6 Natural Remedies To Treat Dry And Peeling Skin

New living skin cells are produced in the hypodermis, after which they move to the surface. During this upward migration, the cells get laden with a protein called keratin, which eventually penetrates their nucleus to make them hard and dead.

These dead cells form an impervious barrier over the skin but are gradually replaced by new cells that rise to the surface. Healthy skin naturally sheds these cells into the environment daily, but this process is hardly noticeable.

In fact, the dust in your surrounding is largely composed of these dead epithelial cells that are sloughed off as part of skin regeneration.

Certain factors can accelerate this shedding process such that your skin starts to peel. Peeling skin can be quite discomforting and unappealing. Fortunately, peeling skin can usually be managed through simple remedies, lifestyle changes, healthy eating, and proper skin care.

However, if the condition stems from a skin disorder such as dermatitis or psoriasis, it tends to be more persistent and severe. In such cases, an early diagnosis followed by prompt treatment is the best way to heal the skin and prevent other complications such as secondary infections.

# Plant oils and fats

Topical use of plant oils and fats is known to provide long-lasting hydration by binding moisture to the skin.

These plant oils and fats not only moisturize but also repair the outermost layer of the skin to strengthen its barrier function. This helps prevent transepidermal water loss.

These nourishing oils also contain several phenolic compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help curb the swelling, pain, redness, and itching associated with peeling skin.

- Wash the affected skin with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
- Take a little bit of your preferred plant oil in your hands and gently rub it all over the dry skin until it gets sufficiently absorbed.
- Reapply every time you wash your skin or sweat profusely or if you feel its moisturizing effect is wearing off.

# Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel is one of the most sought-after remedies for a variety of skin problems, including peeling skin. This gooey gel is full of mucopolysaccharides that impart moisture to the skin and seal it in for prolonged hydration.

Aloe vera gel is also credited with significant anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease the discomforting symptoms associated with peeling skin, especially in the case of sunburns.

- Take a freshly cut aloe vera leaf, slice it from the side, and scoop out its gel. You can also cool the cut leaf in the refrigerator for a while before extracting the gel.
- Wash the peeling skin and gently pat it dry.
- Apply the aloe vera gel all over the affected skin.

# Oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal, a variant of ground oats, is renowned for its skin-healing properties. It helps moisturize, soothe, gently exfoliate, and repair the skin when used topically. No wonder it is found in a wide range of skin creams and lotions.

Colloidal oatmeal can be a godsend for sunburns and skin peeling, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, it helps retain water in your skin to keep it soft and moist.

- Fill your bathtub with comfortably warm water and mix 1 cup of oatmeal in it.
- Soak in this soothing bathwater for 30 minutes.
- Wash your body with clean water, and pat it dry with a soft towel.
- Apply a gentle moisturizer to your body while your skin is still moist.

# Honey

Honey is credited with several dermatological benefits that can be traced back to its bioactive compounds. It is enriched with sugars, namely, sucrose and fructose, as well skin-healing polyphenols and vitamins.

Honey is a natural humectant that lubricates the skin and locks in the moisture. It also works as an antioxidant to curb free-radical damage and an anti-inflammatory to curb swelling, itching, and redness.

Plus, honey is an excellent antiseptic agent that can help fight or prevent skin infections, a common threat in the case of peeling skin. Thus, honey not only heals but also protects your sensitive peeling skin, whose barrier function has become compromised.

- Directly apply the honey to your peeling skin.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse your skin and apply a moisturizer.

# Alpha hydroxy acids

Skin peeling is characterized by a lot of flakiness, which needs to be gently exfoliated, but it also tends to be extra sensitive.

Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and malic acid are mild exfoliating agents that can remove the flakiness associated with peeling skin without irritating it further.

In fact, chemical peeling with glycolic acid is an oft-recommended medical treatment for skin peeling caused by sunburns.

- Prepare your own exfoliating mask by mixing yogurt, milk, or milk cream with honey in equal proportions to make a paste.
- You can add 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, salt, or sugar to your mask for a better scrubbing effect, but this is completely optional.
- Wash the flaky skin with plain water and pat it dry.
- Apply the paste to the skin while it’s still moist, and gently rub it in circular motions to exfoliate for a few minutes.
- Rinse your skin, pat it dry, and cover it with a moisturizer.
- Do this once a week.

# Over-the-counter products

Skin peeling triggered by inflammatory conditions can be managed with certain medicated creams and ointments that are available without a prescription.

For instance, doctors usually recommend using OTC topical steroids such as 1% hydrocortisone ointments to soothe any eczematous patches for a period of 5–10 days. These cortisone products help reduce swelling, redness, and itchiness by bringing down inflammation.

However, excessive or prolonged use of steroids can cause skin thinning and other deleterious side effects. Therefore, it’s best to stick to the dosage and directions of use that come with the product. You can consult your doctor in case of any confusion rather than self-medicating.