What is peeling there? Scaly skin bothers us especially on the face, but we don't want to see the dry scraps of skin on the body either. We can do that for flaky skin.
Flaky skin – this helps when dry skin flakes
When the skin suddenly forms dry zones, flakes are usually the next step. But why does our dermis suddenly get such ideas? The skin renews itself on average in a process that takes 28 days (depending on age). The formation of new cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis pushes the cells above it upwards. They slowly dry up, keratinize and penetrate the surface of the skin as scales. Common: the older you are, the slower the process of skin renewal takes place and the drier the skin becomes overall.
How does flaky skin develop?
When the process between the death of old skin cells and the formation of new cells doesn't work properly, flaky skin develops. The causes for this can be numerous.
- Too little moisture: If you have extremely dry skin, you should use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid – we tested face cream with hyaluronic acid – or urea. They help the skin retain water.
- Too little fat due to too much or incorrect cleaning. Moisturizing products and gentle washing lotions are better than formulations containing alcohol.
- Too frequent washing – showering or bathing deprives the skin layers of valuable lipids.
- The wrong care products can irritate and dry out the skin. Replace perfumed skin care creams with neutral ones with reduced active ingredients.
- Cold or heat affect the skin.
- Atopic dermatitis or psoriasis can be the cause. Here we explain to you about the symptoms of neurodermatitis.
- Allergic reactions, genetic factors, or fungal infections can also lead to flaky skin.
Flaky skin on the face – the cleaning
Mechanically functioning peelings with coarse particles are too hard for the facial skin. They irritate the skin and – if the top layer of skin is already not intact due to flaking – in the worst case even cause injuries. Better to use a gentler peeling, for example one Enzyme peeling. The enzymes break down protein building blocks and thus loosen the flakes.
With a Face brush the skin can also be gently cleaned, there are various brush heads, for example for impure or dry skin. Cleansing creams or –oils can be massaged in with it and care for the flaky areas while cleaning.
What to do with flaky skin
If the flakes were caused by incorrect skin care or weather-related, we can quickly get them under control with the right measures. Moisture is then the first measure that smooths the skin structure.
Active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (here we tested face cream with hyaluronic acid), urea, evening primrose oil (as naturally pure as possible in organic quality – this can also help babies with flaky skin), panthenol (soothes) and aloe vera provide moisture.
But fat is also needed now!
who Face oils like can be classics like almond oil, Argan oil, Macadamia– or Coconut oil (Stars like Emma Stone and Blake Lively swear by it), grapeseed oil also supports the formation of the skin's protective barrier. But there are also creams that Almond- or Grapeseed oil and as day creams do not leave any shiny marks on the face. Omega fatty acids are found in creams that are supposed to soothe and smooth the skin surface. They are also suitable for mature skin as anti-aging care.
However, we should really care that is rich in active ingredients always let work overnight. Night creams contain the highly concentrated active ingredients and fats and can work undisturbed.
Be careful with Vaseline: This mineral oil covers the skin like a film and clogs the pores. So it dries out further. Also make sure that skin care does not contain mineral oil ("Paraffinum Liquidum") – a look at the INCI list or a check on the website or the Codecheck app will help.
For cleaning + peeling + serum + face cream + mask: Much does not mean much. If the skin is irritated, too many ingredients can irritate it. In critical phases, it is better to rely on a care range with similar active ingredients or on products that are specifically based on
If there is redness and itching in addition to the dandruff, should definitely be checked by a dermatologist. It can also be a skin fungus, psoriasis or neurodermatitis.
Extra care for extremely dry skin areas
Not every day, but once or twice a week we treat ourselves to more: a sheet mask soaked in a highly concentrated care cocktail. Simply place the towel on your face and enjoy the boosting effect for 15-20 minutes. We have tested sheet masks: they are the best.
Classic tube masks also work against rough areas and soothe. We even have DIY face masks that you can make yourself, with all-natural ingredients.
A Ampoule cure (for example with highly concentrated hyaluronic acid) smooths the complexion with vitamins, hyaluronic acid or plant-based ingredients – depending on the skin type.
Beware of creams that want to work against wrinkles with retinol – They are not suitable for scaly skin, as it can provoke irritation and this is exactly what causes dandruff in certain skin types.
Flaky skin on the body
Sometimes we also discover flakes of skin on the legs, our skin on the lower legs dries out quickly.
- For the body, the peeling particles can be a little coarserwhoever likes takes one Oil scrub, that delivers rich care on top.
- Brush massages not only stimulate the blood circulation and give our connective tissue a kick – they also remove dead skin cells.
- A popular one Ayurvedic massage with a silk glove is also good for the regeneration of the skin. The good old loofah glove can also loosen the flakes of skin in the shower. And who on the Cleaning with an electric facial brush swears can use a special attachment for the body.
Afterwards, of course, the cleansed skin must be cared for – ideally with rich creams that soothe the excited skin and absorb it quickly. Care with urea is dosed higher for the body than for the face, some body lotions or body butter contain active ingredients such as Evening primrose oil, Rose, grape, pomegranate or zinc that are now good for the skin.
By the way, it is also important for flaky skin that you choose the right make-up for dry skin. We'll tell you how!