Peeling skin: why and how can it be avoided?

Peeling skin is a common problem that can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. It's often the result of a variety of factors, including prolonged exposure to the sun, overly hot showers, dry skin or sunburn. In this article, we'll explore the causes of peeling skin, its impact on skin health and ways to avoid and soothe it.

Why does skin peel?

Scaling, or peeling skin, is a natural physiological phenomenon that is part of the skin's cell renewal process. The skin is constantly regenerating, with new skin cells forming in the deeper layers of theepidermis and migrating to the skin's surface over time. When these cells reach the stratum corneum, the top layer of the epidermis, they become dead skin cells and are eventually removed from the skin surface in a process called desquamation.

Under normal conditions, desquamation is a continuous, imperceptible process in which dead skin cells are constantly and discreetly eliminated. However, certain factors can disrupt this process, leading to excessive, visible desquamation of the skin, with bits of "dead skin" falling off.

• Prolonged exposure to the sun

The sun's UV rays can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to excessive peeling. Sunburn is often accompanied by peeling skin, as skin cells are damaged and begin to shed.

• Showers too hot

Hot showers can cause skin peeling by contributing to skin dehydration. Here's how it happens:

Skin dehydration

When you take a hot shower, the hot water can remove the skin's natural oils, called lipids. These lipids are essential for keeping the skin barrier hydrated and protected. By removing these oils, hot water can dehydrate the skin, making it dry and prone to flaking.

Impaired skin barrier

Skin dehydration caused by a hot shower can weaken the skin barrier, which is responsible for keeping the skin hydrated and protecting it from external aggressors. When this barrier is compromised, skin becomes more vulnerable to external irritants and can react by becoming dry, irritated and prone to flaking.

Increased hydration loss

Hot water can also open the skin's pores, which can increase skin moisture loss. This can worsen skin dehydration and lead to increased flaking.

Skin irritation

Showers that are too hot can also irritate the skin, especially if combined with harsh cleansers. This irritation can compromise skin health and contribute to flaking.

In short, hot showers can cause skin peeling by contributing to skin dehydration, altering the skin barrier, increasing skin moisture loss and irritating the skin. To avoid this phenomenon, we recommend warm or cool showers and the use of gentle, non-irritating cleansing products. In addition, it's important to apply a moisturizing cream to the skin after the shower to seal in moisture and prevent flaking.

• Dry skin

Dry skin tends to be more prone to flaking, as it lacks the natural lubrication needed to keep the skin supple. Certain weather conditions, such as dry winter air, can also aggravate flaking.

• Sunburns

Sunburn can cause skin peeling due to damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

When skin is exposed to excessive amounts of UV rays, it can become inflamed. This inflammation is the skin's natural response to over-exposure to the sun. This inflammation can damage skin cells and provoke a defense reaction from the body.

UV rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, leading to genetic mutations and cell damage. Damaged cells can trigger a cascade of inflammatory reactions, leading to programmed cell death, or apoptosis.

In response to UV damage, the immune system can be activated. Immune cells can be recruited to the skin to fight damage and repair damaged tissue.

UV-induced inflammation can also lead to the release of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, which can contribute to skin desquamation.

In response to UV damage, the skin can speed up the cell renewal process to replace damaged cells. This can lead to skin flaking as dead cells are removed from the skin's surface.

As a result, a few days after a sunburn, it is common to see a peeling of the skin in the affected areas. This can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of UV damage and the skin's individual sensitivity. To avoid flaking after sunburn, it's important to take steps to protect the skin from sun damage, including by applying a cream broad-spectrum solar  regularly and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day. In the event of sunburn, it is also essential to take steps to soothe the skin and promote healing, such as applying cool compresses, moisturizing regularly and avoiding anything that might further irritate the skin.

How can I avoid peeling skin?

• Use sunscreen

Sun protection is essential to prevent sun damage and resulting flaking. Generously apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF before any exposure to the sun, and reapply every two hours.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

Limit your exposure to the sun, especially during the hottest hours of the day, when UV rays are most intense. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses to protect your skin.

• Take lukewarm showers

Avoid showers that are too hot, which can dry out the skin and contribute to flaking. Instead, opt for lukewarm showers and limit their duration to preserve skin hydration.

• Use moisturizing creams

Apply a gentle, non-irritating moisturizer to your skin after every shower or bath, while the skin is still slightly damp. This will help seal in moisture and prevent flaking.

• Avoid irritating products

Choose gentle shower gels and skincare products without fragrances or irritating ingredients that could aggravate skin flaking.

How to soothe peeling skin?

If your skin is already peeling, there are steps you can take to relieve discomfort and promote healing:

• Moisturize regularly

Apply a soothing moisturizer to your skin as often as necessary to relieve dryness and irritation.

• Use cool compresses

Apply cool compresses to areas of peeling skin to soothe inflammation and reduce discomfort.

• Avoid scratching or rubbing the skin

Resist the urge to scratch or rub peeling skin, as this can aggravate irritation and lead to further inflammation.

• Use gentle, non-irritating products

Choose gentle, non-irritating skin care products to avoid aggravating skin flaking.

By following these simple tips, you can prevent peeling skin and soothe discomfort if it does occur. Remember to be gentle with your skin and provide it with the moisture and sun protection it needs to stay healthy and radiant. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a dermatologist for advice and treatment tailored to your situation.