certain age and you’re not exfoliating regularly, you may end up with a build-up of dead skin cells on your skin’s surface—which can lead to flakes and rough patches.
The fix: Gentle, consistent exfoliation will boost cellular turnover and help your skin “act younger.” The key is not to over-exfoliate (which can lead to reason #3—more on that in a minute). One simple, dermatologist-approved way to exfoliate is LUXE+ sonic dermaplaning. The patented MicroFine Edge gently “shaves” away excess dead skin cells and peach fuzz from your skin’s surface, giving you smooth and flake-free skin. “One of the pluses of sonic dermaplaning is that you only need to do it once a week,” says master esthetician Billie Jo Bond. “So you’re not going to risk over-exfoliating.”
Reason #3: Your Skin Barrier Is Compromised
Like we mentioned above, when your skin’s natural moisture barrier is damaged, the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin build up and start to flake off. Your skin can also become red, itchy, easily irritated, and sting or burn when you apply skincare products. In addition, your oil glands can start to overproduce oil to try and repair your barrier—leaving you with skin that’s oily and flaky at the same time. (We know, not fun!)
The fix: When your barrier is damaged, it’s essential to treat your skin with extra care. Make sure you’re not exfoliating too frequently and pare back your skincare routine to a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and daily SPF. Look for restorative skincare ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids and niacinamide, which help restore and rebuild your skin’s moisture barrier. When your skin is no longer flaky, red, stinging or irritated, you can start to reintroduce your usual skincare products.
Reason #4: You’re Using Harsh Products
Just like over-exfoliation can compromise your skin barrier, using overly harsh skincare products can disrupt your skin’s barrier and lead to excessive peeling. High percentages of glycolic acid or strong retinol products are both common culprits, especially for those with sensitive skin.
The fix: While your skin is still actively flaking, use the minimalist skincare routine described above. When flaking and irritation subside, you can start to gently exfoliate again. “Sonic dermaplaning is the method I recommend to all my clients, even those with sensitive skin,” says Bond. “And as bonus, it also removes peach fuzz that can interfere with your makeup application.”
Reason #5: You May Have Seborrheic Dermatitis
Is your skin oily but flaky, especially around your nose or eyebrows? Do you have excessive redness or irritation? And do these issues still not resolve when you switch to a super-gentle skincare routine? If so, your problem may not be a damaged barrier—you may have a condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis. It’s caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia, which is usually harmless. “But when there’s too much of it, a skin reaction happens which causes flaking,” say experts at the Cleveland Clinic. (Fact: Dandruff is actually a form of Seborrheic Dermatitis that’s specific to the scalp.)
The fix: Only a doctor can diagnose Seborrheic Dermatitis, so if you suspect that’s what you have, it’s best to make an appointment with your dermatologist. If your derm confirms that’s the cause of your flaky skin, she can prescribe medicated cleansers and lotions to help resolve the issue.
There you are…the top 5 causes of flaky skin, and easy fixes! Follow these tips and the only flakes you’ll see this winter will come from the sky. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)