How To Get Rid Of Dead Skin?

What Causes Dead Skin To Accumulate?

It’s perfectly normal for skin cells to reach the end of their lifespan. In fact, skin cells only live between 40 and 56 days. Did you know that somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 skin cells die every minute? This is mostly a good thing because it allows younger cells to replenish the surface of your skin. But the problems start when dead cells build up on your skin’s surface, turning it into a mini skin cell graveyard. Your dearly departed skin cells can clog your pores, which causes pimples and blackheads that will haunt you forever (OK, not forever, but it will feel like forever). And if that’s not scary enough, a thin layer of dead skin will make your face look dull and lackluster. Talk about terrifying! So what causes dead skin cells to turn the surface of your body into a cemetery? Well, as is always the case with skin concerns, there isn’t a single cause. There are a number of factors that can lead to dead skin buildup.

1. Gently Cleanse Your Skin

Thalgo Face Lumiere Marine Clarifying Water Essence This fresh treatment water with a slightly gel-like texture, enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, is the no.1 step for clarifying skin tone and instantly smoothing skin. The first step to clearing away dead skin is just a good, old-fashioned cleansing. Here are the steps you should take to properly cleanse your skin:

1. Rinse your skin with warm (not hot!) water.
2. Gently lather your favorite cleanser (not soap!) onto your skin. Use your fingertips, and remember not to rub your skin too hard. This is especially important for your face and neck since your skin is thinner and more delicate in those areas.
3. Rinse your face clean with cool water.
4. Use a soft towel to gently pat your skin dry.

Cleansing your skin will get rid of all the dirt and excess oils on your skin’s surface. Now that you’ve got a nice clean slate to work with, you’re ready for the second step.

2. Steam Your Face

This step is our favorite because it’s both super relaxing and great for your skin! Steaming your face opens up your pores and loosens up the dead skin cells resting on your face. That’s why it’s a perfect way to prepare your skin for exfoliation! There are two ways to go about doing this. We’ll explain both.

THE WASHCLOTH METHOD

This is the easier of the two steaming methods. All you need to do is soak a soft washcloth in hot water and let it sit on your face for five to 10 minutes. Just make sure that the water isn’t too hot or it may hurt your skin.

THE BIG BOWL METHOD

While the washcloth method may be easier, this second approach is a little more effective. Simply take a large bowl or water basin, fill it with water that’s just off the boil, set the bowl on a table or desk, and then sit with your face above the steaming water. Let your skin steam for about five minutes.

3. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!

Now for the main event: exfoliation! This is the step where you’ll actually clear away all the dead skin.

PHYSICAL EXFOLIATORS

Physical exfoliators use a tiny physical object to scrub dead skin away. With store-bought exfoliators, these objects vary widely. They might be anything from coffee or sugar to rice powder or itty bitty chunks of walnut husks. These little abrasives will help brush all the dead skin off your body. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant achieves brighter, smoother skin every day with this iconic exfoliating powder. Rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid, and Rice Enzymes to polish skin to perfection. A Skin Brightening Complex of Phytic Acid from Rice Bran, White Tea, and Licorice helps balance uneven skin tone while a super-soothing blend of Colloidal Oatmeal and Allantoin helps calm skin. Gentle enough for daily use.

4. Apply Moisturizers

The final step in the process of removing dead skin is applying a high-quality moisturizer. This is just to ensure that you’re skin is super hydrated, which will prevent skin cells from dying prematurely in the future. Of course, you’ll want to apply your favorite moisturizer several times a day—not only after you’ve exfoliated. If you want to keep your skin super radiant and smooth (and who doesn’t?), our tips will leave you with smoother skin and fewer wrinkles overnight—literally!