I think you need more aggressive exfoliation. I use Retin A daily and a Clairsonic since my skin started doing the same thing at about 40. The Retin A is part of the Obagi system, which I love. Now at 51, I have very smooth skin with no visible pores, even though I am still oily.

A dermatologist got me started on my routine and it would be a good idea to make an appointment and get recommendations.

I have tried Retina-A twice over the years and it caused acne and, in combination, very peel-y skin. I couldn't ever get past the shedding stage. Years before that, in my 20's, I used Avita, which was a more gentle form - retinol, maybe? - and it worked beautifully for my acne problem. I'll have to look into it. I used to use a Clarisonic, but after a few years, it didn't do me any favors, either. I ended up passing it along to my teen nieces. You are right, Cattyles, I think I should see a dermatologist.

Ask people with great skin for dermatologist recommendations. Maybe starting with a peel to reveal your non-flaky skin would get you off on a new start with easier home maintenance. Honestly though, flaky skin is old skin layers that need to be shed. There may be an awkward, red and tender phase to get the best results. I think a dermatologist is your best bet.

Try using baking soda and Cetaphil. But I agree that a peel is a good idea.

I actually have tried baking soda and Cetaphil mixed together to wash my face. It helps very temporarily. I also tried three rounds of microdermabrasion this spring, each two weeks apart. It helped that same day, but by the next day, I was right back to where I started. A peel may be longer lasting. I did a few peels maybe 10 years ago, well before the flaky problem, to try to get rid of melasma. It didn't help the melasma, but it did make my face quite smooth and soft.

I would see a dermatologist. I am sure you are probably thinking, "Well, it's just flaky skin" but it has been going on for a long time. I have allergies and skin issues and often let things slide because they seemed too minor to bother the Dr. But, when I went to the Dr. it was always very helpful.

Hot water is the prime culprit for causing dry skin. Try to limit showers to ten minutes and in moderate water. Washing your hair in the shower adds to drying out your skin as harsh chemicals aredripping on you. Get a good moisturizer for dry skin and always apply it to wet skin, otherwise it's a waste of time. I have dry skin and do the above and also wash my hair in a sink instead of the shower so I never get soap on my face. I haven't used soap on my face since age 23 and I still get compliments on my skin. I use a make up remover and then apply a Buff Puff gently for one minute. I then apply a moisturizer to my wet face. It has eliminated any shedding .

What are you using to moisturize? Maybe that's contributing to the problem...?

& what skin cleanser do you use? That could be another contributor.

I don't have flakiness on my scalp. I use CeraVe or Cetaphil to wash my face. CeraVe, Neutrogena or Paula's Choice moisturizer. I have looked at the ingredients on everything and don't see anything that is terribly drying. I take medium warm to cool showers these days - I shower after my daily cross fit class and I'm still a little warm, so I don't like hot water for showering. I do definitely wash my hair in the shower, although I only use shampoo once or twice weekly. I put conditioner on my hair every day. Thanks for all the advice! I scheduled an appointment with the dermatologist for a couple of weeks out. I'll let you know what they have to say.

The conditioner if applied in the shower could be an issue. It tends to migrate to the face. I always wash my face last in the shower when I am putting anything on my hair. I rinse the hair completely, then wash my face and body so it doesn't have conditioner residue on it.

Also check pillowcases and your laundry detergent. I need to use hypoallergenic laundry detergent to avoid breakouts.

Make sure your diet is low in inflammatories - mostly veggies and low in sugar and starches. My skin is suffering now because I went on a sweets binge after getting my kitchen back.

If you are not taking supplements for your hair and skin, you could look into that. I take a multivitamin, hair/skin/nails vitamin, alpha lipoic acid and a few others like fish oil, e, selenium. It sounds like a lot. My hair stylist got me started on supplements.

Are you doing any remodeling or working with chemicals or doing yardwork? There are all kinds of things I am touching that are driving my hands crazy right now. Sawdust, joint compound, caulk, house dust, poly, mineral spirits, stain, grass and weeds, dirt - all that stuff can make it to your face. My face isn't suffering like my hands, possibly because it was covered with goggles and respirator much of the time.

If you are not in a humid climate, I recommend looking at products like pur soak it up, clinique moisture surge (?) or neutrogena has a new product, I think. These are transparent gels that introduce moisture to your face without sealing it much. They are like giving your face a drink of water. I follow them up with some kind of moisturizer to seal. I feel like those moisture products are safer for my bare skin than a traditional moisturizer. They feel cleaner and they feel like you have applied only water to your face. I do think you need to put something on top of it to keep the moisture in, though.

It is possible to develop allergies when you haven't had them before. Stress will also aggravate allergies. I think most of us are a little more stressed this summer. So take care of your mind.

Also shower right after exercise or yardwork to remove sweat salt, minerals and allergens. And put on clean clothes laundered with hypoallergenic detergent, no fabric softener or additives. Take breaks from the makeup when you can.

It could also be related to menopause if you're at that age.

I was thinking about your flakiness and thought about the times mine has been flaky. The only times mine has been flaky was when I used too much Retin-A (or went to a stronger formula) and a couple of times when I had a stronger than usual chemical peel, which is natural for that procedure for a couple of days.

If you are using any Retin-A or fruit acid treatment I would lay off for a week or so and see if it makes a difference. I think you need to stop anything right now that is causing exfoliation. You could be using something that is causing it. I'm not familiar with BHA and AHA but they are also exfoliants right? Skip the washcloth and use a mild olive-oil-based make-up remover and then a mild face wash (Cetaphil is not mild imo) and moisturize after. Same in the morning, just rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize. Jane made some good suggestions.

Do see a dermatologist and rule out any other allergens or problems if this doesn't work in a week.

Try adding healthy fats and oils to your diet. They are good for you overall, not just for the skin.

I've read that foods can exfoliate naturally but don't find much on it with google. Foods rich in Vitamin A does come up to encourage cell turnover. I believe I had previously read to eat more vegetables, maybe it included fruit too not sure.

As snookums just posted, I was also thinking about diet. My adult stepdaughter was having a similar issue & after taking fish oil, it cleared up.

I am in the beginning stages of menopause, so that could be a factor. I do have a diet high in good fats, and take fish oil and vitamins daily. Because of a nutrition plan I've been following as part of a cross fit boot camp the past few months, I'm getting lots of good fats and fresh veggies. I don't eat sugar or lots of carbs as a regular part of my diet. My carbs are mostly veggies and very little fruit. No cake, cookies, candy, etc. I'm confident my diet isn't a factor, but I will ask about that when I see the doctor.

As for the other suggestions, I do shower right after exercise and yard work. I have outdoor allergies, so I like to get any pollen or whatever off of me when I'm done outside. I haven't used Retin A in several weeks; lately, I have only been using the BHA where my pores are large, mostly my nose. (The person who did my microdermabrasion - who works in a derm's office - recommended I keep it up, but it couldn't hurt to stop until I see the doctor.)

When I wash my face at night, I use lukewarm water, but I will skip the wash cloth for a while and see if that helps. I have tried using oil on my face to wash before and didn't care for the results, but will call the dermatologist's office on Monday and see what they recommend I use up until my appointment. I am currently using CeraVe, which I prefer to Cetaphil. I also sometimes use a creamy Neutrogena face wash.

My guess is that it's just my skin changing as I age, but we shall see. Thanks for all the ideas!!

My skin underwent a temperamental phase when I went through menopause. I experienced some of what you're describing, usually around the sides of my mouth moving down toward my chin. It wasn't oily or dry, just flaky. And all manner of exfoliating offered just a temporary fix.

My complexion was on the oily side in my late teens and I was prescribed Retin A to curb breakouts. What a disaster! The doc said it would get worse before improving so I gave it a good go, but my skin never looked so bad. I will never try it again.

My current regime is simple. I wash with Cetaphil (gentle version) morning & night. I use a Clarisonic and follow up with a clean white washcloth with warm water. I use Paula's Choice liquid BHA exfoliant in winter when my skin gets dry from indoor heat.

It's good you've scheduled a visit with a derm to get to the bottom of it, but I read this advice somewhere when someone wrote asking, "I've tried everything - what more can I do to treat this skin issue?" And the reply was, "do less."

I 've taken this advice when I've gone through a rough patch regarding my skin - whether it's been prompted by travel, lack of sleep or other stressors. It seems to allow my skin to find its balance and calm down.

Anyway, just throwing it out there to consider while you wait for your appointment. Please let us know what he/she recommends.

I ordered amlactin recently for dry legs and it has worked great. I don't use a lot of it, but if you get it, make sure you rub it in well. It works as an exfoliant.

When you end your shower switch the faucet all the way to cold and then bathe a bit longer. It has a wonderful effect on my hair and skin but most days it is rough to do.