Dead Skin Cells: Causes and How to Remove Them
Our skin goes through a continuous process of self renewal, which involves the shedding of dead skin cells, or desquamation. This natural process is essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. However, when dead skin cells build up on the surface, they can cause a range of skin issues, from dullness to dryness. Learn more about what dead skin cells are, what causes their buildup, and how to safely and effectively remove them.
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Dead skin cells are a part of your skin’s natural renewal process.
If they build up on your skin, dead skin cells can cause dryness, flaking, itching, clogged pores, and other skin problems.
Using the right exfoliating ingredients can remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.
What Are Dead Skin Cells?
Dead skin cells are the remnants of your skin’s natural cell turnover process. The skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, continually sheds dead cells to make way for new ones. This process, known as desquamation, helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier and ensures a fresh, radiant complexion. However, when dead skin cells don’t shed properly, they can accumulate on the skin’s surface, leading to various skin concerns.
What Causes Dead Skin Cells to Build Up?
Several factors can contribute to the buildup of dead skin cells on your face:
Aging. As we age, the skin’s natural cell turnover rate slows down, which can lead to an accumulation of dead skin cells and a dull or rough skin texture.
Dehydration. Lack of moisture can cause dead skin cells to stick to the surface of the skin instead of naturally flaking away.
Improper skin care. Using the wrong skincare products or not exfoliating regularly can interfere with the natural shedding of dead skin cells.
Environmental factors. Pollution, sun exposure, and harsh weather can damage the skin barrier and hinder its ability to shed dead cells.
Skin conditions. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne can disrupt the natural shedding process, leading to a buildup of dead skin cells and dry, itchy skin.
Signs of Dead Skin Cells
Common signs that your skin may not be efficiently shedding dead skin cells include:
Dry, flaky skin
Dull Skin
Itching
Dull, lackluster texture
Rough patches
Clogged pores or blackheads
Uneven skin tone
How to Remove Dead Skin Cells from the Face
The most effective way to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin is to regularly exfoliate using the right products for your skin type. Exfoliating your skin will help to loosen the “glue” that holds skin cells together, helping the dead cells to separate from the new ones that are replacing them.
There are two main types of exfoliation: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliation uses topical ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to loosen and remove dead skin cells. Some skin types tolerate chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and lactic acid better than others, so be sure the product you are using is a match for your skin type before beginning a new exfoliation regimen.
Additionally, I recommend that you gradually introduce AHAs into your skin care regimen, starting with once per week and gradually increasing the frequency as your skin tolerates these ingredients. For some people with sensitive skin, they may only be able to use a chemical exfoliant as often as once per week. More resistant skin types may be able to work up to three times per week.
Physical exfoliation involves using a facial scrub or loofah to physically remove the dead skin cells from the surface. While this method can be effective if performed properly, it can also damage the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin types. Look for products with very fine particles, such as La Roche Posay’s Ultra-Fine Facial Scrub , instead of larger, more abrasive scrubs.
Best Exfoliating Products for Dull Skin
Some of the best exfoliating products to brighten and revive dry, dull skin are cleansers with chemical exfoliant ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids. Some of my favorites include:
How to Prevent Dead Skin Cell Buildup
It is impossible to prevent dead skin cells from occurring, as this is part of your skin’s natural cell renewal process. However, there are some steps you can take to help prevent them from becoming built up on the surface of your skin, causing dryness, itching, or a dull tone and texture.
Regularly exfoliate your skin.
Regularly moisturize your skin.
Use the right cleanser for your skin type.
Wear daily sun protection to prevent dull skin caused by sun damage.
Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants to help support overall skin health.
Bottom Line
Dead skin cells are a natural part of your skin’s renewal process. However, their buildup can lead to dryness, itching, clogged pores, acne, and a dull, lackluster complexion. By incorporating regular exfoliation and proper hydration into your skin care routine, you can effectively manage and remove dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, healthier complexion. Remember, understanding your skin type is crucial for selecting the right exfoliating products.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
