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How Can I Remove Dry Skin?

By T. Alaine
Updated: May 21, 2024

The best way to remove dry skin is to focus on restoring moisture to the affected area and then protecting the skin to avoid future breakouts. Washing and exfoliating the skin will help remove dry patches by brushing away dead skin cells. Recurrent moisturizing with the right product to restore hydration and elasticity will soothe the irritating symptoms of the dry patches and help heal the skin. Most importantly, after you remove dry skin, it is important to follow some simple guidelines to maintain the progress you made and prevent new dry patches from occurring in the future.

Treating dry skin begins with washing and exfoliating. Using warm — not hot — water to wash will soften your skin and open up your pores, not only cleansing, but also prepping the skin for the next steps in treatment. Exfoliate the skin by gently applying a scrub, preferably one made with gentle particles such as rounded beads or sugars that dissolve easily and will not tear at the skin. After exfoliating, pat dry just enough so skin is not dripping wet and immediately apply a rich, high quality moisturizer to lock in moisture and soothe with healing ingredients.

The best moisturizer to remove dry skin will probably contain ingredients such as mineral oils, lanolin, glycerin, ceramides, natural butters, aloe, or hyaluronic acid. These quality ingredients will help seal in moisture, which will help with dry skin by replenishing and nourishing skin cells. After you remove dry skin, you will most likely notice that not only will the skin look less dull and more elastic and healthy, but also that any itching, cracking, or flakiness you once noticed has diminished. If dry skin worsens, you may have a mild medical condition such as rosacea or eczema, and should seek dermatological assistance.

Maintaining healthy new skin upon the removal of dry, dead skin can usually be accomplished by avoiding certain contributing behaviors. Exposure to excessively hot water and to harsh chemicals such as soaps, cleaners, and some artificial additives can all cause skin to dry out. Similarly, exposure to too much wind and sun can strip skin of natural oils and cause unpleasant and unsightly dryness. Limiting exposure to these dry skin facilitators and continuing to follow a routine of exfoliating and moisturizing will help improve the texture and appearance of skin. Prevention is a great strategy, because it is harder to remove dry skin than to stop it from occurring.

BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By StarJo — On Jan 18, 2013

At-home chemical peels are my favorite kind of dry skin treatment. They are great for removing dead skin.

I have used two different kinds. The more expensive one involved breaking open a capsule, mixing the powdered chemicals with water, and painting this gel onto my face with a tiny spatula. I left it on for three minutes and then scraped it off.

The other kind is cheaper and easier to use. It's a jar of pre-soaked pads that you just rub across your face. You can feel the tingling immediately, and you don't even have to rinse afterward.

Since the results are about the same for both, I started buying the cheaper one regularly. I use a pad once a week, and this keeps my face from looking flaky and dry. I follow each treatment with an anti-aging moisturizer, and my skin looks like new again.

By kylee07drg — On Jan 17, 2013

If I get dry skin on my face during the summer, I like to use an exfoliating scrub with large bits of rough stuff in it. My skin can stand this during the warm months, but during the winter, I need something more gentle.

I've found that wearing sunscreen can dry my skin out. So, every other day, I use the scrub with a washcloth. I rub it in a circular motion and rinse it all off.

By lighth0se33 — On Jan 17, 2013

@wavy58 – Aloe vera gel is one of the best remedies for dry skin that is caused by a sunburn. It feels so nice and cool on your skin, but it also can prevent peeling if you apply it soon enough.

I start using it as soon as I notice my sunburn. I shower first and then I gently rub the gel on my red skin.

I use it both morning and night, and many times, it has prevented me from peeling. Peeling is not the way you want to get rid of your dry skin if you can help it.

By wavy58 — On Jan 16, 2013

I just got a sunburn on my face, and I'm afraid that my skin is going to peel. Is there a way for me to stop my red, dry facial skin from peeling? If it does, I'll have to remove it, but I'd much rather prevent it from coming off in large pieces.

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