Peat has a long history of traditional use in European and Russian folk medicine for skin care, particularly in the form of peat baths and topical applications aimed at alleviating dry, flaky, or irritated skin. The organic substances in peat, such as humic acids, fulvic acids, and various minerals, have been thought to possess soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. Historically, peat balneotherapy (bath therapy) has been used in spa settings to treat a variety of dermatological and rheumatic conditions, with anecdotal reports suggesting improvements in skin hydration and barrier function.

Scientific research on the efficacy of peat for dry or flaky skin is limited and mostly preliminary. Small studies and in vitro experiments have suggested that peat extracts may have anti-inflammatory effects, help modulate skin microbiota, or offer some degree of barrier support. However, there is a lack of robust, well-controlled clinical trials confirming significant or lasting benefits for dry skin conditions. As such, the primary justification for peat use in this context remains traditional, supported by historical practice and modest, low-level scientific evidence.