Content

• Steps
• Warning

Human skin cells are constantly peeling off and being renewed. When the skin is damaged by sun exposure, large plaques of damaged cells will peel off at the same time, causing white areas to flake off in patches. This is not only unsightly but also uncomfortable, as the surrounding skin is often burned, blistering and dry. The best way to prevent skin peeling from a sunburn is to apply plenty of sunscreen so that you don't get sunburned in the first place. When you forget to use sunscreen or use it incorrectly and get sunburned, your skin is damaged. However, you can alleviate the discomfort and pain of flaky skin by keeping your skin moisturized, avoiding irritants, and adopting a healthy diet.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Prevent immediate skin peeling

1. 

   
   
   Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to hydrate and moisturize the skin, creating conditions for the skin to function well and repair itself. Sun exposure increases dehydration and fluid loss in the skin, so it is important to compensate for the fluids lost from sunburn.
   • The best option is to drink water. However, you can also try drinking unsweetened iced tea. The antioxidants in green and black tea can help repair sun damage.
2. Use the cold compress method on sunburned areas every 20-30 minutes, every 3-4 hours. Use a towel dipped in cool water, or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Place the towel on the sunburned area for 20-30 minutes. Repeat this every 3-4 hours for the next few days.
   • This method will cool down and help the skin to recover faster.
   • Use a clean towel each time.

3. 

   
   
   Avoid further damage from the sun. If you are outside without taking protective measures to your damaged skin, your risk of flaking is higher and sunburn will be more severe. That's because the outermost protective layer of dead skin cells has been damaged, so more harmful UV rays will penetrate this skin layer.
   • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher if you plan to go outdoors with already sun damaged skin. You should also wear protective clothing and accessories (hats, sunglasses) to prevent further damage.

4. 

   
   
   Take an oatmeal bath. The soothing and moisturizing properties of oatmeal can help the skin retain its natural moisture and prevent flaking. To prepare an oatmeal bath, mix 1-3 cups of oatmeal in a bath filled with warm water. Soak in an oat bath for 15-30 minutes and rinse with clean water.
   • After soaking in oatmeal, apply moisturizer to add moisture to your skin.
   • Consider using this remedy every day before going to bed to provide the best conditions for skin not to flake from sunburn.

5. 

   Apply aloe vera to sunburned areas. Aloe vera is a natural extract of a species of cactus that has long been used widely for its soothing properties. You can buy an aloe lotion, pure aloe vera gel or cut a leaf and apply the gel inside to apply directly to the flaky skin. Aloe vera can aid in healing, fight pain, and prevent infection.
   • Find 98% - 100% pure aloe vera to avoid feeling greasy.
   • Try leaving the aloe vera in the refrigerator to feel even cooler when applied to your skin.
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Part 2 of 3: Using other solutions

1. 

   Apply moisturizer. Apply a layer of moisturizer to sunburned areas. Most drugstores sell creams that are specially formulated for newly sunburned skin. Avoid moisturizers that contain alcohol, retinol, and AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid), as these can dry out the skin and further irritate sensitive skin.
   • Use moisturizer throughout the day if possible and right after bathing to maximize moisturizer absorption.
   • You can replace your moisturizer with baby oil, coconut oil, or honey.

2. 

   Apply tea water over sunburned areas. The natural tannic acid in tea is a great remedy for sun-damaged skin. Make a pitcher of black tea and cool it in the refrigerator before applying it to your skin with a gauze pad or spray on the skin.
   • The tea will help reduce inflammation, reduce redness and help the skin heal.
   • You can also try applying the tea bags directly to the skin instead of using a gauze pad or spray.

3. 

   Take a baking soda bath. A baking soda bath can help restore the skin's pH and soothe the burning sensation. Add ¾ cup baking soda to your bath water and soak for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with clean water.
   • You can also mix one tablespoon full of baking soda in a bowl of cool water, soak a washcloth in the solution, wring it out, and use as a gauze to apply to painful and burning areas.
   • Light yellow urine indicates that your body is well hydrated.

4. 

   Spray vinegar on sunburned areas. Pour white vinegar or apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it over sunburned areas. Vinegar can help prevent ugly blisters and prevent flaking.
   • If the smell of vinegar is too strong, you can mix a 1: 1 solution of vinegar and water and spray it onto your skin.

5. 

   Apply whole milk to sunburned areas. Soak a washcloth in cold whole cream, squeeze it out and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Repeat this 2-3 times daily until the skin has healed.
   • Milk is very beneficial for burning skin, as the protein in milk has a soothing effect, and the lactic acid can reduce irritation and itching.

6. 

   Apply peppermint leaves to sunburned areas. Peppermint leaves are able to stop the process of peeling, while also supporting healthy, smooth skin. To use this remedy, crush a few mint leaves in a bowl to get the water out of the mint leaves, then apply it directly to the peeling skin of your face.

7. 

   Eat a balanced diet. A well-balanced diet that includes plenty of water, fruits, vegetables and lean meats can help keep skin healthy and reduce the negative effects of sunburn and flaking.
   • Eat plenty of protein, iron and foods containing vitamins A, C and E. These nutrients can help prepare skin for recovery.
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Part 3 of 3: Avoid habits that cause skin to flake

1. 

   Don't scratch your skin. Sunburned skin is often itchy, but scratching will only increase tissue damage in the sunburned area, more flaky skin and increase the risk of infection.
   • If the itchiness makes you want to scratch, try wrapping an ice cube in a damp cloth or paper towel and rubbing it over the affected area to temporarily relieve the itching.
   • If you absolutely need to remove flaky skin, don't pull the skin up, even if this is tempting. Use small scissors to carefully cut off any loose skin.

2. 

   Avoid hot baths. Take a cool or warm bath instead of hot. Hot water will dry out the skin and cause it to flake off easily; on the contrary, cool water is more comfortable and reduces the likelihood of peeling.
   • You should also avoid rubbing dry skin after you shower, as this can result in rubbing away the sunburned outer layer of your skin and causing peeling.

3. 

   Avoid using harsh cleansers or exfoliants. Soap can dry out your skin, and when your skin gets sunburned, you'll need to keep it as moist as possible to speed healing and prevent flaking. Limit your use of soap, and be sure to avoid rubbing it on particularly burning areas of your skin.
   • If you do use soap, don't use a washcloth or loofah to rub the soap on your skin. The rough surfaces of these materials can irritate the skin and cause the skin to flake easily.
   • Choose mild soaps such as Dove, Basis or Olay Sensitive Skin Oils to clean your face, armpits, feet and groin area. Then simply rinse with water.
   • You should also avoid shaving or waxing, but if you still have to do this, use moisturizing creams, gels or lotions.
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Warning

• Frequent sunburns can lead to cancer, premature skin aging and blisters. Avoid sun exposure without applying protection at all costs. Always wear a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher when outdoors and reapply it often, especially if your skin is wet.
• Seek medical advice if the skin flakes a lot, but not due to sun exposure, as certain medical conditions can cause the skin to flake.