Causes of peeling skin
One of the causes for peeling skin, and one that many of us have experienced, is a result of sunburns. As warmer weather approaches, it may be tempting to lay out in the sun. However, without the proper preventive barriers, your skin reacts to the sun’s UV rays in the form of radiation burns or sunburns. There are several factors that contribute to sunburns, including the amount of time one is exposed to the sun, the time of day, the intensity of the UV rays, type of skin, and the use of any topical or internal medication. Sunburns not only cause the peeling and irritation of skin, but frequent sunburns generally increase the risk of getting skin cancer as well.
Another cause for peeling skin is generally dry skin. Some people may experience dry skin regardless of the season, whether it be summer or winter, or the weather, whether it be hot or cold. Dry skin is a result of a reduction of oil-producing glands on the face. Without enough oil-producing glands, it is hard for the skin to retain moisture. Dry skin is easily irritable and itchy and is noticeably flakey.
Dehydrated skin
It is important to note the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is a result of not a lack of oil, but a lack of water. Therefore, you can still have oily skin and dehydrated skin. A simple test you can use to determine if you have dehydrated skin is to pinch the skin on your cheeks. If it remains wrinkled after release from the pinch, your skin is dehydrated and needs hydration. Dehydrated skin may feel very tight and look red and inflamed, signaling that you are in need of water. Hydration for the skin can be as simple as just drinking more water, but adding serums to your daily skincare routine underneath moisturizer and adding an oil on top of your moisturizer can help as well.