How To Get Rid Of Flaky Skin

November 6, 2017 by Maanasi Radhakrishnan

All of us dream of having soft, flawless skin sans any blemishes or spots. Beautiful skin is a prerequisite to looking good. But look around – I am sure you won’t find too many people blessed with naturally beautiful skin. And even those who have flawless skin tend to lose that perfection. And it is because of the ever increasing pollution levels and the onslaught of harsh elements.

Your skin has a protective layer of oil and has a certain level of water content, which keeps it looking good and glowing. If you lose this natural oil and skin gets dehydrated, the skin will start to peel off or you will experience a condition what is called flaky skin. Your skin will start falling off slowly in small bits like snowflakes. Sometimes, flaky skin can also be caused due to exposure to extreme temperatures and changes in lifestyle.

Needless to say, that flaky skin does not look good! So, do you need to visit a dermatologist? Maybe! But first, you can try something at home!

Why Does Skin Flake?

Your skin has a protective layer of oil and a certain level of water content, which keep it looking good and glowing. If you lose this natural oil, or the skin gets dehydrated, the skin will start to peel off, and you will experience a condition known as flaky skin. Your skin will start falling off slowly in small bits like snowflakes. Sometimes, flaky skin can also be caused due to exposure to extreme temperatures and changes in lifestyle.

This condition also occurs due to seasonal changes. For example, flaking is more prominent in winter than in summer. Some other reasons for skin flaking are stress or tension, hormonal changes, and lack of proper nutrition.

Home Remedies For Flaky Skin That Work Wonders

Here are the top 10 home remedies for flaky skin. Try them and rediscover the beauty of your skin.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

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You are most likely to have apple cider vinegar in your kitchen. Dilute and apply it wherever the skin is peeling. Wear gloves, cover the area of application and leave it overnight to get best results.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the most versatile natural plants that have diverse applications for the skin. Take aloe vera bulbous, cut it at the tip, and rub it where the skin is peeling. If you don’t have access to aloe vera, plant one or use a store-bought aloe cream for treatment.

3. Honey

Honey is a natural moisturizer and is also known to have other medicinal properties. Mix some honey with a little bit of lemon, and then apply it on affected skin areas. Let it rest for five to 10 minutes. Wash it after some time and dry the skin by dabbing it gently with a soft cloth. Do not rub hard as it may aggravate the condition further.

4. Papaya

Papaya is a fruit that not only helps you lose weight, but it is also rich in antioxidants and minerals that help fasten the skin’s healing process. It also fixes the flaky skin problem. Mash a little bit of papaya, mix with a bit of honey and apply the mixture on the affected area to treat flaky skin.

5. Curd

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Curd is a rich in microbes and has antibacterial properties. Hence, it can be used to treat flaky skin. It will restore the skin’s natural moisture levels, providing much needed and vital vitamin A, and at the same inhibit the growth of any bacteria.

6. Apple

You would have surely heard the adage, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. Take an apple, mash it up and directly apply on the affected area of skin to get rid of flaky skin. You will also get glowing skin at the same time.

7. Bananas

Fruits are your friends, if you eat them, you get healthy nutrition, and their application can help you get rid of flaky skin in a few applications. Bananas are known for their viscosity and help to retain moisture in the skin and heal the skin that is falling apart. Apply banana and curd together to see it work wonders for your skin problems.

8. Almond Oil

Flaky skin is a direct result of skin losing moisture and necessary oils. Almond oil is rich in vitamin A, and hence, it can be effectively used to massage the skin and nurse it back to health.

9. Lemon Juice

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You might think that the application of lemon on flaky areas may cause irritation, but it is an excellent home remedy for treating affected skin. Take a few tablespoons of sugar, squeeze lemon juice on it, and massage the affected area for best results.

10. Castor Oil

Castor oil is really thick and one of the best oils for treating flaky skin. It will help heal the affected skin by facilitating the growth of new cells.

A few of the above-mentioned home remedies for dry, flaky skin may sound unconvincing. However, if you have gone pillar to post looking for a remedy for flaky skin that actually works, these are worth a try. Not only are they inexpensive but also are remedies that have been tried and certified by many as the best!

Dry skin can peel anywhere, but mostly, skin flakes near the cheeks, besides the nose, or at the elbows and knees. These are highly visible areas. Let’s take a look at the different ways we can prevent this affliction.

Steps To Prevent Flaky Skin

1. Steam

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Take a warm bath/hot shower for five to 10 minutes. You can also use a face steamer to steam.

Be cautious about overdoing the steam treatment. Aim for a maximum of 10 minutes of steam. Whenever you start feeling uncomfortable, stop right away.

2. Exfoliate

Facial scrubbers like face cream scrubbers that contain almond and seed extracts are good for the skin. Opt for organic vegetable fiber scrubbers from bitter gourds. Try a pumice stone for your knees and elbows.

Avoid being overzealous with the scrubber as improper usage can damage the skin.

You may also go in for chemical exfoliation that uses chemical peeling agents. If you are in a DIY mode, you can opt for sugar-based scrubs. Take brown sugar, one teaspoon olive oil, and mashed up summer fruits like peaches and strawberries to make a scrub. Always be gentle.

3. Moisturize

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After exfoliation, it’s time to lock in some moisture and pamper the skin. You can use:

Warm pure olive oil
Moisturizers with hyaluronic acid that seals in moisture
Organic creams free from harsh ingredients

You can also prepare a DIY moisturizing mask with banana and honey. Honey is a humectant and is soothing. Oatmeal is extremely healing and is great for itchy and flaky skin. Soak up to 1/3 cup oatmeal in 1/2 cup of hot water. Add one tbsp honey and two tbsp of yogurt. Blend all ingredients together. Apply this mix and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.

Also, keep a close watch on your diet. Diet and hydration are the key points to get rid of excess dryness or flaky skin. Do you have flaky skin? What treatments have you tried? Did anything work? Share with us in the comments section.

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Maanasi Radhakrishnan

I have been an ardent book lover since childhood. I have always had a penchant to writing, and enjoy simplifying the most complex of ho-hum subjects and making them interesting reads!When not writing, I also enjoy travelling, and particularly wish to trot the globe someday!