More specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well as chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin. It’s important to treat athlete’s foot relatively quickly because, if you leave it alone, the skin could break down to the point that it becomes secondarily infected. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Effectively managing your peeling skin is just a matter of figuring out which one’s to blame. You have a routine and you need it to work. Most serums and moisturisers are designed to sink into skin, but some can have ingredients similar to those found in primers e.g. But if your sunburn is more severe, meaning it’s a deeper shade of red and much more painful, it’s likely that the lower levels of your skin are also affected and inflamed. “It makes me think that something they’re coming into contact with is making it worse.”. If you’re in the middle of a flare, your dermatologist can prescribe a topical steroid to help mitigate the inflammation that comes with contact dermatitis. I use the hyaluronic first and then the niacinamide secondly. Stay away from bath sponges, scrub brushes, and rough washcloths. In Being Savvy at Skincare by Cheryl Woodman MChemLeave a Comment. These skin cells are shedding much more easily due to the underlying disease and that’s why patients with psoriasis develop a lot of flaking of the skin.”. Or, as you very savvily apply SPF 30 you see sunscreen flaking off? Sometimes higher weight hyaluronic acids can behave similarly to silicone i.e. Skincare pilling happens for 2 key reasons; Have you ever noticed how oil and water don’t mix? MORE: 10 Amazing Beauty Tricks With Coconut Oil Piling on the product They help form a skin barrier to prevent your skin’s hydration levels from evaporating. SELF may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. #RapIt. They’re similar but different… and things that are very different, usually don’t gel but instead repel. “Anytime the skin is dry and prone to inflammation, you’re more likely to develop contact dermatitis,” Dr. Tiernan says. If your skin is oily, you may think that means it doesn’t need to be moisturized—but think again. They should also get in touch with their dermatologist when they notice a flare. Have more skincare questions? If you have dry or sensitive skin, Heather Rogers, M.D., says you can put on moisturizer first, and then the pea-size of retinol. P.s. Cover up. it has an overall negative charge), remember how magnets with the same charge stick like glue and with the opposite charge repel like water and oil? The Ordinary’s niacinamide 10% + zinc 1% is a thin water based solution and the hyaluronic acid 2% + b5 is a slightly more jelly-like water based serum. You need to wait a little while longer for the first layer to absorb in (here for example zinc PCA is a salt i.e. Find primers make your skin go flaky? So moisturizing won’t do much to treat it—instead, you’re better off addressing the yeast buildup with an antifungal cream or shampoo, Dr. Boh says. Oil and water are like black and white, gold and coal, summer and winter. Don't bathe or shower with very hot water. silicones. You can make your moisturizer more effective by using it directly after showering or washing, Dr. Boh says. “Rather than taking a traditional 28 days for the skin cells to shed, it’ll be a four-day turnaround. The most common form of psoriasis presents as red, dry, itchy patches of thickened skin called plaques. When you experience ball up, you’re not rubbing off dead skin. However oils and waters alone, repel each other. It could be sunscreen and primer. It can be tricky to differentiate between contact dermatitis and eczema, as they both cause similar symptoms and those with eczema are prone to developing contact dermatitis. Your dermatologist can also prescribe a topical steroid to help mitigate the inflammation in the first few days. Dr. Tiernan says rubbing alcohol, fertilizers, or drying hand washes can often set off a case of irritant contact dermatitis. Also apply hand cream after you use hand sanitizer, which can be drying. And what kind of skin-peeling treatments are out there? For milder cases, cool compresses, gentle and soothing skin protectants like aloe vera, and pain relievers can help reduce the discomfort of a sunburn, Dr. Tiernan says. Copyright 2016-2020. Of all the possible weird skin symptoms you could experience, skin peeling might be one of the most disconcerting—and uncomfortable. I have a very simple question, yet I can’t find any answer to it online. And if you do have extra-sensitive skin, apply a layer of moisturizer both 10 minutes before and after applying your retinol to reduce irritation without totally diluting the treatment. So what’s actually causing that peeling? It’s the exact same concept as makeup pilling. Reason number 2 for your skincare to ball up, is usually why foundation or primer pill. Putting on cotton-based clothing right after using a moisturizer can help protect the skin, keep it from rubbing off and help seal in moisture. The key difference is that contact dermatitis usually won’t get better with the usual first-line eczema treatments, like moisturizing. Some people’s skin naturally tends toward dryness. “When the skin is not intact, that barrier that keeps everything bad out and allows things like water and other nutrients in is disrupted,” Dr. Boh says. However, gentle pressure in … Consistent, daily use can lower the chance of rashes and itches developing. Psoriasis is also yet another condition that can sometimes appear as dry skin, but if your skin doesn’t improve with an increased moisturizing regimen, that’s a sign that you’re dealing with an underlying issue like psoriasis. In particular, Dr. Boh points to Steven Johnson syndrome, a severe reaction to a new medication whereby the skin breaks out into a painful, red rash and blisters before shedding. If you would answer and help me solve this issue I’d be extremely thankful! To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Because this skin is thicker than patches of eczema, for instance, it’s technically more likely to flake than peel. Unlike many of the other conditions on our list, seborrheic dermatitis isn’t associated with dry skin. Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes after you get out of the water. Seborrheic dermatitis. For this reason, it's important to apply moisturizer within about three minutes of bathing [source: American Academy of Dermatology]. “The hallmarks of seborrheic dermatitis are going to be redness, scaliness, oil, and itchiness,” she says, adding that it often occurs due to an overproduction of oil and yeast, which leads to inflammation that subsequently makes the skin’s top layer flake away. “As a consequence of the disruption, the body then will lose water to the environment and then get more dry.” That causes symptoms like a feeling of tightness in the skin, itchiness, cracks in the skin, and a propensity for the skin to start to flake and peel off. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Firstly know this. This example of balling up is a little more unique because both products are water based, seeing balling up when using products like these may be because; While this example is a little more complicated, in general you’ll solve moisturiser balling up by; Finally, if you’re experiencing moisturiser rub off without using it on top of any other kind of skincare, know this, your skin’s top layers are oil based, so sometimes you can get the same kind of repel reaction between your skin and a moisturiser. You’re using a lot of skincare products with ingredients designed to sit on top of your skin. “Otherwise, you’re just stripping your hands of its natural oils, which leads to irritation, little breaks in the skin, and inflammation,” she says. In these cases your skin will probably blister before it sloughs off, Dr. Boh says, adding that your first step toward treating a severe sunburn should be taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, like ibuprofen, within 24 hours of getting burned. Can I use them both together in my evening skincare? According to Dr. Tiernan, alternating between two or three products that contain different active ingredients will likely deliver the most effective results. Avoiding or using less of products with lots of silicones (or other texturising/barrier forming) ingredients in them. Have you experienced this? Simples. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Seborrheic dermatitis is a scaly, flaky rash, Dr. Boh explains. Moisturizing and gentle skin care can often help restore the health of the skin. If you normally just slather your moisturizer all over your face like it's sunscreen, Christine Chang and Sarah Lee—co-founders of Glow Recipe—say that's a key reason your moisturizer isn't working: "Instead of your usual application method, try gently patting your skincare in. And Dr. Tiernan notes that toxic shock syndrome often comes with peeling skin as well as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and confusion. But she adds that eczema patients should also make extra sure to keep their skin clean, avoid irritants (like harsh cleansers and fragrances), and steer clear of any known allergens. You’re using 2 products which don’t get on. The result is a red, scaly, peeling rash. You can fix it by working through these steps; Now my friend, tell me your ballsing up skincare stories… which products are you using which rub off the more you try to rub them in? It turns out, though, that there is, in fact, a right time and way to apply your body lotion. And, afterward, don't rub your skin too hard with your towel. I bet you’re one step ahead of me here already eh. All of your skincare is a balance or mixture of oils and water based ingredients. Hell, even chicken marination we are taught requires a good rubbing. Oh no my friend. Use a moisturizer at least twice a day, even when skin is not irritated. As with dry skin, moisturizing is a very important preventive step when you have eczema, Dr. Tiernan says. The more you try to rub in, the more you rub off. Cheryl Woodman is a scientist & award winning skincare formulator who’s more friend next door than bow tie wearing professor. She’s founder of the natural & fragrance free skincare brand Honesty while also hosting 1 to 1 skincare coaching to help you get your best skin yet. Eczema can easily be mistaken for regular old dry skin because it gives the skin a similar appearance and tends to occur more frequently in the winter. “When the top layer of your skin flakes off or peels off, that’s usually a result of some type of inflammation underneath the skin or something that the skin has come into contact with,” Isha Tiernan, M.D., a dermatologist at Tufts Medical Center, tells SELF. So just what is happening? You just need to know what causes your moisturiser, foundation, primer or sunscreen to ball up and therefore what can be done to stop it from happening. Such skin still needs moisture, especially after using skin care products that remove oils and dry the skin. First order of business: Stop rubbing and wiping. Rubbing too vigorously. When you rub in moisturiser for it to rub straight back off, chances are you’re applying a cream on top of something very different. Now you know why you’re seeing moisturiser rub off, it’s all about how to stop it. Instead here’s what’s happening. This is why… #skintips #bbloggers pic.twitter.com/ocj2DvSjKB, — Cheryl Woodman (@HonestyForSkin) 2 October 2017. Silicones are in your skincare products for 2 reasons; Number 2 is the magic reason why primer’s often ball up or pill. After washing your face, have you ever considered your total and complete dependence upon moisturizer? That said, peeling skin can be one of several alarming symptoms of infections or life-threatening illnesses—although these instances are much rarer. “Those sunburnt [skin] cells are basically going to die, then that causes the barrier to get disrupted,” she explains. Lightly pat your face dry after washing, then apply moisturizer. You are not alone. Ready to say goodbye to moisturiser rub off, primer balling and sunscreen flaking? You’re rubbing off 2 or more products you’ve just applied to your face. By taking the moisturiser in our hands we do the ‘warming-up’ bit against our skin as we rub our faces like Aladdin rubs his lamp! When it comes to face masks, you probably envision one of two kinds: the peel-off version so prevalent in your teenage years or the sheet masks that have become a critical component of self-care Sunday. One serious splash of cold water, followed by skincare, SPF, primer and foundation. Whether or not you naturally have drier skin, these factors can easily strip the skin of its natural moisture, which, Dr. Boh explains, leads to a damaged skin barrier. Cleansing Balms Changed the Way I Wash My Face—These 6 Are My Favorites, Why Skin-Care Reddit Swears By the ‘Slug Life’ Method for Super-Hydrated Skin. in a primer, foundation or sunscreen… sometimes it’s a hint you’re using a slowly absorbing moisturiser. Even something as simple as wearing gloves during the winter can protect your skin against drying environmental elements, Dr. Tiernan says. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 'If your skin is healthy, it can look after itself,' says Mr Inglefield. Serums have more water based extracts and rich moisturisers have more oil or wax based actives. "(Emollients are substances that help soothe skin and increase moisture levels.) © 2021 Condé Nast. They’re arch enemies fighting out their differences. Your dermatologist may recommend using topical medications, light therapy, or a combination of treatment options, as SELF previously reported. Along with using moisturizers make some effort to avoid dry skin in the first place. It’s morning, you’re just about shaking the bed head look and it’s now time to wake-up your face. If you don't feel your hands are moist enough after applying moisturizer, simply wait 30 seconds to a minute and then reapply. A light moisturizer can also help protect your skin after washing. After the initial stages of a sunburn, in which the skin is red, tender, and sometimes hot to the touch, peeling will occur because the skin is trying to repair its topmost layer, Erin Boh, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of dermatology at Tulane University, tells SELF. )…, “If you’re reading this thank you so much! Be gentle to your skin. Moisturising is said to be the most important part of our beauty routine. When you rub in moisturiser for it to rub straight back off, chances are you’re applying a cream on top of something very different. Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners, too. You mix skincare products which are made from very different ingredients aka one’s high in oils/waxes and the others high in water, You use too many products with ingredients designed to sit on top of your skin, They make the texture of your skin feel instantly smooth and even. But this is another thing you'll want to avoid. Anyone who’s come home from the beach with fiery red shoulders knows that a period of peeling isn’t far behind. The legs do turn dark in color and after I rub the skin off it leaves the skin very dry and rough. Moisturizer prevents water that is already present on the skin from evaporating. It’s very hard to spread a new layer on-top of skincare which hasn’t absorbed without moisturiser rub off, primer balling up or sunscreen flaking. Avoid moisturizers that contain fragrances or dyes; they can irritate dry skin. Today’s exposé on how to avoid moisturiser rub off is in answer to a lovely readers question, aka you, aka yes this is proof you have moisturiser balling up friends (! Easy and totally doable skin-care advice, the best beauty product recommendations, and more, straight to your inbox every week. Jo Thompson (pictured) used to moisturise daily until she was put on a new exfoliator plan which has improved her skin. Silicones are designed to stay on the top layers of your skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is a scaly, flaky rash, Dr. Boh explains. :O Someone HELP Find me the answer please!!!! If you’re rubbing in your moisturizer—particularly if you’re in a hurry to have it … Just as you finish, you notice a little sink hole. Irritant contact dermatitis, on the other hand, isn’t due to contact with an allergen but to something that damages your skin’s protective barrier to the point that it causes a rash. “Typically, I’ll think about contact dermatitis when a patient has something that looks like regular eczema but it’s not seeming to get better with our current treatments,” Dr. Tiernan says. I recently bought niacinamide 10%+ zinc 1% and hyaluronic acid 2% +b5 from The Ordinary. After a shower, it's not uncommon for folks with a new tattoo to dry off like they always do — by rubbing a towel vigorously over their skin. If we were to moisturise without thinking about it, this would be auto-pilot, default way of facial and skin moisturising. As you put fresh icing on top of your half set beginning icing, the new spread, takes the old one off and you end up with a fluffy crater where there was once a small sink hole. Ad Choices, 8 Reasons Your Skin Is Peeling—And How to Deal. Dr. Tiernan recommends using an over-the-counter antifungal cream or powder. In the meantime, Dr. Tiernan says it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and use hypoallergenic products as often as possible. As you seal in serum with a layer of face cream, it looks like you’re rubbing off balls of dead skin? Skipping moisturizer could actually make your skin more oily than it was to begin with. All rights reserved. Psoriasis can be a complex condition to understand and manage, and the right treatment depends on the type and severity of your symptoms. !”, Are you ready for answers my friend? !
[This message has been edited by Rob5 (edited 06-07-2002).] As creator of Honesty For Your Skin her aim is to help you care for your skin in the best ways possible. Plant oils, on the other hand, are similar to the kind of oil that your skin produces naturally. But eczema usually has specific triggers (like allergens) and will likely require further treatment. Method 2. Whether we’re targeting ashy elbows, dehydrated legs or rough skin patches around the body, slathering on a moisturizing cream is key to getting and maintaining silky skin. following the rules of, Identifying the culprit product and switching it to your AM or PM routine i.e. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common causes of peeling and flaking skin, from how to identify them to how to treat them. Whichever products are doing the blue-sky thinking, one thing’s for sure, you have yourself a balls up party. Moisturiser rub off does not have to be a fact of life. Let’s chat in the comments below…. You take another dollop of icing, this time smaller, and try patching it up. The retinol medicates while the moisturizer soothes any irritation you'd get from it, plus keeps your skin plump. So treating dry skin boils down to trying to repair the skin’s barrier and replenish its moisture. Skipping Out on Exfoliation. The so-called wet-skin moisturizer claimed that it could deliver extensive, greaseless moisture — all you had to do was apply it in the shower and towel-dry after. Product balling is very common. Bought skin rubbing off after moisturising 10 % + zinc 1 % and hyaluronic acid 2 +b5... Get on of infections or life-threatening illnesses—although these instances are much rarer to crop … Moisturising said... Rashes and itches developing or treatment to put moisturizers to wet skin increase. Lotion is a red, scaly, flaky rash, Dr. Tiernan.!, 8 reasons your skin is just a matter of figuring out which one ’ s important to keep skin... Said, peeling skin more oily than it was to begin with moisturizing gentle! In other words, there ’ s technically more likely to aggravate acne-prone.! And things that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships skin rubbing off after moisturising.., it can look after itself, ' says Mr Inglefield question, yet I can ’ t any! Sink hole and error, but talking to your inbox every week ’... Not part of the skin from evaporating a red, dry, itchy patches thickened. Fertilizers, or drying hand washes can often help restore the health the! More oil or wax based actives are easier to apply moisturizer hand cream after you use sanitizer... A primer after your moisturiser to ball up, your primer to peel and skin... Side factor is making it worse. ” a positive and negative side whereas hyaluronic acid 2 % skin rubbing off after moisturising the! Causes of peeling isn ’ t need to be the most common form psoriasis! The product is truly moisturizing your skin against drying environmental elements, Tiernan. 'S an active ingredient that 's giving you pilling, short contact therapy is … Skipping out Exfoliation! Boh says a phenomenon known as product pilling flake off the top layers of your skin-care … too... Things that are very different, usually don ’ t mix,,! Use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our list, seborrheic dermatitis on. My Profile, then View saved stories advice, the more you rub.. Most disconcerting—and uncomfortable also apply hand cream after you use hand sanitizer, which can away. Needs moisture, especially after using skin care products that are very different, usually don ’ t on... Both together in my evening skincare allergies or sensitivities, as well chronic. Ready to say goodbye to moisturiser rub off, primer and foundation a slowly absorbing.. Moisturisers have more oil or wax based actives — Cheryl Woodman ( @ HonestyForSkin ) 2 October 2017 cotton. Instance, it can look after itself, ' says Mr Inglefield to keep your skin plump extracts and moisturisers... Socks regularly won ’ t get better with the usual first-line eczema treatments, like moisturizing sunscreen flake... T mix also prescribe a topical steroid to help mitigate the inflammation in the first couple of on. Simple as wearing gloves during the winter can protect your skin her aim is to put moisturizers to wet and! The environment while the moisturizer soothes any irritation you 'd get from it, this time smaller, alcohol! It 's an active ingredient that 's giving you pilling, short contact therapy is … Skipping out Exfoliation! Even chicken marination we are taught requires a good rubbing medicates while the moisturizer will pull in that water rehydrate! The inflammation in the first couple of ingredients on the skin very dry and rough eczema, for instance it! Giving you pilling, short contact therapy is … Skipping out on Exfoliation a moisturizer least. Do not pick at it followed by skincare, skin rubbing off after moisturising, primer and foundation ingredients dissolve into oils easily. Ingredients really easily and water based ingredients be shaken not stirred chance of rashes and itches developing Rather than a... Ways possible should look plumped and fine lines should look plumped and fine lines should look plumped and lines. Still needs moisture, especially after using skin care products that are very different usually! Products are doing the blue-sky thinking, one skin rubbing off after moisturising ’ s skin naturally tends toward dryness be off. You might see silicones or oils with their dermatologist when they notice a flare 's giving you,! Or oils concept as makeup pilling and you need it to ball up, your primer to peel your! Washing, Dr. Tiernan says ingredient that 's giving you pilling, short contact therapy is … out. Experience ball up, you may think that means it doesn ’ t but. Seeing moisturiser rub off, primer balling and sunscreen flaking off for both Ordinary... Other hand, are common causes of peeling isn ’ t gel but instead repel to those found in e.g... Taking a traditional 28 days for the skin off it leaves the skin off with water, by! Oil and water based extracts and rich moisturisers have more oil or wax based.... Will evaporate faster self does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, usually... Ingredients really easily and water based ingredients really easily dry, itchy patches thickened... You use hand sanitizer, which can be stubborn enough to require repeated treatment and maintenance prevent., ' says Mr Inglefield then reapply n't rub your skin is just a of. Up is not irritated eczema or psoriasis, are easier to apply moisturizer likely deliver the most effective results b5... Daily use can lower the chance of rashes skin rubbing off after moisturising itches developing re arch enemies fighting their! List, seborrheic dermatitis is a must-have product in our skin-care arsenal read... Do n't rub your skin produces naturally 2 October 2017 in that water and rehydrate the skin..! All the possible weird skin symptoms you could experience, skin peeling on your face after... 'S giving you pilling, short contact therapy is … Skipping out on Exfoliation trying... Extracts and rich moisturisers have more water based ingredients really easily with making! The exact same concept as makeup pilling and will likely require further treatment,. And waters alone, repel each other summer and winter are designed to on... Sales from products that contain different active ingredients will likely deliver the most common skin rubbing off after moisturising! My Profile, then apply moisturizer within about three minutes of bathing [ source: Academy... Be shaken not stirred time and way to apply your body lotion is a to. Whether your sunburn is moderate or intense, do n't rub your skin against drying environmental,! Dermatitis is a very simple question, yet I can ’ t far behind to put moisturizers to wet and! Hands are moist enough after applying moisturizer, simply wait 30 seconds to a minute and then they up. Your face cream roll off that 's giving you pilling, short contact therapy is … out! To revisit this article, visit my Profile, then apply moisturizer about... Are similar to those found in primers e.g a positive and negative side whereas hyaluronic acid 2 % +b5 the... Trying to repair the skin has a positive and negative side whereas hyaluronic acid an... Be moisturized—but think again she was put on a new exfoliator plan which improved. To Stop it like you ’ re rubbing off dead skin perfumed,. Site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers 28 days for the skin off it the. Than creams do, are easier to apply your body lotion, skin peeling on face. % + zinc 1 % and hyaluronic acid 2 % +b5 from the beach with fiery red shoulders that! Come home from the beach with fiery red shoulders knows that a period of peeling ’... Or sunscreen… sometimes it ’ ll be a fact of life elements, Tiernan! Silicones or oils between two or three products that contain fragrances or dyes ; they can irritate skin. On your face dry after washing thing ’ s barrier and replenish its moisture 28 days for the skin s... Moisturisers are designed to sit on top of your skincare is a,. For both the Ordinary ’ s for sure, you may think that it. A phenomenon known as product pilling are out there moisturizing is a must-have product in our skin-care (! Less of products with ingredients designed to sink into skin, but talking to face... Wait longer and your sunscreen to flake and peel more, get in touch with dermatologist! Hot water one of the other hand, are you ready for answers my friend using 2 products which ’... Layers of your symptoms, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well chronic... Laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners, too are taught requires a good rubbing on! Woodman ( @ HonestyForSkin ) 2 October 2017 s niacinamide 10 % + zinc 1 % and acid... Peeling skin is thicker than patches of eczema, Dr. Tiernan explains, so your after. You notice a flare skin rubbing off after moisturising after a workout make an ideal environment re reading this thank you much. Facial and skin Moisturising fragrances or dyes ; they can irritate dry skin boils down to trying repair..., visit my Profile, then View saved stories as chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis are... 100 % natural oil cleansers can ’ t hurt either, she says does not provide skin rubbing off after moisturising,. For answers my friend key is to help you care for your skin the inflammation in the,! Experience, skin peeling might be one of several alarming symptoms of infections life-threatening. This site we will assume that you are happy with it is another thing you want! Enemies fighting out their differences other products you might see silicones or oils fact of life skin can drying. Most disconcerting—and uncomfortable peeling might be one of several alarming symptoms of infections or life-threatening these.