Your skin cells shed naturally and continuously, but noticeable skin peeling on the face is usually a result of the healing process from damage—particularly sunburn. It can also occur because of injury or any underlying health condition.
The medical term for peeling skin is ‘desquamation,’ and it is a common condition characterised by the shedding of the epidermis (outer layer of your skin). Visible peeling may happen as the skin heals from damage from external or internal causes, like exposure to irritants or burns. However, it may be best to consult with an Australian skin clinic for an appropriate diagnosis, as peeling skin could be caused by a disease or an internal disorder. Deep skin injuries may result in blisters. Not only are these painful—they could also leave raw skin and ulcers.
Symptoms of peeling skin
Aside from obvious symptoms, skin peeling on the face is sometimes accompanied by skin dryness, irritation, itching, redness, and thin scaling.
Causes of peeling skin
- Thermal burns – When skin is directly exposed to fire, a hot liquid, or a hot surface
- Skin irritation – Caused by friction or abrasion from clothing or shoes
- Chemical burns – Chemicals in the workplace, household cleaners, and some beauty products may cause burns.
- Sunburn – Caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV light or artificial sources, such as tanning beds.
- Acne treatments and chemical peels – Products that contain benzoyl peroxide or retinoids may cause skin peeling on the face.
At times, peeling may occur because of medical treatment side effects or medical conditions such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, radiation treatment and chemotherapy, contact dermatitis, oedema, and redness as a result of an adverse reaction to medication. It’s best to seek medical attention from a good Australian skin clinic to treat these issues.
Healing from direct damage to the skin
Proper diagnosis is important to effectively heal the damage that is causing peeling skin. An Australian skin clinic can help. A DMK Skin Technician will want to know about your any underlying skin conditions, how long your skin has been peeling, and if you have been exposed to potential allergens or new substances. Further tests may be conducted if they recommend a doctor visit and suspect an underlying condition or an infection.
Cosmetic procedures or treatments
Depending on the cause, skin peeling on the face may be treated using face peels, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells, grime, and dirt, and encourage the growth of new cells. Beta hydroxy acids and alpha hydroxy acids are among the popular cosmetic peeling treatments that can also brighten and clear out your skin. AHAs like lactic acid and glycolic acid may also be recommended to make your skin glow and improve its texture. You might also want to consider a non-abrasive exfoliant like Micro Peel by DMK Skin to gently lift and clear dead skin cells and debris.
How to treat peeling skin
Keep in mind that treatment will depend on the cause or underlying condition. DMK Home Prescriptives such as Beta Gel contain beta gluten, which has soothing and hydrating properties for damaged skin. A DMK Skin Technician will also recommend a DMK nourishing creme and spray for transepidermal delivery, hydrating beyond the top layer of the dermis to prevent transepidermal water loss to drying skin. You should also avoid exposure to sunlight by wearing DMK Soleil sunscreen or protective clothing.
Complications of peeling skin
Skin peeling could result in complications based on the underlying condition or cause. Without proper treatment, it could lead to bacterial infections or leave your skin dehydrated.
