5 reasons your skin may be peeling

Flaky skin can be itchy, dry and painful. While slathering on moisturiser may help, these other remedies can bring sweet relief for skin peeling.

We might not notice it, but the surface of our skin is constantly shedding

Every day we lose about 500 million dead skin cells.

Every two to four weeks, we shed our entire outer layer of skin.

Those dead skin cells are a part of the dust that accumulates on tables and other surfaces in our homes and offices.

While it might sound icky, this shedding is part of our skin’s natural regeneration process.

Skin peeling, however, can indicate a deeper problem.

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What causes skin peeling?

Skin is the largest organ in our bodies and made up of three layers: the epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer) and subcutis (inner layer).

When the protective outer barrier is damaged, it can peel as part of the healing process, Dr Warren Weightman, of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, says.

“Our skin is regularly exposed to environmental elements that can irritate and damage, including sun, wind, heat and dry weather, injuries such as sunburn, and skin disorders including eczema and psoriasis,” Dr Weightman says.

Here are five common causes of skin peeling and how to manage it.

1. Dry skin

Everything from genetics and ageing to soaps, hot showers and dehydration can cause dry skin.

Dermatologist Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan says treatment involves finding the cause and “attacking it from all angles”.

She recommends drinking more water, using the right moisturiser and limiting the time and temperature of showers.

Diet also plays a role.

“Research shows there’s a link between gastrointestinal issues and skin inflammation, so getting your internal gut health right with less sugar and dairy is important,” Dr Gunatheesan says.

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2. Sunburn

When we expose our skin to the sun, it gets damaged by ultraviolet radiation.

“With enough damage, the top layer of the skin dies and peels off and when this happens, it’s a distress signal,” dermatologist Dr Deshan Sebaratnam explains.

If you get sunburnt, it’s recommended you hydrate well, use a gentle moisturiser, apply cool compresses and take cool showers.

“Don’t peel the skin off yourself as this will cause a deeper layer of damage,” Dr Gunatheesan says.

Ultimately, prevention is the best cure.

“Be conscious of areas we forget to apply sunscreen, such as the backs of ears, neck and lower legs, and use UPF-based clothing for added protection,” Dr Gunatheesan recommends.

3. Psoriasis

“Psoriasis is an inherited autoimmune disorder triggered by stress, medications, infection or pregnancy, causing red, scaly and sometimes itchy skin,” Dr Weightman says.

Treatment includes topical steroids, vitamin D creams, sunlight and oral or injected medications in severe cases.

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4. Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition where the top layer of skin becomes red, scaly and inflamed.

Dr Sebaratnam says while the condition is partly genetic, the environment also plays a role.

“Management involves maintaining the skin barrier with moisturisers,” he says.

In severe cases, a doctor can prescribe steroid creams or medications.

5. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when skin comes into contact with an irritant – commonly nickel, plants or chemicals – causing an itchy rash, leathery patches, blisters and peeling.

If you identify and avoid the cause, it should clear up in two to four weeks.

Meanwhile, moisturise, use anti-itch lotions or antihistamines and avoid harsh soaps and scratching.

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Written by Dimity Barber.