a woman removing skin peeling mask from her face

8 Different Ways to Stop Peeling Skin

It's undoubtedly skin damage from a severe sunburn if your skin is shedding less like a person and more like a serpent. However, some illnesses, pharmaceutical allergies, or autoimmune diseases may be to cause. Here's how to determine what's wrong with your skin and how to stop it from peeling.

What causes the skin to peel?

Sunburn causes skin peeling, which is an indication that the upper layer of your skin (the epidermis) has been harmed by the sun's rays. However, there are other (typically less prevalent) causes of skin peeling, such as:

a problem with the immune system
a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
dry skin friction from frequent hand washing
exfoliative keratolysis (a skin condition that causes peeling on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet)
Exfoliative dermatitis and acral peeling skin syndrome are two uncommon skin conditions (peeling skin all over your body that usually requires hospitalization)
allergy symptoms
sensitivity to retinol or vitamin C products on the skin cancer and cancer therapy
If you have skin peeling that isn't caused by sun exposure, consult a doctor before using at-home therapies.

How to Get Rid of Sunburn Peeling?

One can use Alpha Arbutin serum to reduce sunburn effects. We understand how tempting it is to peel off your skin, but resist! You'll only make things worse. Allow your skin to shed naturally and use a more relaxing approach. What can aid in peeling skin?

Take an OTC (over-the-counter) pain reliever

Take an OTC pain killer like ibuprofen or aspirin to ease any pain or discomfort associated with painful, peeling skin. These medications will also aid in the reduction of inflammation and redness.

Use an anti-inflammatory cream or gel

Certain topical medicines can aid in the relief of peeling skin irritation. Here are some natural and over-the-counter alternatives:

Aloe vera gel, Aloe vera is recognised for soothing sensitive skin, and it could be especially helpful after a sunburn. Applying an aloe vera gel or cream to your skin can help to cool it, reduce irritation, and halt or stop peeling.
Cream with cortisone. Cortisone cream sold over the counter can relieve irritation, redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Powdered aspirin Some people swear by crushing a few aspirin pills into a fine powder to alleviate inflammation topically if they aren't allergic to aspirin. To make a goopy paste, combine the powder with a splash of water.
Use Vaseline instead of oil or petroleum-based lotions. These products retain heat, which can exacerbate peeling and discomfort.

Keep your skin hydrated

The best sunburn treatment, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, is to use an unscented moisturiser often. Moisturize shortly after showering, while your skin is still damp, to help seal in hydration.

Take a cool shower or bath

Showers or baths with lukewarm water (or even cold water if you're brave!) might help ease the burn and prevent further peeling. Showers that are too hot can irritate and dry up your skin even more. You should also avoid scented soaps and oils, as they might aggravate inflammation. So store the bath bomb for another occasion and replace it with a mild, unscented soap. Bathe instead of showering if your skin is blistered. Shower water pressure may pop your blisters, causing further pain and irritation.

Avoid exfoliating

It's not a good idea to scrub off the peeling skin. Exfoliating when your skin is peeling isn't a good choice because it exposes additional redness. Instead, after you get out of the shower, simply pat your skin dry with a towel and moisturise periodically. When your skin is ready, the rest of it will slough off.

Apply a cool compress

A damp, cool compress applied to your skin for 30 minutes will relieve discomfort and provide much-needed relief. Simply avoid putting ice or an ice pack straight on your skin. This may aggravate things worse. Wrap an ice pack in a towel if you're using one.

Consume water

Dehydration can exacerbate peeling and dryness. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and other diuretics to keep your body hydrated from the inside out. (Sparkling water, by the way, is hydrating.)

Wear sunscreen and cover-up

Even if it's gloomy outside, UV exposure might irritate your skin worse. Wear loose, airy garments over your peeling skin to protect it from further injury.

So, how long does it take for skin to peel?

When you have a sunburn, your skin starts to peel a few days after the first burn. Once the burn has healed, the peeling normally ceases after approximately a week.

The following are symptoms of a serious burn:

scorching or peeling in huge regions (like your whole dang back)

chills
fever
dizziness
confusion

How to Prevent Sunburn and Peeling Skin?

However, here's what you *should* have done and how to avoid it in the future:

Apply sunscreen. You've probably heard it a million times, but sunscreen is essential for skin protection.
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Cover up. Tank tops and swimming suits have their place, but when the sun is shining, you should definitely cover yourself. Light cotton and linen garments, as well as sun caps, are your best companions.
Apply aloe immediately. No concerns if you spent a little too much time in the sun. Apply aloe vera or a similar moisturising moisturiser as soon as possible. This will help moisturise your skin before it starts peeling.
Take a refreshing shower. After sun exposure, take a cool shower to help dissipate the heat.
Carry out patch tests. Do a patch test before using a new skincare product to avoid unexpected irritation. Harsher chemicals like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C can take some time for the skin to adjust to. Applying treatments at lesser dosages once or twice a week can help your skin adjust. Consult a dermatologist if you're not sure what's best for your skin.

Take Away

To avoid sounding like your mother, sunburns and peeling can cause major skin damage. Sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer and cause premature ageing of your skin. Wear sunscreen, treat your skin gently, and try new products on a patch before using them. Consult a board-certified dermatologist if you're not sure what's wrong with your skin. If you do become sunburned, hydrate immediately and soak in a cool bath. Anti-inflammatory creams and over-the-counter pain medications can also assist.