Your skin’s shedding. It’s annoying, it looks bad, and yeah, it can get worse if you ignore it. Here’s what actually works.
1. Avoid the Sun
UV exposure dries out your skin and makes it shed faster. Even with sunscreen, too much sun will worsen the problem. Stay inside when you can, especially during peak hours. When you do go out, wear sunscreen. Not negotiable. SPF 30 minimum, reapplied every two hours if you’re stuck outside.
2. Bathe with Warm Water
Hot water strips your skin’s natural oils and makes it crack. Cold water’s uncomfortable and doesn’t help. Warm water’s the sweet spot. Shower once daily (more than that dries you out faster). Use unscented soap. Those antibacterial body washes everyone loves? They’re making your flaky skin worse. Skip them.
3. Moisturize
When your throat’s dry, you drink water. Same deal here. Jergen’s or any thick, fragrance-free lotion works. Apply it right after you shower while your skin’s still slightly damp. This locks moisture in. Do it once or twice daily.
A humidifier in your room helps between showers, especially in winter when indoor heating kills your skin’s moisture.
Don’t slather cosmetics on flaky areas. Most contain irritants that’ll make things worse.
If you’ve got a rash along with the flaking, take oatmeal baths (throw colloidal oatmeal in warm bathwater). If the flaking comes with swelling, persistent redness, or itching that won’t quit, see a doctor. That’s beyond basic dryness.