How often are you removing dead skin from your face? Your new, glowing skin is just begging to be freed. Rather than leaving dead skin cells to clog up your complexion, adopt a skincare routine that prioritises removing dead skin cells.
Why do we have dead skin?
Dead skin cells are a normal part of your skin lifecycle. Did you know your skin renews itself roughly every month? During this renewal process, the top layer of skin naturally sheds, revealing more revitalised skin. Without any intervention, these skin cells will keep turning over. But if you aren’t putting in a little bit of effort to aid the process, these dead skin cells can build up on your face over time.
The result?
Clogged pores, dry patches and a dull complexion. Leave dead skin cells on your face, and you can’t expect more than lifeless looking skin tone. To help your skin cells turnover and renew, you can exfoliate your skin regularly to remove and prevent buildup.
If you haven’t been exfoliating and think dead skin cells could be the cause of your skin cells, don’t fear, your guide to how to clear away dead skin cells is here.
How to remove dead skin from the face
There are different approaches to removing excess dead skin at home, from chemical treatments to manual devices. Which one is right for you will depend on your skin type and sensitivity.
Physical exfoliation
This method of removing facial dead skin cells is gentle (when done correctly) and is most effective for normal to oily skin types.
Washcloth
Washcloths were the shower staple for generations, long before we had chemical exfoliants and mechanical face brushes. You can easily exfoliate your skin with a damp, clean washcloth in the shower using small circular motions. And please be gentle! Tugging on your delicate facial skin can develop into fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Face scrub
The most utilised way of exfoliating, there are hundreds of facial scrubs on the market. They work the same way your facial cleanser does, except they contain tiny abrasives designed to exfoliate dead skin cells. Be warned, not all facial scrubs are the same. Exfoliating scrubs for your face need gentle abrasive materials rather than sharp irregular particles.
Avoid scrubs containing volcanic rock or ground-up nutshells as they can cause micro-tears on your skin. Opt for face scrubs with oatmeal, silica or rice bran.
Face exfoliating brush
Bursting onto the skin care scene a few years ago, facial exfoliating brushes became a gentle solution to facial exfoliation. It is a mechanical or manual tool used with a cleanser to brush away dead skin cells and free your fresh skin. Applying light pressure, run the brush in circular motions across your damp face. Apply cleanser as needed.
Chemical exfoliation
Now we have the manual exfoliation options out of the way, it’s time for our favourite method to remove dead skin cells. Although it sounds intense, chemical exfoliation is the gentler form of skin exfoliation.
AHAs exfoliants
AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are a type of water-soluble acid derived from sugary fruit, sugar cane and dairy. They work wonders at removing dead skin cells on the face without damaging the skin’s natural moisture barrier. They dislodge the ‘glue’ gripping onto your skin’s cells to allow more enhanced skin rejuvenation.
BHAs exfoliants
BHAs (beta hydroxy acid) is extremely effective at penetrating the skin’s pores to remove dead skin build-up and prevent breakouts. BHAs are derived from the same sugary matter as AHAs. The difference is BHAs are oil-soluble and work more effectively at deep pore penetration. They are excellent for more sensitive, bump prone skin.
Enzyme exfoliants
If you have skin too sensitive for AHAs or BHAs, enzyme exfoliation products are ideal for you! Enzyme peels are made of fruit enzymes and break down dead skin build-up. It does this by breaking down the keratin in the surface of your skin to release anything dead hanging on. Enzyme rich products don’t increase skin cell turnover, which is often the cause of irritation for sensitive skin.
How often should you exfoliate?
It can be tempting to exfoliate your skin often as you get addicted to the silky smooth feeling. But over-exfoliation can dry out or even damage your skin.
If you are using physical exfoliation means, scrub away at dead skin cells once a week. With chemical exfoliants, strong AHA treatments are usually best used weekly as well. Products with a lower AHA percentage may be used more often, making sure you follow the directions. More gentler exfoliants like BHAs and enzyme exfoliants can be used every other day for optimal skin renewal.
As with any new skincare product, make sure you patch test them first before applying them directly to your face.
- Love the fresh exfoliated feeling?
- Why not take your exfoliation routine out of home and into the hands of professionals?
We offer a range of facial treatments designed to improve a dull complexion and rejuvenate the skin’s appearance.
Like our Clinical Peel or dermaplaning designed to remove damaged skin cells leaving your new skin stronger and healthier. If you want to boost your exfoliation routine with professional treatments, browse our range and book a call to see what we recommend for your unique skin needs.
Ready to book your next eyebrow appointment?
The beaute collective offers facial treatments along with an extensive range of other beauty related services to residents of Perth Hills. Our professional, dedicated team will take care of all of your beauty and skin care needs.
