Some people’s skin peels because of radiators that dry out the air. And for others, the problem haunts them all year round. The reasons can be different: from improper care and dry air to serious illnesses. In any case, you can help yourself.
What are the symptoms of peeling skin?
The most obvious is that the skin becomes flaky and peels off. In addition, sometimes there are :
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itching,
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redness,
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dryness,
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rash.
Why does the skin on the face peel?
In fact, the skin peels constantly – this is how it renews itself. In medicine, this process is called desquamation . In the deep layers of the skin, new cells are formed, which gradually (somewhere in a month ) move upward. And the body gets rid of dead skin cells – they fall off in microscopic flakes. By the way, house dust consists of them, among other things.
Normally, peeling can only be seen under a microscope. But if it becomes visible in the mirror, it is worth looking for the reasons for such a change.
Dry skin type
People with dry skin have skin that does not retain moisture well and produces too little sebum (sebum). Because of this, it often flakes, itches, and becomes irritated. Sometimes it even cracks until it bleeds. Such skin can feel rough and coarse to the touch.
Sometimes dry skin is a temporary phenomenon. For example, many people experience dry skin in winter . The air becomes drier, the situation is aggravated by low temperatures and strong winds outside, and by radiators and heaters at home.
Sunburn
The sun always injures the skin. Even the tan that many people like so much is a protective reaction of the skin to damage. If you spend too much time in the sun, the skin will begin to peel: this is how the body gets rid of damaged cells. A slight burn usually appears after a few days, when the skin begins to heal . New healthy tissues are hidden under the peeled layer. With serious burns, in addition to peeling, swelling and blisters also occur.
Skin diseases
Atopic dermatitis
This is a chronic , non-contagious skin disease. It appears at any age, often in childhood. People with it have inflamed, red, and itchy skin. Dry, flaky patches appear on it. And also blisters and crusty sores. Atopic dermatitis cannot be completely cured . But it can be controlled with the help of a dermatologist and proper care.
Rosacea
Another chronic disease . People with it have reddened facial skin , and visible vessels appear near the nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin. Sometimes papules and pustules appear – pimples with or without pus. Dry skin and flaking are also considered symptoms of rosacea. Where this disease comes from is still unknown. Among the causes are genetics, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and the tiny skin mite Demodex. Symptoms can be relieved by avoiding rosacea triggers . Vasoconstrictor gels and procedures (such as laser) also help. But they should be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Psoriasis
With this disease, plaques appear on the skin that peel and itch. This is because skin cells are renewed too quickly. Normally, the process takes 3-4 weeks, and with psoriasis – a week or even less. On the face, plaques first appear at the hairline, and then reach the chin. If you scratch them, they can open up. You will get an open wound – a risk of infection.
Psoriasis is thought to be triggered by stress, infections, injuries, and certain medications. It cannot be cured completely. However, many people find relief with gentle skin care and corticosteroid creams.
Genetic diseases
There is a very rare disease called peeling skin syndrome. It is hereditary – it is caused by gene mutations. People with this syndrome have skin that peels constantly and (usually) painlessly. Symptoms can appear at birth. Some people have peeling skin all over their body, but there are also cases where the syndrome affects only the face.
Thyroid diseases
Hypothyroidism affects the condition of the skin. This is a disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Thyroid hormone is important for the normal functioning of the skin. When there is little of it, the skin becomes dry, rough and scaly. With hypothyroidism, the skin in areas where joints are located is especially affected .
Response to treatment
Skin may peel in cancer patients. This is one of the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In addition, the skin may become red, dry, and more vulnerable to the sun. Symptoms usually go away when treatment is completed. To alleviate them, patients are advised to use skin care products, but only those approved by a doctor or nurse. Plus, it is important to protect yourself from the sun and infections (wash the skin with warm water, cover it with a bandage).
Too much care
Often, the skin does not like it when it is cared for too actively. In response, there is a burning sensation, tightness, tingling and itching. Peeling is also a sign that something is wrong with the care. It can appear if, for example, you overdo it with acids and exfoliation in general. When the skin is exfoliated too often (instead of a couple of times a week), it loses too much moisture and dries out .
Peeling can also be a normal reaction to active care. For example, if you apply a retinol serum for the first time, your skin may turn red and start to peel. This phenomenon even has a name – retinoid dermatitis . It usually goes away after your skin gets used to the new product.