Various factors, including skin conditions, sunburn, and fungal infections, can cause skin on the face to peel. Treatments and home remedies vary depending on the cause but may include moisturizing and keeping hydrated.

Dry skin, reactions to skin care products, and skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, are just some issues that can cause peeling facial skin.

This article explores some factors that cause skin peeling on the face and 11 ways to heal peeling skin and relieve any associated symptoms.

A person wearing a large-brimmed sunhat to protect their face from sunburn and peeling skin.-2Share on Pinterest
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A person may have peeling skin on the face due to the following reasons:

  • Dry skin: Dry skin, or xerosis, can flake and peel off due to a lack of water and oil. Other symptoms may include itchiness, chapped lips, or rough, cracked skin. Dry climates, cold weather, and skin irritation may cause dry skin.
  • Sunburn: Sunburned skin peels because the body is getting ridTrusted Source of damaged skin cells. Both first- and second-degree sunburns can cause skin to peel. More severe burns cause swelling and blisters.
  • Acne treatments: Certain acne medications and similar products can cause skin peeling or dryness. Among them are topical treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
  • Skin conditions: Various skin conditions can cause peeling and dry skin on the face and the rest of the body, including:
  • Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can causeTrusted Source dryness that leads to flaking or peeling skin. Other symptoms include brittle nails and hair, fatigue, and intolerance to cold.
  • Fungal infections: Fungal infections most commonly start on the skin. In this case, they can cause the skin to become dry and to peel and flake. An infection can also cause skin color changes and swelling.
  • Peeling skin syndrome: Peeling skin syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes skin to continuously peel. It usually appears in newborns or infants but can develop later in life.

The best treatment may depend on the underlying cause of skin peeling on the face. Below are some potential remedies.

Using a fragrance-free moisturizer right after washing and drying the face can help lock in moisture and treat peeling skin due to dryness.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), moisturizers or lotions that contain one or more of the following ingredients may help soothe dry skin:

If a person has a sunburn, they should avoid using petroleum jelly, as it can trap heat within the skin.

Switching to a mild cleanser can help heal peeling skin on the face for some people.

Avoid using fragranced cleansers, as these can increase skin dryness.

When the skin on the face is peeling, people can use products that do not strip the skin of oil. Avoid using astringents or products that contain:

People can speak with a healthcare professional if they use topical treatments that are drying out their skin and causing facial peeling.

After washing, pat — do not rub — the face dry with a soft towel. This gentler approach can help prevent further peeling or soreness.

Limiting showers or baths to 5 to 10 minutes can help prevent the skin from drying out further.

Also, try using warm or lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can quickly strip oil from the skin. Cooler showers can also help cool the skin and relieve pain from sunburn.

People have used aloe vera for wound healing and other treatments throughout history. Some researchTrusted Source suggests aloe vera may relieve pain and support wound healing due to burns, such as sunburns.

Anyone with sunburn should also avoid further sun exposure while their skin is healing. Stay indoors as much as possible, and wear protective clothing outside.

Drinking enough water every day may improve skin hydration in people who do not consume enough water. However, drinking more water may make little difference if someone is already adequately hydrated.

Drinking lots of water is especiallyTrusted Source important to prevent dehydration in people with sunburn, which pulls fluid from the rest of the body. Other factors that may cause someone to need more water include the following:

  • being in a hot environment
  • increased physical activity
  • illness
  • being pregnant or breastfeeding

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which may help prevent the skin from drying out.

Also, avoid sitting directly in front of a heat source, such as an open fire, as this can further dry peeling skin.

Depending on the cause of skin peeling, an over-the-counter cortisone cream, such as hydrocortisone, may help reduce inflammation and heal the skin. This may be useful when a condition such as psoriasis or eczema is causing the peeling.

However, before trying any new treatment, people should check with a doctor or dermatologist. Anyone debating using a product on their face should consult a healthcare professional.

Using sunscreen every day can help prevent damage such as sunburn, which may lead to peeling. Sun exposure can trigger certain conditions, such as rosacea, so sun protection may help prevent flare-ups.

The AAD recommends wearing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Various health conditions can cause peeling skin on the face, and each has specific symptoms and treatments.

For example, if a fungal infection is causing the peeling, antifungal medications may help. These are typically topical ointments, but some are available as pills.

If hypothyroidism is causing excessive skin dryness and peeling, a doctor may wish to adjust a person’s dosage of thyroid hormones.

Peeling skin may result from dry skin, sunburn, or an underlying health condition. Moisturizing and gentle skin care can often help restore the health of the skin.

If an underlying health condition is causing skin peeling, a doctor may need to treat the health issue to relieve the symptom.

People can speak with a healthcare professional for further help identifying the cause of peeling skin on the face. People should also seek medical help if they have severe sunburn or skin peeling alongside other concerning symptoms.