Exfoliate your face to get rid of skin that's peeling, but do it the right way. If your skin is peeling, avoid using a cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids, alcohol, or perfume. Try using lukewarm water and a soft washcloth or shower mitt to gently rub the skin on your face and loosen any skin that's flaking.
Skin flaking or peeling on the face is often a result of a condition such as xerosis cutis. Xerosis cutis can cause not only the face to peel, but can be a symptom of other conditions including psoriasis and eczema.
Exfoliation is important for dry or flaky skin. Avoid mechanical exfoliation on dry skin, because the process is drying and it can lead to microtears. AHAs are effective for dry skin. Glycolic acid will help remove dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin and encourage healthy skin turnover.
Peeling skin can be irritating. When skin is so dry that it peels, petroleum jelly can soothe the irritation and help skin heal. People can try applying it to dry, chapped lips or irritated eyelids during cold weather seasons.
Dry facial skin may result from many factors. These include exposure to changing temperature or humidity levels, using harsh soaps, and skin conditions such as eczema. Most cases of dry, flaky skin on your face are mild and will clear up with time. However, dry patches can sometimes indicate something more serious.
Vaseline is a moisturizing product that is safe for most people to put on their face. People can apply Vaseline to help with short-term skin concerns, such as temporary skin dryness or irritation. Vaseline is also suitable as a long-term moisturizer.
Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, don't use Vaseline or petroleum jelly on your face. Vaseline may be best used at night, when you're not planning on applying makeup, such as mascara, to your eyelashes.
To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids. Dry skin can flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Since ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions, consider applying petroleum jelly to dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.
Although toothpaste contains ingredients that keep the mouth clean and prevent dental disease, it does not follow that it will benefit the skin in the same way. The chemicals in toothpaste can irritate the skin, causing dryness that can stimulate the oil glands in the face.
The best time to exfoliate
If you tend to wear makeup throughout the day, it may be better to exfoliate at night, Dr. Gonzalez says. “Exfoliating at night helps clear out makeup and dirt on the skin,” she says. Exfoliating at night also removes oil and debris from the day.
Exfoliate in the Morning
Though any time of day will work, exfoliating in the morning is ideal because the skin repairs itself at night,2 potentially leaving a layer of dead skin cells just begging to be sloughed off.
The bottom line
Putting body lotion on your face once or twice probably won't cause any lasting harm. All the same, body lotion isn't meant for facial skin, so it could make some skin concerns worse. Sticking to products specifically formulated for your face will generally do more to benefit your skin in the long run.
“Sleep and relaxation have been proven to help moisturize the skin naturally,” says Marmur. Prioritizing a good night's sleep in addition to using a good night cream or lotion will help your skin retain moisture and eliminate dryness.