Have you ever wondered why your skin rolls off when you rub it? The skin consists of the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outer layer of your skin, and the dermis is the inner layer. The epidermis consists of several layers, one of which is the stratum corneum. This top layer of dead cells is what peels off when you rub it. As you rub these dead cells, they come off in little sheets, leaving your skin with healthy living cells that make it feel smooth and glowing.
Skin roll-off is normal and is caused by several factors like long hot showers, neglecting to moisturize, and not exfoliating frequently.
Read on to learn more about why skin rolls off when you rub, whether it’s healthy, the causes, and the solutions.
So, Why Does Your Skin Roll Off When You Rub It?
The answer lies in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of your epidermis. This thin layer provides protection from chemicals and environmental factors that harm or irritate your skin. Your skin should be kept moist with good moisturizing products to stay healthy. Failure to moisturize, exfoliate and use harsh products on your skin makes it dry and flaky, thus prone to rolling off when you rub.
What Causes the Skin To Roll Off When You Rub?
There are different reasons why your skin rolls off when you rub it.
The most common causes include:
Lack Of Moisture
Dryness causes the outer layer of skin to be rough and flaky, making it easy to roll off as there is not enough oil or moisture in the skin to maintain its structure. Over-moisturizing can be counterproductive. It causes the skin to roll off when you rub as it’s too greasy.
Harsh Ingredients in Your Showering Products
If you’re using a soap or body wash with harsh chemicals, these ingredients can dry out your skin, making it prone to cracking or rolling off before you even scrub. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates or alcohol to clean your body. It can strip away natural oils from your skin and make it dry and prone to rolling off.
Long hot showers
Being in the showers for long can be fun but unsuitable for your skin. The longer you spend in the shower, the more you’re drying out your skin. Hot showers strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture, making it dry, flaky, and itchy.
You can reduce this effect by taking shorter showers and using warm water if you’re having trouble remembering not to stay under the shower for long; set a timer or put a sticky note on the shower wall so you know when it’s time to get out.
Not Exfoliating
Failure to exfoliate regularly leads to skin roll-off, allowing dry and dead cells to build. This results in clogged pores, rough feeling, dry skin, and an increased risk of infection due to buildup.
Dehydration
If you don’t drink enough water or eat enough foods that contain electrolytes like bananas, your skin may become dry and flaky. Dry skin is the core reason why skin easily rolls off.
Excess Sun Exposure
If you spend much time in the sun without adequate protection, your body becomes dry and inflamed, leading to cracking and peeling.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis make your skin inflamed and flaky.
How to Avoid Skin Roll Off
Use Moisturizer
Use a moisturizer after you bathe or shower. Moisturizing helps keep your skin soft and supple.
Cleanse With Care
If you’re using a washcloth or loofah, be gentle. Scrubbing hard causes irritation that makes your skin more prone to rolling off.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps your body hydrated and nourished, leaving your skin feeling smooth and supple instead of chapped and irritated.
Wear Sunscreen When You Are in The Sun
Sunscreen helps prevent the skin from getting sun damage, which leads to peeling and cracking.
Exfoliate Regularly
It helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents it from drying out or cracking. It removes dead skin cells that cause your skin to look dull or feel rough. You should exfoliate weekly or more if your skin feels dry or irritated.
Eat A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a significant role in maintaining flawless skin. Always include Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants in your diet. These nutrients help maintain healthy skin cell turnover, so it doesn’t get clogged with dead skin cells or break down prematurely.
Is It Healthy for Your Skin to Roll Off?
In many instances, it is normal for your skin to roll off when you rub, not unless you have an underlying medical condition.
Your skin comprises three layers: The epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer, and it’s made up of keratinocytes. These cells are constantly dying and are replaced by new ones.
When you rub your skin, the outermost layer of skin cells, called the stratum corneum, is removed. The stratum corneum is composed of dead, keratinized cells filled with keratin, which produces a protective barrier against bacteria and other harmful substances. When you rub your skin, this layer of dead cells sloughs off and is replaced by new cells. This process helps to keep your skin looking healthy and young.
When to See a Doctor About Skin Rolling Off?
When the skin starts to roll off, there is no need to worry. However, there are instances when you should seek medical attention. I.e., If you are under medication for cancer, acne, and other skin diseases or if the skin rolls off for an extended period.
It’s also advisable to see a doctor if the following symptoms accompany the skin rolling:
● Pain or tingling sensation
● Redness or swelling of the skin area
● Fever
● Blisters on the area
● Fluid-filled bumps on the area
All You Need to Know on Why Your Skin Is Rolling Off
If your skin rolls off when you rub, it should not be a reason to worry you. All you need to do is know the cause and apply the possible solution. As highlighted, the possible causes of rolling skin include; staying for long in hot showers, not moisturizing, and not exfoliating as required.
To prevent this, be sure to exfoliate regularly, moisturize, drink plenty of water, shower in warm water, and don’t forget to eat healthily. If the peeling persists, visit a dermatologist.
