How to Treat Peeling Skin on Face

The skin on your face is the thinnest of the whole body, thus it is very fragile and prone to damage that can cause peeling skin. It’s an irritating condition and can also make you self-conscious about your appearance.

The delicate skin on your face peels for a reason, so it’s important to understand the cause first. The most common cause of skin peeling on the face is sunburn. Other causes of peeling facial skin include:

• Exposure to harsh climatic conditions.
• Improper skin care routine.
• Use of harsh skin care products.
• Allergic reaction to ingredients in cosmetics, skin care products or even nail polish.
• Living in a highly polluted area.
• Various skin disorders or medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, a weak immune system, dermatitis and side effects of chemicals or medications.

If the skin on your face is peeling, you may have symptoms like dry skin, itchiness, redness, rashes, rough or sandpaper-like skin, and also bleeding. If the problem is not taken care of at the initial stage, it might lead to a skin infection.

While nothing can be done to stop the damaged skin from shedding, you can use some simple home remedies to keep the skin hydrated, prevent irritation and promote healing.

Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of peeling skin on your face.

1. Olive Oil

Keeping the peeling skin moisturized is important to reduce the symptoms and improve the condition of your skin.

Olive oil is a great natural moisturizer. It contains skin-nourishing fatty acids that work as a moisturizer for dry and peeling skin. The oil coats the skin and locks in the moisture.

Also, the vitamin E in olive oil helps the healing process.

• Dab a small amount of olive oil on your face with your fingertips and massage in circular motions. Do this at least 3 times daily until the condition improves.
• Also, mix 2 tablespoons of salt with enough olive oil to create a thick paste. Use this paste as a facial scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells. Wash it off and apply a little moisturizer. Do this once a week until your skin heals completely.

2. Cool Compress

Using cold compresses can reduce the inflammation and provide significant relief from the pain of peeling skin on your face due to a sunburn.

The cold temperature causes the tiny blood vessels to constrict, which in turn reduces inflammation.

1. Put a handful of ice cubes in a washcloth and tie it into a bundle.
2. Hold the compress over your face for 5 minutes.
3. Take a break for 5 minutes and repeat.
4. Apply several times a day as needed to relieve discomfort.

Caution: Never apply ice directly on the sunburned skin, as it can worsen the condition.

3. Honey

Honey is considered to be the best natural moisturizer around. It helps lock the moisture into your skin to make it extra smooth and soft, hence it is a good remedy for peeling facial skin. It contains fructose, water, oil and enzymes that keep the skin moisturized.

It can also reduce inflammation and prevent an infection as well.

• Before taking a shower, apply honey on your face and massage gently. Leave it on your face for 10 minutes, then wash it off in the shower.
• Alternatively, mix 2 teaspoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply this mixture liberally on the affected skin. Allow it to dry on its own, then rinse it off with warm water. Do this once daily.

4. Aloe Vera

When it comes to treating peeling skin on your face, aloe vera is very beneficial. It contains soothing and moisturizing properties that help heal peeling skin as well as reducing inflammation and itching.

Moreover, it helps keep the skin hydrated to prevent the problem further.

• Break open a fresh aloe leaf and gently massage the gel onto your face. Let it sit on your skin for 15 minutes before you rinse it off. Use it twice daily.
• Alternatively, mix about 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and a small amount of vitamin E oil. Use the mixture on the affected skin. Allow it to dry, then rinse it off using warm water. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily for at least 1 week.

5. Oatmeal

Another good remedy to deal with peeling facial skin is oatmeal as it comes with numerous health benefits.

Apart from helping the skin retain moisture, it also removes accumulated dead skin as well as softens the skin.

Its anti-inflammatory nature also helps reduce itching and irritation associated with peeling skin.

1. Soak 1 cup of rolled oats in 2 cups of warm water for about 20 minutes.
2. Apply the oatmeal on your face.
3. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes.
4. Rinse the oatmeal off with warm water.
5. Gently scrub away the dry skin with a soft cloth.
6. Finish by applying a light moisturizer on your face.
7. Use this remedy daily until you get rid of your peeling skin.

6. Cucumber

For peeling skin on your face, cucumber is also very effective.

The high water content in cucumbers keeps the skin hydrated and soothes irritated, flaky and peeling skin. It also contains vitamin C, which helps repair the skin by fighting free-radical damage.

• Grate and mash 1 cucumber into a paste. Apply it all over your face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Do this twice daily.
• Alternatively, mix ½ cup of grated cucumber and 1 tablespoon each of yogurt and honey. Apply it all over your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. Use this hydrating face mask once daily.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is effective for treating peeling skin on your face that is due to a sunburn, psoriasis or eczema.

It helps improve the pH of the skin, which in turn relieves dry and flaky skin. Also, the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar helps ease itching and inflammation.

1. Add 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of water.
2. Using a cotton ball, apply the solution on the peeling skin.
3. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off using cool water.
4. Pat dry your skin and apply a light moisturizer.
5. Do it once or twice a day.

Caution: Do not use apple cider vinegar remedies if you have skin abrasions.

8. Banana

Ripe banana is good for peeling skin. This healthy fruit is loaded with antioxidants, which are beneficial for treating different skin problems, including peeling skin. It also helps eliminate dead skin cells as well as exfoliate dry skin.

• Mash 1 ripe banana and apply it on the skin. Allow it to sit on your skin for at least 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do it once daily until your skin looks healthy again.
• Alternatively, mix ½ of a ripe banana with some yogurt. Apply the mixture to the affected skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Use this remedy once daily until your condition improves.

9. Milk

You can also try whole milk to help get rid of the peeling skin on your face. The fat in milk works as a moisturizer for dry and peeling skin. Also, the lactic acid in milk works as a mild cleanser to get rid of dead skin cells.

• Soak a washcloth in cold whole milk. Wring out the excess milk. Put the washcloth over your face for about 10 minutes, then rinse your face using lukewarm water. Repeat 3 times daily until your skin looks healthy.
• Alternatively, mix equal quantities of warm milk and honey. Rub the mixture gently onto the areas with peeling skin, then wait 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water. Use this treatment twice daily for about 1 week.

10. Water

Applying anything externally will not be successful if you do not keep your body hydrated from within.

To keep your body hydrated so that skin-cell turnover happens quickly, drinking enough water is important. Always bear in mind that dehydration is one of the contributing factors for peeling skin.

You must try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. However, the amount may vary depending on your age, health condition, activity level and the climate where you live.

Along with water, cucumber juice, coconut water, and green tea can help keep your skin supple. Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits, such as berries and watermelon, and vegetables, such as kale and bell peppers, also help hydrate the skin cells.

At the same time, avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and caffeine, which can actually force more water out of your system then they put in.

Additional Tips

• While you may be tempted to remove the peeling skin as quickly as possible, this should be avoided as you need to allow time for the skin underneath to heal.
• Avoid the temptation to scratch peeling skin, as this will only increase your risk of infection.
• Exfoliate your face a few times per week to remove dry, flaky skin.
• Choose the right facial cleanser for your dry face. Look for one that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which depletes moisture from the skin. Instead, use one that is free of fragrance and dyes.
• Keep your face covered when needed and especially when going out.
• Protect your skin from sunlight by using a sunscreen, regardless of whether your skin is peeling due to a sunburn or due to dryness.
• You should also protect the skin on your lips with a lip balm that has an SPF of at least 15.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat while driving or walking around outside to protect your skin from sun exposure.
• Avoid hot showers and baths, which can dry out the skin and cause irritation that can lead to peeling.
• Seek medical care right away if you have a severe sunburn.