Desquamation is the scientific term for peeling skin. It can occur on both the face and body and is a natural process in which the epidermis regenerates after damage, most commonly from UV rays from the sun. Why does your skin peel? How can you prevent this process? Here's everything you need to know about this phenomenon.
Library
All Topics
How Can I Prevent My Skin From Peeling?
Summary
Published February 29, 2024,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
6 min read
What Is Peeling Skin?
Peeling skin or desquamation is the loss of skin cells. In this process, the top layer of the epidermis, is removed. On average, skin cells renew themselves at a rhythm of 28 days. Thus, desquamation is a normal phenomenon. However, if it is too frequent and severe, it can be pathological.
In general, scaling skin is a sign of dehydration. When the skin is healthy, there is a balance between water and lipids. Due to external influences or dry skin, this balance is disturbed, making the skin sensitive and vulnerable. As a result, lipid production decreases. This means that the skin is no longer able to naturally maintain its moisture content and protect itself. To restore this balance, cell regeneration is accelerated, leading to desquamation.
Desquamation can affect all parts of the body, such as the face, eyebrows, feet or even hands. On the scalp, this is the cause of dandruff. This phenomenon can be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching.
What Are the Causes of Peeling Skin?
Peeling skin can be caused by various factors:
External factors: sunburn (the desquamation in this case only affects the burned area(s)), chalky water, too much soap or mechanical abrasion (e.g. exfoliation), stress, etc. ;
Congenital and genetic factors: eczema, naturally dry skin, etc...;
Hormonal factors: for example, after menopause.
How Can You Avoid Peeling Skin?
To avoid peeling, you should take some precautions:
As for peeling skin after a sunburn, it can be avoided by applying skin care with a sun protection factor (SPF) that matches your skin tone. Phototypes III, IV, V and VI can use our sunscreen for the face with SPF 30. It is enriched with aloe vera (INCI: "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice"), karanja oil (INCI: "Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil") and hyaluronic acid from fermented wheat. The clever blend of these three components protects the skin from UV rays while preserving its moisture content.
Bonus: The lightweight texture leaves a white, streak-free, non-sticky and non-shiny finish. Furthermore, avoid being outside when the sun is at its highest, which is between 11am and 3pm. This can help to prevent sunburn.
Keep your skin moisturized. For the face, you can use the nourishing face cream with hyaluronic acid and shea butter. Thanks to its replenishing and moisturizing ingredients, this care reduces the feeling of tightness and makes the skin supple. Another option is the moisturizer for the face, with 9 ingredients. It provides the epidermis with moisture and nutrients. These creams can be supplemented by the care routine for dry skin.
Avoid too hot showers. Hot water tends to dry out the skin and only worsens the condition of peeling skin.
If you are peeling or prone to this type of discomfort, do not exfoliate.
Never pull on flaky skin. If you remove the skin yourself, it can only delay wound healing and interfere with the repair process. It can also lead to infections.
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
and its complex needs.
