Top 12 Tips For Peeling Skin on Hands, Palms and Fingertips
Peeling Skin is a loss or shedding of outer layer of skin which is a natural process because the outer layers of skin is directly exposed to various kinds of harsh environmental conditions and naturally peels off after certain time period. Skin which peels off naturally soon replaced by new layer of skin. When skin begins to peel, it is a sign the body is trying to rid itself of damaged cells. Let's have a look on some common causes behind peeling skin :
Common Causes For Peeling Skin
1. Dry Skin
Common Causes For Peeling Skin
1. Dry Skin
- Cause: Lack of moisture can lead to dry, flaky skin.
- Contributors: Cold weather, low humidity, frequent washing, or harsh soaps.
- Cause: Excessive exposure to UV rays damages the skin, leading to peeling as the skin heals.
- Prevention: Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours.
- Cause: Allergies to skincare products, medications, or environmental allergens can cause peeling.
- Examples: Contact dermatitis, allergic reactions to cosmetics.
- Eczema: Characterized by dry, itchy patches that may peel.
- Psoriasis: Causes thick, red, scaly patches that can flake off.
- Cause: Fungal or bacterial infections can lead to peeling skin.
- Examples: Ringworm, impetigo.
- Cause: Certain medications can have side effects that include peeling skin.
- Examples: Some topical treatments or oral medications for acne.
- Cause: Contact with harsh chemicals or exfoliants can damage and peel the skin.
- Examples: Cleaning products, certain skincare treatments.
- Cause: Lack of essential vitamins can affect skin health.
- Examples: Vitamin A, B vitamins, or zinc deficiencies.
- Cause: Certain autoimmune conditions can cause the skin to peel.
- Examples: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Behçet's disease.
- Cause: Physical damage to the skin, such as from burns, cuts, or abrasions, can result in peeling as the skin heals.
- Cause: Overuse of exfoliating products or techniques can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause peeling.
- Examples: Overuse of scrubs, chemical peels, or retinoids.
12. Hormonal Changes
However, this problem of peeling skin can be cured by following some home remedies if the problem is not causes by an underlying medical issue:
1. Milk and Honey
For this remedy you need to use milk with higher fat content. Take two tablespoon of milk and add a tablespoon of honey to it. Apply this mixture on the skin and massage gently. This will allow the skin to hold in moisture. Allow the mixture to sit on your skin for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Alternatively you can soak your hands in warm milk for 10-15 minutes.While soaking, you can gently massage your hands to help the exfoliation process. After soaking, rinse your hands with lukewarm water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Finally apply a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
2. Banana
Bananas are great for skin care because they’re rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish and hydrate the skin. You can use bananas to help with peeling skin by creating a soothing, hydrating mixture.
Take pulp of 1 ripe banana and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for extra moisture) and 1 tablespoon of yogurt (optional, for additional exfoliation and hydration).
Spread the banana mixture evenly over the areas of your skin that are peeling or dry. This could be your face, hands, or any other part of your body.Allow the mixture to sit on your skin for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the nutrients time to penetrate and hydrate the skin. Gently rinse off the mixture with lukewarm water. After rinsing, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
3. Cucumber
Cucumber is a refreshing and hydrating ingredient that can help soothe and moisturize peeling or irritated skin. Its high water content and vitamins make it ideal for skin care.
Take a half cucumber. Peel and chop the cucumber into small pieces. Blend the cucumber pieces until you get a smooth puree. Spread the puree over the peeling or irritated areas of your skin. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.Apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
4. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves have been used in various home remedies for their cooling and soothing properties, and they can potentially help with skin issues, including peeling. Mint has a natural cooling effect that can soothe irritated or inflamed skin, which might help alleviate discomfort associated with peeling.
Apply the juice of fresh mint leaves every night on affected areas of the skin. Next morning wash your hands and apply a good moisturizer to prevent further peeling and dryness.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid in ACV can help exfoliate the skin, potentially aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting a smoother appearance. This might be beneficial if the peeling is due to dryness or rough skin.
Always dilute ACV with water before applying it to your skin. A common ratio is 1 part ACV to 3 parts water. Undiluted ACV can be too harsh and may cause irritation or burns.Use a cotton ball or pad to apply the diluted ACV to the affected area. Leave it on for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.Start with once a day or every other day to see how your skin responds. Overuse can lead to irritation or dryness.After using ACV, apply a gentle moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and to prevent further peeling.
6. Aloe Vera gel
Aloe vera gel is well-known for its soothing and healing properties, making it a great remedy for peeling skin. Its natural moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects can help improve the appearance and feel of your skin. Using clean fingers or a cotton pad, apply a generous layer of aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas. Allow the gel to sit on your skin for about 10-20 minutes. Aloe vera absorbs quickly and doesn’t usually need to be washed off, but you can leave it on overnight if desired. If you prefer, rinse your skin with lukewarm water after 10-20 minutes. Pat dry with a clean towel. Apply a gentle moisturizer if needed to lock in hydration.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a fantastic natural remedy for peeling skin due to its rich content of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that help to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Apply a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to the peeling skin.Lightly massage the oil into your skin using circular motions. This helps to improve absorption and stimulate blood flow. Allow the olive oil to remain on your skin. You can leave it on overnight for deep moisturizing or for at least 30 minutes if you prefer to wash it off sooner. If you choose to wash it off, use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Apply a gentle moisturizer if needed to lock in additional hydration.
8. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a wonderful natural remedy for peeling skin due to its rich content of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It helps to moisturize, nourish, and soothe the skin, making it an excellent choice for treating dryness and irritation. Pour a few drops of sweet almond oil onto your fingertips or a cotton pad. Gently massage the oil into the peeling or dry areas using circular motions. This helps with absorption and can also stimulate blood flow. Allow the almond oil to remain on your skin. You can leave it on overnight for deep hydration or for at least 30 minutes if you prefer to wash it off sooner. If desired, rinse with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Apply a gentle moisturizer to lock in additional hydration if needed.
9. Vitamin E Capsule or Lotions
Vitamin E oil is also considered very effective to prevent skin dryness and flaking. Break a vitamin E capsule and apply the liquid onto the peeling skin. Vitamin E is essential for healthy skin. In case the area is too large, try a lotion with vitamin-E as the primary ingredient and gently massage the area to cure the problem of peeling skin.
10. Foods Rich in Vitamin A, B and iron
Sometimes peeling skin is caused by deficiency of Vitamin A, B and Iron. So Try to increase intake of food containing Vitamin A, B and iron. Good sources of Vitamin A are dark green, yellow and red vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli spinach, turnip greens, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, mango, papaya and apricots. Vitamin A animal sources are liver, milk, butter, cheese, and whole eggs. Good Sources of Vitamin B are meat, liver, eggs, yeast, unpolished cereal grains, cheese and milk.Good Sources of Iron include red meat, almonds, kidney beans, baked beans, green peas, dried apricot, broccoli and raisins.
11. Vitamin C Rich Diet
You should also increase the intake of Vitamin C in your diet because it prevents the skin from infections, increase skin`s elasticity, prevent wrinkles and boosts growth of new skin cells.Important sources of Vitamin C are oranges, tangerines, limes, guava, lemons, papayas, strawberries, black currants, grapefruit and mangoes. Many vegetables contain Vitamin C including collard greens, green and red peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, kale, spinach(palak), and watercress.
12. Drink Plenty of Water
Try to drink lots of water and daily drink at least 10 - 12 glasses.Water not only keeps your skin hydrated but also helps to flush out toxins from body and prevents from further dryness.
- Cause: Fluctuations in hormones can affect skin health and lead to peeling.
- Examples: Pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal treatments.
However, this problem of peeling skin can be cured by following some home remedies if the problem is not causes by an underlying medical issue:
12 Best Tips For Peeling Skin
1. Milk and Honey
For this remedy you need to use milk with higher fat content. Take two tablespoon of milk and add a tablespoon of honey to it. Apply this mixture on the skin and massage gently. This will allow the skin to hold in moisture. Allow the mixture to sit on your skin for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Alternatively you can soak your hands in warm milk for 10-15 minutes.While soaking, you can gently massage your hands to help the exfoliation process. After soaking, rinse your hands with lukewarm water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Finally apply a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
2. Banana
Bananas are great for skin care because they’re rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish and hydrate the skin. You can use bananas to help with peeling skin by creating a soothing, hydrating mixture.
Take pulp of 1 ripe banana and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for extra moisture) and 1 tablespoon of yogurt (optional, for additional exfoliation and hydration).
Spread the banana mixture evenly over the areas of your skin that are peeling or dry. This could be your face, hands, or any other part of your body.Allow the mixture to sit on your skin for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the nutrients time to penetrate and hydrate the skin. Gently rinse off the mixture with lukewarm water. After rinsing, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
3. Cucumber
Cucumber is a refreshing and hydrating ingredient that can help soothe and moisturize peeling or irritated skin. Its high water content and vitamins make it ideal for skin care.
Take a half cucumber. Peel and chop the cucumber into small pieces. Blend the cucumber pieces until you get a smooth puree. Spread the puree over the peeling or irritated areas of your skin. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.Apply a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
4. Mint Leaves
Mint leaves have been used in various home remedies for their cooling and soothing properties, and they can potentially help with skin issues, including peeling. Mint has a natural cooling effect that can soothe irritated or inflamed skin, which might help alleviate discomfort associated with peeling.
Apply the juice of fresh mint leaves every night on affected areas of the skin. Next morning wash your hands and apply a good moisturizer to prevent further peeling and dryness.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acetic acid in ACV can help exfoliate the skin, potentially aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting a smoother appearance. This might be beneficial if the peeling is due to dryness or rough skin.
Always dilute ACV with water before applying it to your skin. A common ratio is 1 part ACV to 3 parts water. Undiluted ACV can be too harsh and may cause irritation or burns.Use a cotton ball or pad to apply the diluted ACV to the affected area. Leave it on for about 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.Start with once a day or every other day to see how your skin responds. Overuse can lead to irritation or dryness.After using ACV, apply a gentle moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and to prevent further peeling.
6. Aloe Vera gel
Aloe vera gel is well-known for its soothing and healing properties, making it a great remedy for peeling skin. Its natural moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects can help improve the appearance and feel of your skin. Using clean fingers or a cotton pad, apply a generous layer of aloe vera gel directly to the affected areas. Allow the gel to sit on your skin for about 10-20 minutes. Aloe vera absorbs quickly and doesn’t usually need to be washed off, but you can leave it on overnight if desired. If you prefer, rinse your skin with lukewarm water after 10-20 minutes. Pat dry with a clean towel. Apply a gentle moisturizer if needed to lock in hydration.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a fantastic natural remedy for peeling skin due to its rich content of fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that help to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Apply a small amount of extra virgin olive oil to the peeling skin.Lightly massage the oil into your skin using circular motions. This helps to improve absorption and stimulate blood flow. Allow the olive oil to remain on your skin. You can leave it on overnight for deep moisturizing or for at least 30 minutes if you prefer to wash it off sooner. If you choose to wash it off, use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Apply a gentle moisturizer if needed to lock in additional hydration.
8. Almond Oil
Almond oil is a wonderful natural remedy for peeling skin due to its rich content of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. It helps to moisturize, nourish, and soothe the skin, making it an excellent choice for treating dryness and irritation. Pour a few drops of sweet almond oil onto your fingertips or a cotton pad. Gently massage the oil into the peeling or dry areas using circular motions. This helps with absorption and can also stimulate blood flow. Allow the almond oil to remain on your skin. You can leave it on overnight for deep hydration or for at least 30 minutes if you prefer to wash it off sooner. If desired, rinse with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Apply a gentle moisturizer to lock in additional hydration if needed.
9. Vitamin E Capsule or Lotions
Vitamin E oil is also considered very effective to prevent skin dryness and flaking. Break a vitamin E capsule and apply the liquid onto the peeling skin. Vitamin E is essential for healthy skin. In case the area is too large, try a lotion with vitamin-E as the primary ingredient and gently massage the area to cure the problem of peeling skin.
10. Foods Rich in Vitamin A, B and iron
Sometimes peeling skin is caused by deficiency of Vitamin A, B and Iron. So Try to increase intake of food containing Vitamin A, B and iron. Good sources of Vitamin A are dark green, yellow and red vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli spinach, turnip greens, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, mango, papaya and apricots. Vitamin A animal sources are liver, milk, butter, cheese, and whole eggs. Good Sources of Vitamin B are meat, liver, eggs, yeast, unpolished cereal grains, cheese and milk.Good Sources of Iron include red meat, almonds, kidney beans, baked beans, green peas, dried apricot, broccoli and raisins.
11. Vitamin C Rich Diet
You should also increase the intake of Vitamin C in your diet because it prevents the skin from infections, increase skin`s elasticity, prevent wrinkles and boosts growth of new skin cells.Important sources of Vitamin C are oranges, tangerines, limes, guava, lemons, papayas, strawberries, black currants, grapefruit and mangoes. Many vegetables contain Vitamin C including collard greens, green and red peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, kale, spinach(palak), and watercress.
12. Drink Plenty of Water
Try to drink lots of water and daily drink at least 10 - 12 glasses.Water not only keeps your skin hydrated but also helps to flush out toxins from body and prevents from further dryness.
Some Precautions and Useful Tips For Peeling Skin
- (i) Never scratch the peeling skin even if it itches or hurts.
- (ii) Do not wash your hands with a strong soap. Try to use mild beauty soaps.
- (iii) Avoid hot bath because it remove moisturizer and natural oils from skin.
- (iv) Apply good sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun to protect your skin from harsh and harmful UV Sun rays.
- (v) Before applying any home remedy, first do a patch test on a small area of your skin. Wait for few minutes. If it create any allergic reaction then immediately remove this and wash your skin.
- (vi) If the problem get worse, even after following above remedies, then you should consult your problem with a good dermatologist (skin specialist doctor).