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Flaky skin always seems to appear at the worst moment. A black sweater, a bright bathroom mirror, a foundation that suddenly clings to every dry patch. Most people respond by scrubbing, exfoliating, or layering on another serum. That usually makes it worse. Flaky skin is not dirt that needs removing. It is your skin barrier telling you it is losing water faster than it can hold it.
This guide explains why dry, flaky skin develops, how to tell a routine problem from a medical one, and how to rebuild the barrier step by step. Whether the flaking sits on your cheeks, around your nose, or across your whole body, the fix starts the same way: stop fighting your skin and start repairing it. For a full cause-by-cause list, see what causes dry skin.
Flaky skin is the visible peeling or shedding of small, dry skin particles. It appears white, grey, or slightly translucent, often with tightness or mild itching. Dermatologists call the underlying issue xerosis (clinically dry skin). Flaking is the visible sign that the skin barrier is compromised.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association's dry skin care and bathing guidance, several tips and tricks help treat skin sensitivities and achieve softer and more nourishing skin at home with the right ingredients.
The outer skin layer works like a brick wall. According to the National Eczema Association, in atopic dermatitis and barrier dysfunction, dead cells (corneocytes) are the bricks. Lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) are the mortar. When the mortar is stripped, water evaporates. This is called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Dead cells then clump and lift instead of shedding invisibly, which is what you see as flakes.
These are not the same.
Flaking usually involves both. Treating only one is the most common reason routines fail. If you are asking "why is my skin so dry and flaky," start with the usual suspects. For a deeper breakdown, read our guide on ‘why is my skin dry and flaky’.
Dry and flaky skin on the face is more common and more visible than on the body. Facial skin is thinner, more exposed, and treated with more active products.
Learn how the two interact in our guide to dry skin and acne.
The goal is to repair the barrier, replace lost water, and lock it in. Dermatologists, based on the fundamentals of skin barriers, recommend not scrubbing flakes off. Mechanical removal damages the skin further.
For a complete shopping checklist, see the best skincare essentials for dry skin.
Match ingredients to function. Layering all of them is unnecessary.
Not sure where to start? Here are the 5 best ingredients for dry skin and how to use them.
Home care works for most mild to moderate cases. See a dermatologist if you notice any of the following:
A dermatologist can prescribe topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or antifungals where needed.
1. Can diet affect flaky skin?
Ans. Yes, a diet that is low in essential fatty acids and vitamin E can contribute to dry and flaky skin. Eating a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
2. What are some natural remedies for flaky skin?
Ans. Some natural remedies for flaky skin include using aloe vera gel, coconut oil, honey, oatmeal, and yogurt. These ingredients can help soothe and hydrate the skin. But we believe it is best to utilize a moisturizer for dry, flaky skin.
3. What skincare products can I use to treat flaky skin?
Choose skincare products that possess ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and urea. Foxtale’s Moisturizer for Dry to Very Dry Skin is your best bet to treat flaky skin. These ingredients can help restore moisture to the skin and improve its texture.
4. When should I see a doctor for my flaky skin?
If your flaky skin is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling, you should see a doctor. They will help determine the underlying cause of your skin condition and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Guide to Hydrating face wash for Dry Skin
The Perfect Skincare Routine For Dull, Dry Skin

Bhargavi Kalghatgi, Vice President, R&D, Foxtale
Bhargavi Kalghatgi is the Vice President of Research & Development at Foxtale, with over 15 years of experience in formulation science, clinical research, and product innovation across leading FMCG organizations. She holds a Master's degree in Biotechnology and began her career at Marico, where she worked on haircare research, product development, and clinical studies. She later joined Unilever, contributing to beauty care research by translating novel scientific insights into consumer-centric technologies. During her tenure, she worked on leading brands including Dove, Clinic Plus, and Clear, and led the development of haircare products across South Asian markets. At Foxtale, Bhargavi leads R&D across skincare and bodycare, focusing on developing efficacious, science-backed products that combine active-led technologies with superior sensorial experiences. Driven by a strong foundation in biology and a passion for innovation, she is committed to translating complex science into meaningful solutions that address consumer needs and deliver visible results.
A skincare and beauty content writer passionate about creating research-backed content on skincare, beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. She regularly studies dermatologist recommendations, ingredient research, clinical findings, and industry trends to deliver accurate and actionable insights. Through her writing, she helps readers navigate skincare routines, understand ingredients, address common skin concerns, and make informed choices for healthier skin and overall well-being.
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If you have dry skin, you know how important it is to keep hydrating, moisturizing and treating your skin. It needs TLC to prevent it from flaking, peeling or itching. If slathering on moisturizer isn’t working, you might need to change things and add some extra steps to your routine.
Dry skin is a skin type — it is usually just innate. It is characterized by a lack of oil, which messes with barrier function. This causes flaky, dry skin pieces that come up the surface, causing itchy skin and overall dryness, especially near the eyebrows and around the corners of the nose and mouth. Look for products with Ceramides, Fatty Acids and Petroleum, which will work best to soften skin, moisturize and repair barrier function.
Rather than lacking oil, dehydrated skin lacks water. It looks flat because of surface cell deflation, because there isn’t any moisture in the cells to hold them up. It usually shows up as tiny, triangular fine lines on the surface, and the skin feels tight and dull. This skin condition requires TLC to solve—you’ll want to load up on humectants to hydrate, and then emollients to seal.
Confused whether your skin type is dry or not? Here are a few factors that will help you decide
1. Your skin feels dry right after cleansing: When you have exceptionally dry skin, it may feel dry or uncomfortably tight right after cleansing. To remedy this situation, we recommend humectants-infused, pH balancing formulas.
2. Skin may appear flaky or scaly: Since dry skin is characterized by less than adequate sebum production, it may appear flaky or scaly on the outside. To compensate for the lack of natural moisturization – try rich, hydrating cream in your morning/evening routine.
3. Dry skin is more prone to inflammation: Dry skin is more susceptible to flareup due to its diminished water-retention capabilities. Use soothing formulas with Niacinamide, Alpha Bisabolol, and Betaine to counter this problem.
4. Itchiness or irritation: Dry skin loses its ability to avert allergens, irritants, and toxins. These aggressors penetrate the lipid barrier and activate the immune system, leading to inexplicable episodes of itchiness or irritation.
Dryness can occur due to a gamut of reasons. Take a closer look at them here -
1. Genetic predisposition: Many folks are genetically predisposed to dry, flaky skin.
2. Extreme cold temperatures: Extreme cold temperatures can sap the moisture from your skin, leading to dryness, flakiness or a scaly texture.
3. Harsh skincare products, soaps, and detergents: Harsh skincare, soaps and detergents can dislodge natural oils from the skin, making it dry and uncomfortably tight. To preserve your skin’s moisture content, we recommend using gentle and hydrating formulas.
4. Your surroundings: Do you experience dryness after sitting in an air-conditioned office all day? This happens because the air con zaps moisture molecules from its immediate surroundings.
5. Ageing: Ageing makes your skin thinner, diminishing its oil-producing capabilities. This is why, after a certain age your skin becomes dry and flaky.
6. Over washing and over-exfoliation: Over washing or over-exfoliation can remove natural oil from the skin, causing it to dry out. To counter this problem, we recommend cleansing only twice every day – in your morning and nighttime skincare routine. Additionally, experts suggest that exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week (and nothing more) bodes well for all skin types.
A good face wash should cleanse without stripping oil from the face, and must maintain your skin’s pH balance. Look for calming ingredients. Incorporate Aloe Vera, Rose Water, Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid and stick to textures that are creamy or milky. Skip very stripping foaming cleansers, because these will over-dry your skin and worsen dryness.
Our recommendation: Try Foxtale’s Hydrating Face Wash to revive your dry skin. It boasts Sodium Hyaluronate and Red Algae Extract that improve your skin’s water-holding capacity. The formula guarantees a thorough cleanse without making your skin feel stripped or dry. Moreover, the Hydrating Cleanser doubles as a makeup remover. Infused with gentle surfactants, this cleanser melts every trace of makeup and SPF.
Buff your skin (gently):
Over exfoliation is damaging to the protective skin barrier and triggers an inflammatory response in the skin. This causes long-term inflammation and barrier damage, which can be worse if you already have dry skin. But buffing your dry skin is important. You want to get rid of the dead, dry skin cells on the top, so the hydrating ingredients can actually get to the newer, younger ones. Use scrubs with very fine granules (so you don’t create microtears in your skin) or a washcloth if you like to physically exfoliate. If you prefer chemical exfoliation, lactic acid and glycolic acid (in a buffered, pH adjusted formula) are a good call. Use these in a serum, peel or toner form for best results. Finally, then follow with a moisturiser and oil, as your skin is more adept at holding in moisture post-exfoliation.
Our recommendation: Use Foxtale’s innovative AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum to cast away buildup. Glycolic and Salicylic Acid remove flakiness, dead cells and other debris to ensure healthy cellular renewal. We love how this formula doesn’t burn or sting on application. Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide ensure sustained hydration to the skin – making it a great fit for dry skin folks
In the day, it is best to use a lightweight serum and continue with a moisturiser + SPF combo that’ll brighten, hydrate and balance.
At night, it’s time to pull out the big guns. During the day, the skin is in protection mode, and it is working to fend off UV rays and pollution. When your skin is at rest at night, its permeability is the highest. So, it allows active ingredients to absorb deep into the skin. After cleansing and toning, you’ll want to use a lightweight humectant to draw water into itself and hydrate the skin. Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are the most popular ingredients to serve this purpose. They are best applied on damp skin so the molecules have enough to pull in and hold on to. Always apply lighter, watery products on damp skin. Then layer thicker products on top to trap the water in, it allows for hydrated, supple and bouncy skin. Next, apply a moisturizer with barrier-boosting ingredients like Lipids, Ceramides and Fatty Acids. These serve as emollient ingredients that fill up the spaces between your skin cells and smooth out the skin. Last, finish with a face oil that has light oils and antioxidants—it’ll scavenge free radicals while holding in all the goodness of the moisture sandwich you previously created.
Our recommendation: To seal and satiate, use Foxtale’s Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides for dry skin. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Olive Oil bind water molecules to the skin, making it soft, elastic, and bouncy. Ceramide helps double down on efforts for hydration by preventing TEWL or transepidermal water loss. The super ingredient also shields the skin against harmful pollutants, UV rays, free radicals and other aggressors.
Include antioxidants into your skincare routine, because free radicals are able to reduce cellular function, which can reduce collagen and elastin production, therefore leading to wrinkles, fine lines and a loss of elasticity. Topical antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and resveratrol are a good call, and you can layer them into the serum step of your routine.
Our recommendation: Try Foxtale’s emollient-rich Vitamin C Serum. It uses gel-trap technology that encapsulates Vitamin C (a water-soluble molecule) with Vitamin E (an oil-soluble molecule). This step in formulation ensures better absorption of the serum across the lipid barrier. Travelling 4X deep into the skin, Foxtale’s Vitamin C Serum shows jaw-dropping results in 5 uses only. Use it for brightening, fighting premature signs of ageing, reducing radical damage to the skin and more.
Dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, but it can make wrinkles and fine lines look more pronounced. Hydrating and moisturising will plump the skin and reduce the look of them, but you’ll want to use a collagen-boosting ingredient like retinol too. Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen and elastin, and they also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin. However, in the process of improving cell turnover, they also reduce oil production in the area, which can cause dryness and flakes. Struggling with Retinol-induced dryness? Pair it with soothing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, or apply it mixed with the product in a 1:1 ratio.
Related Reads:
1. Skincare routine for dry skin
2. How to layer moisturizer for extra hydration
3. Hydrating serums for dry skin
Our recommendation: Layer Hydrating Serum with Retinol Serum in your nighttime routine. Our innovative Hydrating Serum contains 6 humectants that make your skin plump, soften ageing lines and offset episodes of accidental inflammation – making it the perfect precursor to Retinol. Our beloved Retinol Serum encapsulates the star ingredient in a protective barrier that travels deep inside the skin and breaks open. This helps reduce purging and breakouts that Retinol otherwise causes on the dermis.
Flaky Skin: Causes, Treatment, and a Dermatologist-Aligned Routine
Tips on how to Treat Acne when you have Dry Skin
Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.
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It's known to be stubborn and ever so persistent. Yes! It's acne- a problem experienced by adults and teens alike. Often, it is a skin condition that is associated with oily skin. But in reality, people with dry skin too can face trouble and break out occasionally. This is a comparatively tricky situation since it is generally assumed acne is triggered by the excess production of sebum.
However, it is not always the case; blackheads, clogged pores, whiteheads, and acne can also occur in dry skin. There are many causes, like dirt, bacteria, and weaker protective barrier of the skin, to name a few. Read on to find out how you can treat acne and get radiant skin despite all odds.
Acne is like the uninvited guest at a party that just won't leave! It's caused by the overproduction of oil and the buildup of dead skin cells in the pores of your skin. This leads to the formation of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads that can be painful, unsightly and may even cause scarring if left untreated. Acne can be caused by a combination of factors including genetics, hormones, diet, and hygiene.
Dry skin can break out, too, for several reasons. Once you understand the reasons behind the breakout, you can find out the right treatment. Here are some reasons behind such breakouts.
When your skin is dry, its natural barrier is compromised. A weak barrier cannot defend itself against C. acnes bacteria. Therefore, the goal for dry skin isn't to "dry out" the pimple, but to "hydrate it out" by repairing the barrier so the skin can heal itself.
Here’s how you can tackle the issue of acne on dry skin by following these tips and tricks:
Using a cleanser that is gentle and hydrating can be a total game-changer for your skin. Foxtale's daily duet cleanser emulsifies to remove makeup and helps get rid of dirt and dead skin cells without making the skin feel dry. It contains red algae extract, an antioxidant known for its cleansing and moisturizing properties, and vitamin B5, which aids in reducing the appearance of acne and blemishes. This unique blend of ingredients makes this cleanser a must-have for achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
People with oily skin are usually recommended to wash their face frequently in order to get rid of excess oil. However, it shouldn’t be the case with dry skin. Dry skin already produces less than average sebum and if you wash your face too often, it can make it even drier. At most, it's best to wash your face twice a day. If you have extremely dry skin, try splashing some water instead of going for a full cleansing routine in the morning.
Don't you love the feeling of soft and bouncy skin? Along with all the nourishment a moisturizer offers, it helps protect you from harsh and drying winters. Slathering on moisturizer ensures you do not get any flakes or experience any irritation. Foxtale’s Ceramide Supercream is enriched with 3 ceramides — AP, NP, and EOP that help repair the skin barrier prevent moisture loss by forming a protective layer on the skin, and maintain the skin’s cellular structure. Although lightweight, it nourishes the skin deeply, leaving your skin hydrated for 24 hours.
Whether you are indoors or outdoors or have oily or dry skin, just never skip sunscreen. For dry skin beauties who want to target acne, it’s best to look out for a sunscreen that offers a little more than just protection from UV rays. When you use a dewy sunscreen that contains skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and vitamin E, it helps in strengthening the skin barrier, protecting it from free radical damage, and moisturizing it.
If you have acne-prone skin, leave physical exfoliants behind. They leave micro-tears on your skin which leads to further damage on the skin, like peeling and patchiness. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants which are hydrating as well. AHA, like lactic acid, is a good choice for dry skin specifically.
Retinol is the secret weapon for banishing blemishes by clearing out clogged pores and shedding dead skin cells. And if you're a little hesitant to try retinol because of potential irritation, no worries! Start with a serum that has a lower concentration of Retinol to ease into it, like Foxtale’s anti ageing night serum. It contains 0.15% encapsulated retinol which is known to show less irritation on the skin and treats the signs of ageing 2X faster compared to other retinol serums.
Some of you might find it hard to resist when there is a pimple to pop. But this can damage your skin much more than anything else. The tissue damage caused by squeezing out the pimple can leave behind permanent scar marks, especially on dry skin, which takes longer to heal.
One that is composed of actives like azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. When these strong actives are blended in perfect proportion, they can quickly minimize the inflammation caused by acne. These spot-specific treatments are great to treat angry-looking acne, and acne scars since the rest of your skin remain unaffected by its effect.
Related Reads:
1. Acne treatment for dry skin
2. Benefits of salicylic acid for dry and acne-prone skin
3. How to moisturize dry skin
Dry, acne-prone skin can be difficult to manage, but with the right skincare routine and habits, it is possible to achieve acne-free skin. An effective skincare routine for dry, acne-prone skin should include a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer with non-comedogenic ingredients, and a product with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to target acne.
Additionally, it's important to avoid using harsh skincare products and to protect your skin from the sun. Drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding touching your face with your hands can also help to prevent acne. With a consistent skincare routine and healthy habits, you can achieve the clear and radiant skin you desire.
1.Which moisturizer can I use for dry and acne-prone skin?
Ans. For dry skin, you will need a moisturizer that is nourishing, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. To provide the necessary hydration, you can try Foxtale's Comfort zone moisturizer which is created to address the needs of dry and sensitive skin. It contains Saccharide Isomerate, which adds up to 275% moisture and the goodness of olive leaf extracts and vitamin E that helps to enhance the skin's moisture retention ability.
2.Why is it important to use spot treatment?
Ans. Spot treatments are necessary to reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. It also prevents the formation of new blemishes. Not only do they help reduce the appearance of existing blemishes, but they also prevent new ones from forming. A spot corrector gel packed with powerhouse ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid, is a one-stop-shop for unclogging pores, killing acne-causing bacteria, and speeding up cell turnover for a clearer, brighter complexion.
3.How can I reduce the appearance of my acne scars?
Ans. You can gradually reduce the appearance of acne scars by adding retinol and vitamin C serum to your routine. They are known to be the most effective treatment for acne scars. They aid in reducing the appearance of acne scars by boosting collagen production, thereby encouraging the growth of healthier skin and facilitating the healing of acne wounds.
The Perfect Skincare Routine For Dull, Dry Skin
5 Anti-Ageing Skin Tips and Routine For Youthful Skin
Somewhere, in some part of the world, there’s a girl highlighting a favourite line from a book and thinking, “Damn! I hope I remember this!” That’s Nikitha. Apart from reading, you’ll most probably find her stalking random Reddit threads, discussing conspiracy theories and binge-watching movies.
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Anti-ageing is a hot topic, and it's no wonder why. Your skin loses elasticity as you age and begins to show ageing signs. However, with the right tips and routine, it is possible to keep your skin youthful and healthy for longer. In this blog, we'll explore what anti-ageing is, some tips to help you slow down the ageing process, the factors determining how your skin ages, and the steps you should follow in your anti-ageing routine.
Anti-ageing refers to the steps you can take to prevent or slow down the signs of ageing. These signs include fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin. While ageing is a natural process that we cannot stop, we can take steps to help our skin look and feel its best for longer.
Outlined are a few tips to help you slow down the signs of ageing:
Several factors can determine how your skin ages, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Genetics can play a significant role in how your skin ages, but lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking can also have an impact. Environmental factors like pollution, sun exposure, and stress can also contribute to ageing.
Here are some steps to follow in your anti-ageing skincare routine:
Anti-ageing skin refers to skin that is healthy, youthful, and free from the signs of ageing. This can include smooth, firm skin with a clear complexion and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Start taking care of your skin now because there are many anti-ageing products; one of the most effective is retinol, which can help prevent early signs of ageing. However, most experts recommend using anti-ageing products in your 20s or early 30s, as this is when the signs of ageing can start to appear.
Anti-ageing is natural, but we can slow down the signs by following a consistent skincare routine, healthy lifestyle habits, and protecting skin from sun damage. Maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin for years to come is possible with care.
You can prevent or slow down the signs of ageing by following a skincare routine that includes regular cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, as well as incorporating anti-ageing ingredients such as retinoids, antioxidants, and peptides.
Some anti-ageing ingredients that you should look for in your skincare products include retinoids, hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and antioxidants like vitamin E and green tea extract.
You should exfoliate your skin 1-2 times weekly for anti-ageing benefits. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that make your skin look dull and contribute to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sun protection is critical in an anti-ageing skincare routine. Exposure to UV rays can cause premature ageing, including the look of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity. So make sure to use a high-protection sunscreen with at least SPF 50 PA++++ every day, even on cloudy days.
Passionate about beauty, Srishty’s body of work spans 5 years. She loves novel makeup techniques, latest skincare trends, and pop culture references. When she isn’t working, you will find her reading, Netflix-ing or trying to bake something in her kitchen.
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