Why do I have peeling skin?

Peeling skin always comes as a surprise, with its large white flakes that peel off like you're moulting. But it's actually a good sign: in most cases, it means that your skin has been externally damaged, but that it's in the process of repairing itself. In this article, we take a look at the causes and the natural solutions you can use when your skin seems to be falling apart. You'll also find our tips for restoring it back to soft, moisturised skin.

By Hélène Betoux

Updated on 3/14/2025Reading time: 0 min.

What is peeling skin?

Peeling skin refers to the phenomenon of accelerated skin renewal. The skin tries to regenerate faster than usual and dead cells are no longer gradually eliminated. The result is pieces of skin that peel off in the form of flakes or dandruff. The term ‘flakes’ also refers to fragments of dead skin that naturally detach from the epidermis, hence the term ‘desquamation’ that is often used.

How does cell renewal work?

The cells on the surface of your skin are vulnerable to external damage, so they eventually wear away, forming scales of dead skin called ‘squames’, hence the term ‘desquamation’. These are automatically replaced by new cells. The new cells are produced deeper in the epidermis. It takes about a month for them to migrate to the surface. This cycle is responsible for preserving the skin's essential functions.

What causes peeling skin?

The natural peeling process is normally very discreet. Things are different if you have peeling skin. This means that the superficial layers of your skin have been lost too quickly and your epidermis has not had time to regenerate properly. The causes can be internal or external.

When suffering from sunburn

The sun's rays (UVB) literally burn the upper layers of your epidermis, leading to sunburn, also known as solar erythema.

The burnt layers slowly peel off in a multitude of scales, with a sloughing effect.

Dry skin

Lack of surface hydration. The cause: insufficient sebum production and/or a lack of NMFs (small biological "sponges" that trap water). When the cold makes dehydration even worse: skin peels more easily in winter.

Skin disorders

Peeling and flaking are characteristic signs of certain skin conditions caused by genetics or stress. The epidermis loses its ability to maintain good hydration and a healthy structure.

Psoriasis: if you have this skin condition, the epidermis renews itself at breakneck speed: 8 days instead of 28. Too many cells migrate too quickly to the surface, without having completed their maturation process. They accumulate in thick patches, giving the skin a scaly appearance.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis: this dermatosis is often confused with psoriasis. It results in red patches, covered in scales of dead skin with an oily, yellowish appearance. It is often itchy, causing a peeling effect when the scales are scratched off.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) : characterised by pronounced dryness of the skin, often to the point of scaling. Atopic skin can also be red, rough and itchy, with small crusts and blisters that burst.

Recognising the signs of peeling skin

Appearance of scales (dead skin) on the surface of the skin: when the skin sheds its dead cells more quickly than usual. These dead cells accumulate on the surface, forming small scales.
Dry, rough skin: due to increased water loss. This dryness can make the skin rough and less supple to the touch.
Itchy or irritated skin: weakened and dehydrated skin becomes more sensitive and reactive to environmental changes or irritants. This can also lead to a burning or stinging sensation.

Peeling skin: what natural solutions are there?

Oat and Ceramide NP Replenishing Balm

For dry, fragile or atopic skin, this replenishing balm soothes irritation and redness, reduces itching and intensely nourishes the skin. Thanks to its formula enriched with ceramides and oatmeal, it strengthens the skin's barrier, protects the most sensitive skin and prevents it from shrivelling.

Discover Oat and Ceramide NP Replenishing Balm

Roman Chamomile Floral Elixir

This serum with softening properties is enriched with organic sweet almond oil. It nourishes, comforts and soothes skin prone to discomfort. It also helps to restore velvety-smooth, soothed and protected skin

Discover our Roman Chamomile Floral Elixir

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel is ideal for moisturising and soothing the skin. It forms a barrier that reduces water loss and is particularly beneficial for sensitive, irritated skin and skin exposed to external damage. Applied after a sunburn, it promotes skin regeneration and helps prevent flaking.

Discover organic aloe vera gel

Gentle exfoliation with a loofah glove

Gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells without irritating the skin. Use a loofah glove using circular movements to rid the skin of impurities and stimulate skin regeneration.

Discover our loofah glove

How can I prevent peeling skin?

When exposed to the sun: applying a sun lotion is essential to protect the skin from sunburn, reducing the risk of burns and peeling.

Discover our SPF 30 Mineral Sun Lotion

Our homemade cosmetic recipes for damaged skin

Ingredients (with scale)

Phase A - First part: making a 10% tepezcohuite aqueous macerate

Mineral water

45 g

Tepezcohuite powder

5 g

Phase B - Part 2: Making the serum

10% tepezcohuite aqueous macerate

35 g

Organic Provençal lemon balm hydrosol

10 g

Iota carrageenan gum

1 g

Organic sweet almond oil

2.5 g

Organic PDO Haute Provence lavender fine essential oil

0.1 g or 4 drops

Corsican Helichrysum italicum organic essential oil

0.05 g or 2 drops

Ingredients (without scales)

Phase A - First part: making a 10% tepezcohuite aqueous macerate

Mineral water

45 ml

Tepezcohuite powder

4 x 2 ml scoops

Phase B - Part 2: Making the serum

10% tepezcohuite aqueous macerate

35 ml

Organic Provençal lemon balm hydrosol

10 ml

Iota carrageenan gum

2 spoons TAD

Organic sweet almond oil

2.7 ml

Organic PDO Haute Provence lavender fine essential oil

0.1 ml or 4 drops

Organic Corsican Helichrysum italicum essential oil

0.05 ml or 2 drops

Tip

Full spoonfuls and scoops are always level: for a level surface, run a spatula or knife blade over the spoon or scoop to remove the excess product.

Preparation

Part 1: Making the 10% tepezcohuite aqueous macerate

Transfer the mineral water into a bowl.

Then take the required amount of tepezcohuite powder and transfer it to the same bowl.

Mix vigorously and leave to macerate for around 24 hours.

Filter (using a coffee filter, for example) and collect the filtrate.

Use your macerate for the recipe below.

Part 2: making the serum

Transfer phase B (tepezcohuite macerate + lemon balm hydrosol + carrageenan gum) into a bowl.

Heat the mixture in a bain-marie to melt the carrageenan gum and remove the bowl from the heat.

Then gradually add phase C (the rest of the ingredients), mixing well between each addition.

Transfer the product to your bottle using the pipette if necessary.

Note: the pH of this blend is approximately 5-5.5.

Store your bottle away from light and heat.

* Storage: if stored properly and manufactured under optimum hygiene conditions, your product will keep for at least 3 months.