The skin has its own capability to renew every 30 days or so. This involves the shedding of dead skin cells so they can be replaced by new, healthier ones. However, different factors may lead to insufficient shedding of the top layer resulting in the accumulation of dead skin cells.
This buildup may lead to clogged pores and dull skin, and if not addressed ASAP, may further cause the development of blackheads and acne. The good news is that by incorporating some steps in your routine, you can prevent dead skin cell buildup, essentially preventing various skin issues. In this article, let’s break down some methods to eliminate dead skin cells.
3 steps to remove dead skin cells from your face
Cleanse your face properly
One of the culprits behind dead skin cell buildup is a lack of proper cleansing. The excess oil and dirt make it harder for your dead cells to shed. To ensure that you’re supporting the skin’s natural process of shedding off your skin’s top layer, proper cleansing is key.
Double cleansing is highly recommended to get rid of all traces of oil and residue. Here’s a quick guide to help you properly and effectively double cleanse your skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the process of getting rid of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This is the most effective method to eliminate dry, dull, and flaky skin caused by a buildup of dead skin cells. Here are the two types of exfoliation:
Physical exfoliation
This is a type of exfoliation that utilizes small, physical objects to scrub the dead skin away. Popular options are sugar, coffee, or walnut. Milder scrubs should be used on the face since facial skin is more sensitive than the body’s.
Chemical exfoliation
This type of exfoliation removes dead skin cells by topically applying chemical actives on the skin. Mild concentrations wouldn’t show visible peeling while higher ones will. Using actives at high concentrations is best done by skin experts to avoid over-exfoliation.
The best exfoliating ingredients for brighter and clearer skin are:
- Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
- Beta-hydroxy acid (BHA)
- Lactic acid
- Glycolic acid
- Citric acid
- Mandelic acid
- Salicylic acid
Note: Exfoliation is not meant to be done daily because doing so may lead to signs of over-exfoliation such as skin irritation, redness, and extreme dryness. Skin experts advise that it’s best to exfoliate about 2-3x per week.
Moisturize and apply sunscreen regularly
Once you add exfoliation to your routine, moisturizing becomes more crucial than ever. The process of exfoliation strips off oil from the skin, leaving it dry and dull. To counteract this and to keep the skin as nourished as possible, applying a good moisturizer should do the trick.
The top layer of the skin is peeled off during exfoliation and hydration is essential to promote repair and protection. Skin experts highly recommend using skincare products that contain glycerin because glycerin is an effective humectant, which means it has the capability to retain moisture and water.
Moreover, the removal of the outer layer of the skin exposes the layers underneath it. This exposure makes the skin susceptible to UV ray damage which is why applying sunscreen is essential. Protect your skin from sun damage by wearing sunscreen daily and by reapplying it every 2 hours.
Conclusion
Exfoliation, when done right, is an effective method to keep the dead skin cells at bay. By constantly supporting the natural shedding of the skin’s surface, brighter and clearer skin is revealed. If you’re new to the whole exfoliation method, or if you’ve already been doing it but you want to see more results, incorporate the skincare tips above to achieve that most-coveted glowing skin. ♡
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