Seasonal flaky skin, scrub vs. exfoliating toner… What do you use?
Flaky skin around the sides of your nose and mouth since late September, and foundation settling into flakes—the most frustrating thing, right?
A physical scrub can make your skin feel smooth right away, but it takes rubbing, and with exfoliating toners like AHA·PHA, how often to use them is always the confusing part.
Common routine examples
- Morning: low-pH cleanser → toner → moisturizer → sunscreen
- Evening: cleansing oil → foam cleanser → toner → moisturizer
Tell us in the poll how you handle it when flakes appear 👇
Poll
Seasonal flaky skin: this is what I do
- Physical scrub once a week
- Wipe with AHA·PHA toner
- Double up on moisturizer
- Leave it alone (cover with makeup)
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When foundation starts to flake, it’s tempting to scrub it right off, but for areas that get dry easily, like the sides of your nose and around your mouth, I’d recommend moisturizing before scrubbing. If the flakes are prominent because of dehydration, rubbing or adding acids can feel stinging and rough.
For a few days, take a break from wiping with toner and scrubs. Wash briefly with lukewarm water, then apply plenty of cream with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and panthenol. And don’t forget sunscreen during the day. If your skin feels comfortable but the fine flakes still bother you, try an AHA/PHA product once a week, in the evening, starting on one area, and it’s generally best not to layer it with other exfoliants on the same day. Stop right away if it stings or becomes red. It’s hard to control how much pressure you use with a scrub, so it’s not the first choice for flaky areas.
If you have pain, severe itching, or redness along with the flakes, or things keep getting worse, it’s better to have a dermatologist check your skin rather than trying to fix it with cosmetics. I’d vote for “Double up on moisturizer”—which method has been the least irritating for you?