Flaky skin refers to skin that appears dry, rough, and scaly. It is characterized by the presence of small, white or greyish flakes on the surface of the skin, which can be itchy, uncomfortable, and unsightly.
Flaky skin is usually caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, which can be due to a variety of factors such as cold weather, low humidity, hot showers or baths, harsh soaps or cleansers, certain medical conditions, or aging.
Flaky skin can occur on any part of the body, but it is most commonly seen on the face, arms, legs, and scalp.
Dry, flaky skin can be a major nuisance. Sufferers may have tried countless products and methods, to no avail. It can start to feel like an unsolvable problem!
But there’s hope yet – with the help of tailored care, you may say goodbye to uncomfortable and frustrating flareups, and enjoy healthy, glowing skin.
In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the top strategies that can minimize flakes and provide relief.
Potential causes of flaky skin
- Dry air: Cold, dry air can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin, leaving it dry and flaky.
- Low humidity: Similarly, low humidity levels can cause the skin to lose moisture and become dry and flaky.
- Hot showers or baths: Prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and flakiness.
- Harsh soaps or cleansers: Using soaps or cleansers that are too harsh or contain harsh chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and flakiness.
- Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, can cause flaky skin.
- Allergies: Some people may experience flaky skin as a result of an allergic reaction to a particular product or ingredient.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, can cause dry, flaky skin.
- Aging: As we age, our skin naturally becomes drier and less elastic, which can lead to flakiness and other signs of aging.
- Poor nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins A and C, can lead to dry, flaky skin.
It’s important to identify the underlying cause of flaky skin in order to choose the most appropriate treatment.
Methods for treating dry skin
Identify the Cause
If you find yourself dealing with dry, flaky skin on the face, taking the time to identify what’s causing it can help you pinpoint the best possible treatment plan.Generally speaking, it could be something as simple as cold temperatures outside or the humidity being too low.
Other influential factors include genetics, any major hormonal drops in your body, and even certain medications that you may be taking.
Pay attention to the patterns around this issue to eventually figure out the real cause and create an action plan to get those results faster!
If you’re unsure of the cause, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist.
Moisturize Regularly
Moisturizing regularly is one of the most effective ways to treat your skin and keep it looking youthful.
So, what should you be looking for? First, find a moisturizer that contains goodies like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or ceramides. These wonderful ingredients will help lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling healthier and more hydrated.
Don’t forget to use the moisturizer properly! Apply your facial moisturizer after cleansing your face morning and night. It only takes a moment but trust us, you’ll be thankful when you see soothed and vibrant skin looking back at you in the mirror.
Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
Hot showers and baths might feel really good, but they can actually strip the skin of its natural oils. This can cause further dryness and flaking.
A better option is to take lukewarm showers or baths, and to keep them under 10-15 minutes. Once you’re finished, pat your skin dry with a soft towel (no vigorous rubbing!).
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Using a gentle cleanser is essential for treating dry, flaky skin on the face.
Look for a cleanser that is free from harsh ingredients such as sulphates and alcohol, which can further dry out the skin.
Instead, choose a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that will effectively remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliating regularly can help keep your skin clear and smooth. But you want to try to be gentle, because abrasive exfoliants can damage or irritate the skin in the long run.
To avoid that, look for a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxyl acids (BHAs). These ingredients are good at dissolving dead skin cells while also being really gentle to the skin.
Overall it’s important to remember you have lots of options when choosing an exfoliant, so you don’t need to use an abrasive one!
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
The sun definitely has lasting effects on skin, especially for those with naturally dry, flaky complexions. To ensure your skin is properly protected all summer long and beyond, it’s important to incorporate a sunscreen into your daily routine.
Sunscreen should always have an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection, so take the time to find one that fits this criteria and gently shields your skin from harmful UV rays.
And to be extra safe, look out for moisturizers specifically formulated for facial use and whatever you do, avoid any containing strong fragrances or other possible irritants.
Your skin will thank you!
Hydrate from the Inside Out
Finally, it’s essential to hydrate from the inside out – quench your thirst regularly with water.
Eating a balanced diet is an ideal way to nourish yourself and get the nutrients you need. By incorporating foods with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseed and walnuts, you can maintain skin that’ s moisturized and in top condition.
Get creative with these ingredients – grilled salmon, roasted walnuts… the possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to treating dry and flaky skin on the face, it’s all about lifestyle and skincare habits. Figuring out what is causing your dry skin is the key first step to getting it relieved.
You can try some new tricks and tips for healthy, glowing, and hydrated skin like using gentle facial cleansers designed for sensitive skin or avoiding overly hot showers.
However, if these measures fail to provide relief, you may need more professional help.
Scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist might be ideal in this case. Your doctor may want to investigate further if any underlying medical issues that are contributing to your discomfort and provide treatment recommendations to best care for your skin.