Got Flakey Skin? I Asked A Dermal Therapist For Help

Flakes. Terrific chocolate bar. Annoying skin condition.

Our skin has a habit of sometimes behaving like your part reptilian: Shedding, peeling, and flaking off to leave your poor face textured, sore, and sensitive. 

Beyond just being uncomfortable and annoying, flakey skin can also be a quest to fix. Should you exfoliate it off? Buckle down on the moisturiser? Leave it alone until it calms down?

I took all our flakey skin confusions to dermal therapist Yadira to help us figure out how to combat, manage, and banish dry skin this cold season. 

Why is my skin flaking off?

Yadira: Flaky skin can be caused by a whole range of things including dryness, barrier damage, underlying skin conditions, or external factors like weather, harsh products, or sun exposure.

How do I make sure my skin doesn’t flake this winter?

Yadira: To prevent flaky skin this winter, focus on strengthening your skin barrier by using a gentle cleanser, a rich moisturiser, and protecting your skin from harsh weather. Avoid over-exfoliating, a humidifier indoors can help, and prioritise hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin in your routine! Skin loves to be hydrated!

My skin is already flaking. How do I calm it down?

Yadira: If your skin is already flaking, gently cleanse, apply a rich, barrier-repairing moisturiser, and protect it with a soothing balm or barrier cream. However, (and this is where it can get tricky) some skins that have a happy/healthy barrier may actually benefit from gently exfoliating because if your skin barrier is healthy and intact, gentle exfoliation can help lift the flakes without causing further irritation, allowing moisturisers to penetrate better and speed up the healing process.

Should I go in and exfoliate this flakey skin?

Yadira: I'd always start with moisturiser to repair and strengthen your skin barrier first and only exfoliate very gently later if you feel like you can/your skin is calm and hydrated (as above). Skin loves to be balanced!

Do I need to switch up my skincare routine this winter?

Yadira: Some skins can benefit. It's so important to listen to your skin. Switching to more hydrating, barrier-supportive products and cutting back on harsh or drying treatments to protect against cold, dry air can be beneficial. However, if your skin is happy then there may not be a need to change!