The number of seals on the beach is largest in April and May, with adult females and juveniles of both sexes arriving to molt. This one had to scratch an itch on his nose.
Because they do not circulate blood next to the skin while in the ocean, they cannot grow the new skin and hair cells continuously as we do. Instead, they come on land where they are surrounded by air rather than cold water, renew blood circulation next to the skin and grow new skin and hair, shedding the old in the process. They can look very ratty during this period but they are doing fine.