Your skin naturally sheds around a million cells a day. Knowing how to get rid of dead skin on your face properly is crucial knowledge for a healthy, fresh complexion. Also known as skin rejuvenation, the act of removing dead skin can be complicated to get right. Wondering where to start? Read on to learn how to do it safely and effectively. 

What Causes Dead Skin on the Face?

The skin is our biggest organ of the body, and is exposed to the outside world. Skin is constantly protecting us from environmental factors including the sun’s UV rays, pollution, changing weather and temperatures. Dead skin is basically dead skin cells that sit on the surface of the skin, caused by the natural cell turnover that’s happening every second.  Therefore, dead skin on the face is caused by environmental stressors, a new skincare product, skin damage or simply the cell turnover rate.

How to Get Rid of Dead Skin On your Face

The best way to rejuvenate and remove dead skin from the face is to gently treat skin with exfoliants or moisturizers, depending on your skin type. Since different exfoliators may not work for every skin type, it’s essential to consider skin type before choosing an exfoliation method. By consistently keeping your complexion free of excessive dead skin cells, skin will look and feel fresh, healthy and vibrant.

Physical Products

An exfoliating face mask or treatment, by default, are heroes when it comes to dead skin on the face. Exfoliators buff away dead skin cells and reveal the new skin layer below. This results in a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion. If skin dryness, redness or other issues are present, rely on moisturizers for a few days before exfoliators. This helps to prevent a damaged skin barrier. Once skin seems hydrated and ready, you can rely on exfoliants to finish the job. If you choose to exfoliate, make sure your skin is ready in that the exfoliant doesn’t damage your skin, lead to breakouts, or increase redness. Examples of exfoliants include peels, scrubs, and microdermabrasion treatments. Sometimes a great exfoliating face wash can even be effective at removing dead skin from the face.

Chemical Products

Chemicals can either make or break your skin’s condition when it comes to removing dead skin. Chemical products can very successfully remove dead skin cells, but they can also dry or irritate skin. Alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and chemical peels are some of the most common treatments used for removing dead skin on the face. Chemical peels are very popular in salons or as an at-home treatment, and generally affordable and relatively safe. Dead skin cells are usually removed easily, with one treatment being successful at proper removal.

Products to Avoid

It might seem counterintuitive, but there are certain exfoliating products you should avoid for getting rid of dead skin on the face. Exfoliants formulated for use on the body, for example, should never be used on the delicate skin on the face. Peels and other products with harsher, active ingredients should be considered for your particular skin type or left on the shelf for the time being. It is also wise to resist the urge to over-exfoliate, as you could damage the skin barrier and make the skin vulnerable to redness and sensitivity and other reactions.

Consider Skin Type

Remember to read all labels and use products designed and formulated for your particular skin type. By remaining diligent about which products you are using, especially on your delicate complexion, you can avoid the dryness that sometimes accompanies dead skin cells. Becoming well-versed in your skin type and the products, ingredients and skincare routines that suit it, you are fully taking care and control of your skin health. Not sure what your skin type is? Here is a quick guide:

Normal

Normal skin does not show signs of peeling or excessive oiliness anywhere on the face. Normal skin also does not usually show signs of redness, enlarged pores, or feeling of sensitivity.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is something you can feel, but also something you can see.  Visible or feelings of dryness, redness, burning, or itchiness are signs of skin sensitivity.

Oily

Oily skin is common, especially in younger demographics. People with oily skin have excess oil and shine in their T-zones or all over the face. Large pores may also be visible.

Dry

Dry skin often has visible symptoms of peeling, flaking, red areas, and dehydration. Physical symptoms include the feeling of tightness or taut skin.

Combination

The most common skin type, combination skin is known to be oily in the T-zone (across your forehead, down your nose, to your chin) and then dry or normal in the other areas. Lipids are unevenly distributed throughout your complexion.

Preventing Dead Skin on Your Face

The key to preventing dead skin on your skin is by being diligent with skin protection, cleanliness, exfoliation, and moisturization. Always remember that balance is key, and do nothing in excess when it comes to your skin. Products like a facial serum can help keep that balance in between more abrasive treatments. By working with your natural cell turnover and oils, you can improve and prevent dead skin on the face.

In Conclusion

Skin cells have a very short lifespan, so it is completely natural that dead skin builds up on your face. By keeping skin happy and healthy, you may not even notice it very often.

Sources

1. US National Library of Medicine. Wound Healing and Nutrition: Going Beyond Dressings With a Balanced Care Plan.
2. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home.
3. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing. An introduction to superficial, medium, deep and combination chemical peels.
4. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Determine Your Skin Type.

*All referenced results are based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study.

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*information is taken from The Skincare Source.