
How to get rid of
dry flaky skin on face
If you've ever had flaky skin, you're definitely not alone. It's a common condition that can happen to anyone. Flakiness can really get in the way of your skin's health and natural glow. But don't worry – in this article, NIVEA will share how you can get rid of those flakes and welcome back smooth, radiant skin that feels comfortable and confident.
What causes
flaky skin?
- Dryness:When your skin loses moisture and natural oils, it can become dry and more prone to flakiness.
- Cold weather:Harsh, cold weather can strip your skin of its moisture, leading to rough, flaky patches.
- Hot showers:Excessive hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it feel dry and flaky.
- Skin conditions:Conditions like eczema and psoriasis can lead to flaky skin due to inflammation and increased skin cell turnover.
- Age:As you age, your skin may produce fewer natural oils, making it more likely to feel dry, rough and flaky.

Dry skin and flaky skin
Flaky skin can affect all skin types differently, but it tends to bother people with dry skin the most. Dry skin lacks the moisture and oils it needs to stay smooth and supple, which makes it more likely to become flaky.
When flakiness shows up, you might notice visible dry patches, fine scales and sometimes even itchiness or irritation. This doesn’t just change how your skin looks – it can also feel uncomfortable and knock your confidence.
If you have dry skin, you usually need to be extra diligent about moisturising and following a skincare routine that suits your skin’s needs. That way you can minimise flakiness and keep your skin feeling healthier and more comfortable.
How to get rid of
flaky skin
Getting rid of flaky skin can be tricky and isn’t always completely possible, but there are definitely a few simple steps you can take to reduce how noticeable it is. Here are some easy tips you can try to improve the appearance of flaky skin:
- Shorten your bathing time:Long, hot showers aren’t great for your skin, as they strip away its natural oils and leave it feeling dry. Rather use warm water and keep your showers short – around 5–10 minutes is ideal.
- Use a humidifier:The combination of dry and hot indoor air can dehydrate your skin, making it feel irritated and itchy. Using a portable humidifier adds moisture back into your indoor environment and helps your skin feel more comfortable.
- Wear fabrics that are gentle on the skin:Although wool is a natural material, it can sometimes irritate your skin. Rather choose a fabric like cotton, as it lets your skin breathe and usually feels softer and more comfortable.
- Ease itchiness:To temporarily ease your skin when it feels itchy, gently press a cool, damp cloth onto the area for a few minutes.
Flaky skin
Characteristics: Flaky skin often feels dry and rough, with visible flakes that may itch.
Causes: Low humidity, skin conditions, ageing, hot water and over-exfoliation.
Prevention: Staying hydrated, using humidifiers, gentle cleansing, lukewarm showers, sunscreen and regular moisturising.
Treatments: Moisturising, gentle exfoliation and daily use of sunscreen.
NIVEA skincare routine to
Reduce Flaky Skin

Flaky skin needs a gentle but effective skincare routine to restore moisture and remove dead skin cells. Here’s a simple routine you can follow to help reduce flaky skin and minimise the chances of it coming back:
1. Cleanser:
Use a gentle cleanser such as NIVEA’s Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash in the morning to cleanse your face. This product is formulated for dry skin and contains ingredients such as Almond Oil to help soothe your skin.
2. Exfoliation:
Try adding mild chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs to your routine to support dead skin cell turnover and improve your skin’s texture, so that moisturisers can sink in and work better.

3. Moisturising:
Moisturising flaky skin is important to support your skin barrier, ease any feelings of tightness and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. NIVEA’s Nourishing Day Cream, enriched with Almond Oil, is formulated to deeply nourish dry and sensitive skin.
4. Sunscreen:
UV damage from the sun can cause your skin to become even more dehydrated and rough. To help prevent this, it’s a good idea to wear a facial sunscreen every day, especially after exfoliation, to care for smooth, flake-free skin.
5. Body care:
If you’re experiencing flaky skin on your body, try giving it extra moisture to help calm and comfort it. NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body Lotion with Almond Oil and Vitamin E helps to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
NIVEA products formulated for dry skin are carefully created to address the discomfort and challenges that come with it. By helping to lock in moisture and supporting your skin’s natural barrier, NIVEA products can assist in promoting a smoother, healthier-looking complexion if you struggle with flaky skin.
Flaky skin
for men
Flaky skin can affect men in many different ways, often causing discomfort and self-consciousness. For a lot of men, flakiness can get worse after shaving, leading to redness and irritation. Flaky skin can also make it harder to keep a neat, well-groomed appearance, because it’s difficult to apply grooming products smoothly and evenly.
NIVEA MEN Sensitive products are formulated to target 5 signs of irritation: burning, dryness, tightness and itchiness. Trusted by men, the range includes everything you need to look after your skin and support healthier-looking skin – from shaving and cleansing through to moisturising and deodorant. Suitable for everyday routines, these products can help relieve and reduce flaky skin.
Summary
Flakiness is a common skin concern that can appear on different skin types, especially dry skin. Once you understand what’s behind it, you can put together a simple skincare routine to help treat flakiness and work towards healthier, smoother-looking skin. Just like any journey, achieving the skin you want takes dedication and patience, so it can be helpful to keep a little journal to track your progress and notice what really works for you.
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