Peeling skin is generally defined as the damage and loss of epidermis (the upper layer of the skin) and is accompanied by dryness, rash, itching, and other irritating skin problems.
Peeling skin is basically a symptom in itself. It may be caused as a result of a number of skin disorders or medical conditions. Some of these include overexposure to the sun, extreme weather conditions, excessive perspiration, skin rashes, allergies or irritations to the skin caused by chemicals, broken blisters or wounds on the skin can lead to peeling during the healing process, skin infections, disorders of the immune system, certain types of cancer, peeling skin syndrome (caused by genetics), toxic epidermal necrolysis (a disease), athlete’s foot, eczema, Kawasaki disease, psoriasis, ringworm, dermatitis caused by excessive production of dandruff, toxic shock syndrome, side effects of certain medications, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and fungal infection.
The symptoms of peeling skin may include thickening and flaking of the skin, rashes, itching, and inflammation. If intensive care is not taken in the early stages, then it might lead to further skin infections. If you have additional symptoms such as constant fatigue, joint and muscle pain, fever, general ill health and weight loss, then you must contact a doctor immediately.
Try out these simple and easy to follow home remedies:
1. Olive Oil
Apart from various other benefits of olive oil, it has been widely used for treating peeling skin. Apply olive oil directly on the affected skin. This will provide you instant relief.
2. Homemade Paste
Mix together olive oil, rose water, lemon juice, and egg yolk to prepare a fine paste and apply it on the affected area
3. Grape Seed Oil
This oil is easily available in the market and very effectively heals the peeling skin.
4. Cucumber
Take a cucumber and peel off its upper layer. Crush it to form a paste and apply it on the face or any other part of the body. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Subsequently, wash it off with warm water. Repeat the same process daily.
5. Sandalwood, Turmeric, Honey and Olive Oil
Mix together 1 teaspoon each of sandalwood powder, turmeric powder, and honey. Now, add olive oil to make a thin paste. Mix well and apply it on the peeled skin. After 30 minutes, wash and dry it off. Alternatively, you can make use of sandalwood soap.
6. Papaya
Papaya is rich in antioxidants that are useful in healing the problems related to skin. Take a papaya and mash it completely. Apply the mashed papaya onto the skin. If you are applying it on the foot, then cover the area after putting the mashed papaya using a cotton cloth. It removes dead cells and exfoliates the dry skin.
7. Curd
This nourishing food is very helpful in getting rid of peeling skin. It kills unwanted microbes. It basically deep moisturizes the skin and gives you glowing complexion.
8. Sesame Oil
Massage the affected area with the sesame oil to get quick relief. It works as a moisturizer on the skin and assists rebuilding of healthy cells.
9. Honey
The healing and medical properties of honey cure peeling skin. Apply honey on the affected skin area and rub for five minutes. Allow it to stand for next 5 to 10 minutes, and then wash it off.
10. Apple
Eat an apple on daily basis. Even the apple paste works wonders when applied on the skin. Grate an apple and apply it directly onto the skin. It softens the skin and reduces peeling.
11. Castor Oil
This oil has been used widely to slough off skin problems. Apply and rub castor oil on the peeled skin for a couple of minutes. It locks moisture and repairs the skin deeply.
12. Lemon Juice
Lemon is enormously beneficial for the skin. Squeeze out some lemons and mix the juice with sugar. Use this lemon juice – sugar solution as a scrub. Or else, rub your skin directly with lemon.
13. Baking Soda
Baking soda keeps skin infections at bay and prevents redness and irritation caused by the peeling skin. Put two cups of baking soda in bath tub containing warm water. Soak your body in it for 15-20 minutes.
14. Banana
Take a ripe banana and mash it. Add yogurt to make a cream. Apply this prepared cream on the peeled skin area. After some time, wash it off.
15. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used for numerous purposes. If you have a dry skin, massage your face as well as other body parts with coconut oil. It will reduce peeling of the dry and patchy skin.
16. Almond Oil
Both almond oil and its leaves are of great use, when it comes to peeled skin. For quick relief, apply almond oil onto the infected area. You may also make a paste of almond leaves and apply it on the affected skin.
17. Vinegar
Apply vinegar to the cracked and peeled area. Leave it overnight. Next morning, wash it off. If you are applying it on your hands and legs, then make use of gloves or socks, respectively, while sleeping. Alternatively, you may use apple cider vinegar.
18. Milk
Milk has certain properties that peel off the dead, dry skin. Immerse a washcloth in milk. Place and press the cloth over the peeled skin. Take off the cloth after 10 minutes and, subsequently, rinse off the area.
19. Vitamin E Capsule
Break a vitamin E capsule and use the liquid on the affected part. Vitamin E is considered important for healthy skin.
Alternatively, apply a lotion that has vitamin E as a primary ingredient.
Another option is to massage vitamin E oil on your skin to prevent flaking and dryness.
20. Grapes
Grapes have AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) which sloughs off the dead skin cells. Rather than purchasing AHA products, you may apply a grape mask. Take any variety of grapes and mash them in the juicer. Now, apply these mashed-up grapes as a face mask. After 15 to 30 minutes, wash off the mixture.
21. Pineapple
Like grapes, pineapples also contain AHA. But don’t make use of canned pineapple that has added water and other additives. Take a fresh pineapple and peel off its upper layer. Cut it into small pieces and squeeze out the juice. Massage it onto the affected area. Allow the liquid to dry for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off.
22. Gelatin Peels
Mix together half cup of freshly squeezed fruit juice and one packet of unflavored gelatin. If you have oily skin, then try grapefruit or lemon; otherwise, use raspberry or peach for normal to dry skin. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, and take it out as soon as it solidifies. Spread a thin layer on the affected skin area and leave it to dry. You may make use of a flat, wide brush to spread it across the skin. When it becomes dry, peel off and wash your face with cool water.
23. Oats
Yet another kitchen product that can be used to cure peeling skin is oats. It’s the best remedy for peeled fingertips. Take a large bowl and fill it with warm water. Now, add a handful of powdered oats in the bowl. Immerse your fingers in the bowl for 10 to 15 minutes. Bathe your hands using clean water and then pat dry softly with a cotton towel. Afterwards, apply a gentle moisturizer. This easy-to-use home remedy efficiently removes the dead skin cells, making your fingers smooth and soft. For quick and better results, use this remedy every day before going to bed.
Herbal Remedies to Cure Peeling Skin
24. Aloe Vera
Use aloe vera gel to reduce peeling of the skin. The pulp of aloe vera eases blood flow and enhances the moisture level of the skin.
25. Chamomile or Black Tea
Prepare a cup of chamomile or black tea. Allow it to cool down. Strain it before applying on the infected areas. The tannins present in these teas reduce inflammation and prevents skin damage.
26. Mint Leaves
Get some fresh mint leaves. Wash and crush them. Then, press on a strainer and extract their juice. Apply this juice on the infected part, in order to keep it moisturized.
Do’s
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
- Make use of a sunscreen with SPF level, whenever you go out in the sun.
- Utilize mild soap for bathing.
- Cleanse your face thoroughly before using any home remedy.
Don’ts
- Avoid use of hot water, as it might irritate your peeling skin further.
- Avoid using peeling chemicals, if you are pregnant.
- Don’t perform a chemical peel treatment on your own.
- Don’t overexpose yourself to the harsh environments, sun, or pollutants.
- Don’t pull your peeling skin.
- Avoid using products that contain retinol or glycolic acid.
- Refrain from exfoliating the peeled skin.