Dry, flaky skin is a common skin concern that can happen to anyone. Read on to learn about what can cause flaky skin, strategies for helping prevent dry skin which can lead to flakiness, and ways to help restore the skin’s moisture for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
What causes flaky skin?
Flaky skin is commonly a symptom of dry skin which can be caused by both internal and environmental factors. Here are some of the most common causes of dry, flaky skin:
1. Cold weather
Harsh, cold, dry air can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to areas of exposed skin that may become dry and flaky1.
2. Long, hot showers
Prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, making it dry and flaky. While a nice long, hot shower may feel soothing in the moment, it can compromise the skin’s moisture barrier and lead to dry skin afterward2.
3. Using harsh soaps and detergents
Traditional bar soaps have been shown to contribute to dry skin when compared to more gentle soap-free cleansers. Using bathing products with harsh and drying formulas can irritate skin and strip the skin of its natural moisture3.
3. Skin conditions
Conditions like eczema can lead to areas of dry, flaky skin. If you are concerned your dry, flaky skin may be caused by eczema, be sure to contact a board-certified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Age
As people age, their skin thins and produces fewer natural oils, making it more susceptible to dryness and roughness4. After age 40, the skin begins losing its ability to retain moisture4, and with age, the skin produces less Hyaluronic Acid, causing hydration loss5.
5. Genetics
Some people are more prone to having a dry skin type than others due to their genetics. People with a dry skin type are more likely to experience areas of dry and flaky skin6.
6. Dehydration
When you’re dehydrated, your skin can become dehydrated too7, which can contribute to temporary dryness and flakiness.
Why does dry skin become flaky?
The skin has a delicate moisture barrier that helps protect the skin and helps it to retain its natural moisture8. When this barrier gets disrupted, it can allow moisture to escape and dry out the skin, leaving dead skin buildup on the surface. This dry and dehydrated skin lacks the necessary moisture and oils to maintain a smooth and supple texture, causing roughness and flakiness9.
When flakiness occurs, it can manifest as dry, rough patches of skin and can even take on a scaly appearance and may feel tight or itchy10 Itching the skin can then compromise the moisture barrier further, perpetuating a cycle of more dryness and flakiness known as the itch-scratch cycle11.
When flakiness occurs, it can manifest as dry, rough patches of skin and can even take on a scaly appearance and may feel tight or itchy10 Itching the skin can then compromise the moisture barrier further, perpetuating a cycle of more dryness and flakiness known as the itch-scratch cycle11.
What areas of the body most commonly experience flaky skin?
Flaky skin caused by dryness is commonly found on areas of the skin that are exposed to the elements, such as the face, hands, and feet. Flaky skin can also be found on other areas of the body, particularly if dry skin is being caused by taking long, hot showers. If your skin is dry due to prolonged exposure to hot water, you may find that the skin on your back, shoulders or limbs is feeling tight and flaky from dryness.
Flaky skin on the face
Since the skin on the face is most frequently exposed to the elements, it can easily become dry and may become flaky. You may find your face feeling rough or flaky after a lot of exposure to cold,dry winter weather. Learn more about how to manage dry skin on the face.
How to get rid of flaky skin
There is not one surefire way to get rid of flaky skin, and it also depends on the cause. However, there are certain measures you can take to help hydrate skin, soothe dry skin and help promote a more soft, smooth appearance if your flaky skin is caused by dryness. Here are some tips that can not only help soothe dry, flaky skin but help prevent flaky skin before it starts:
1. Shorten your bathing time:
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting your bath or shower to 5-10 minutes and to use warm, not hot, water, being sure to gently pat skin dry afterward with a towel instead of rubbing12.
2. Use a humidifier:
Dry indoor air such as forced hot air heat in the wintertime can dehydrate the skin. Using a humidifier introduces moisture into your indoor environment13.
3. Hydrate from the inside out
Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the amount that’s right for you.
4. Use sunscreen year-round and take proper sun protection measures
Since unprotected sun exposure can damage the skin and lead to photoaging, or signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles and dryness, be sure to wear sunscreen every day year-round (even on cloudy days), and take proper sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding direct sun exposure at peak hours of the day.
5. Use a moisturizer formulated for dry to very dry skin
One of the most important and effective ways to help dry, flaky skin is to regularly moisturize your skin using a moisture specially formulated for very dry, flaky skin, such as Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion. This rich, unscented body lotion immediately restores the skin’s radiance and delivers long-lasting hydration.
This body moisturizer contains a unique 3-dimensional moisturizing formula enriched with Alpha Hydroxy to moisturize, exfoliate, and condition very dry, flaky skin. The intensively moisturizing formula in this extra dry skin lotion immediately improves the skin’s appearance. Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion is dye free and paraben free, and it is gentle enough for daily use.
This body moisturizer contains a unique 3-dimensional moisturizing formula enriched with Alpha Hydroxy to moisturize, exfoliate, and condition very dry, flaky skin. The intensively moisturizing formula in this extra dry skin lotion immediately improves the skin’s appearance. Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion is dye free and paraben free, and it is gentle enough for daily use.
Sunburn Alert: This product contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which may increase skin's sensitivity to the sun and, particularly, the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterward.
Soothe dry, flaky skin with Eucerin
Eucerin is a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand with skin care products designed to restore and sustain healthy-looking skin. We understand that dry skin can feel uncomfortable and affect self-confidence. In addition to Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion for very dry, flaky skin, we offer a wide selection of innovative skin care products that help to address dry skin.
Explore Eucerin’s full range of dry skin products.
Explore Eucerin’s full range of dry skin products.
Dry, flaky skin FAQs
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What is dry, flaky skin?
Flaky skin refers to dry, rough skin with visible pieces of dead skin on the surface.
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What are the common causes of dry, flaky skin?
Some causes of flaky skin from dryness include exposure to cold, dry air, prolonged exposure to hot water, using harsh soaps or detergents, aging, genetics, sun damage, and dehydration.
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How can I help soothe flaky skin?
It depends on the cause. To help flaky skin caused by dryness, some tips include moisturizing regularly, avoiding long, hot showers, bundling up in cold weather, staying hydrated, taking proper sun protection measures, and using a humidifier.
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Can dry, flaky skin occur on any spot on the body?
Dry, flaky skin can occur anywhere on the body, but some more common spots include the face, hands, feet, and legs9.
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What role does age play in dry, flaky skin?
Aging can lead to less natural oil production4 and less Hyaluronic Acid5 causing skin to lose hydration and moisture.
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Should you exfoliate flaky skin?
When skin is dry and flaky, you can gently exfoliate to help remove dead skin buildup14, but proceed with caution— over-exfoliation can make dry skin worse. Take care not to exfoliate if your skin is irritated. Instead of using a physical exfoliant, opt for a mild chemical exfoliant. Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion formulated with AHA offers gentle exfoliation for very dry, flaky skin, while also moisturizing the skin.
The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:
- Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin
- Improve the appearance of the skin
- Achieve healthier-looking skin
Sources:
- Cold weather and your skin. www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/news/cold-weather-and-your-skin.
- Herrero-Fernandez, M.; Montero-Vilchez, T.; Diaz-Calvillo, P.; Romera-Vilchez, M.; Buendia-Eisman, A.; Arias-Santiago, S. Impact of Water Exposure and Temperature Changes on Skin Barrier Function. Journal of Clinical Medicine 2022, 11 (2), 298. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11020298.
- Mijaljica, D.; Spada, F.; Harrison, I. P. Skin Cleansing without or with Compromise: Soaps and Syndets. Molecules 2022, 27 (6), 2010. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27062010.
- Mayo Clinic. Dry skin - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/symptoms-causes/syc-20353885.
- Liu, K.; Nassim, J. The hype on hyaluronic acid. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-hype-on-hyaluronic-acid-2020012318653.
- Remove Dead Skin from Face: The Best and Worst Ways to Do It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/remove-dead-skin-from-face.
- Cherney, K. Is My Skin Dehydrated? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydrated-skin.
- Stanborough, R. J. Skin Barrier Function and How to Repair and Care for It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-barrier.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dry Skin (Xeroderma): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16940-dry-skin.
- Skin Barrier Function and How to Repair and Care for It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-barrier#signs-of-damage.
- Mack, M. R.; Kim, B. S. The Itch–Scratch Cycle: A Neuroimmune Perspective. Trends in Immunology 2018, 39 (12), 980–991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2018.10.001.
- Ludmann, P. Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin. www.aad.org. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin.
- Moore, K. What Causes Dry Skin and How to Treat It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-skin#lifestyle-remedies.
- How to Exfoliate Safely by Skin Type. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-exfoliate.
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