Duller, flaky skin could be attributed to a variety of factors, but most importantly, it shouldn’t be ignored as it’s a sign that your skin needs to be treated. While dry skin is generally harmless, untreated, excessively dry skin could trigger flare-ups if you’re prone to atopic dermatitis. Review three common reasons for dry skin buildup.
Understanding Skin Shedding Cycle
Desquamation, or peeling skin, is a part of the regularly occurring skin cell turnover process. Our bodies shed 30,000-40,000 skin cells each day, and a normal cell turnover cycle takes about 30 days. Certain skin conditions can affect your body’s ability to shed dead skin cells properly, leading to the appearance of dull, dry, or flaking dead skin.
#1 Dry Skin
When moisture isn’t present, cell turnover rate can rapidly increase, leading to excess dead skin that may not shed properly. Dry skin is caused by external factors like the weather, low humidity levels outside, or exposure to hot water. It can be especially difficult to treat dry skin during winter when central heating can exacerbate skin issues.
#2 Aging
As we age, our skin cells become less effective at cell regeneration, causing skin to pile up over time without shedding properly. Over time, you may find that you may need to exfoliate and moisturize more often.
#3 Sun Exposure
Skin exposure to UV rays can damage and kill skin cells, leading to dryness and hyperpigmentation. Over time, UV damage thickens the skin and makes it dehydrated, leading to a rougher, uneven complexion.
Get a personalized skin care plan by working with the board-certified dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic. Our physicians are equipped to diagnose a wide range of skin conditions and provide treatment that can bring you relief. Schedule an appointment online today at either of our clinic locations in Baton Rouge or Walker.
