Dry Skin: Why am I Peeling?

This refers to a phenomenon of accelerated desquamation of skin cells. The skin is often compared to a "crocodile skin", with scales that detach on their own or at the slightest friction and take the form of thin, flaky white layers. A peeling skin can most of the time be associated with itching.

From a biological perspective, skin peeling is due to an overly rapid cell cycle. Indeed, a natural cycle of skin cell renewal lasts approximately 28 days. During this cycle, new cells are born at the level of the basal layer, which is the deepest layer of the epidermis. As the cycle progresses, these cells migrate towards the skin's surface. During this process, they lose their nuclei and transform into dead cells. They then form the horny layer, the most superficial layer of the epidermis. The dead cells or keratinocytes are then shed (either naturally, or via chemical or mechanical exfoliation) and a new cell cycle begins. When the rhythm of this cycle is disrupted or accelerated, we then observe skin that peels.

Dry skin characterised by excessive flaking can be due to internal factors such as heredity or even certain skin conditions and general diseases (eczema, nutritional deficiencies, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis etc...). However, skin can sometimes peel due to external causes such as climate changes, care products containing overly harsh ingredients (like alcohol or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, to name a few), too frequent showers or even certain medical treatments (anti-cholesterol drugs...).

Note: It is common to experience peeling skin around the eyebrows and/or nasolabial folds. In such cases, it is usually a result of seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by erythematous scaly patches. This condition is caused by the colonisation of Malassezia yeast species.