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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
