There are numerous reasons for the existence of dead skin. One of the most important is the need for the body to shed dead skin, allowing new, vibrant skin to grow underneath the skin layers. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of dead skin cells to maintain a look of youth, softness, and vitality.
Showering or taking a bath is not enough to remove excessive dead skin on the body. Exfoliation once a week is the best way to keep the skin smooth and healthy. By exfoliating, you make it possible for hydrating products to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing blood circulation.
All skin types require exfoliation, regardless of whether it is greasy, delicate, or dry. It should be done on the elbows, knee joints, feet, heels, and other areas prone to becoming dry and lifeless.
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What Causes Dead Skin to Accumulate
It is completely normal to have a formation of dead skin cells on your body. Because every skin has its own span. In the process, skin cells regenerate underneath and the top layer of dead skin peels off.
Yet there are other factors that can fasten the formation of dead skin cells including:
- Aging: In aging skin, our skin renewal slows down, which results in a deposition of dead skin cells over the outer skin layer, making the skin look lifeless and dull, as well as blemishes and wrinkles.
- Dry skin: As a result of dry skin, there is likely more dead skin on the surface of the skin than you’d expect. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis contribute to this, as well.
- Not exfoliating: It is also important to exfoliate to reduce dead skin buildup. Since exfoliating removes all the dead cells, skipping this step results in dull skin.
- Environmental factors: You cannot avoid environmental factors when it comes to accumulating dead skin on your body. It ranges from the climate where you live and the amount of time you spend under the sun.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dead Skin
It is not necessary to use chemical-based products to exfoliate your skin since you can find many 100% natural ingredients in your house that can aid in getting rid of dead skin cells and speed up the formation of new, clear skin.
The exfoliation treatment you choose should be approached with caution. We recommend evaluating the treatments available before obtaining an exfoliation treatment.
Here are the best homemade remedies to remove dead skin cells have healthy skin and look young.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has a grainy texture that works as an excellent natural exfoliant for any type of skin. It is filled with saponins that help to remove dead skin cells, excess oils, and other harmful toxins.
The vitamins and minerals in oatmeal are also perfect for your skin. The proteins in oatmeal protect your skin from water loss and help it stay hydrated.
A study in 2012 indicates that oatmeal is good for Skincare. It is a safe and effective ingredient in personal care products. A comprehensive study of 445,820 products over the past three years found no evidence of allergy.
Applications:
- Make a paste with 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, two tablespoons of plain natural yogurt, and a tablespoon full of bee honey. Massage this paste onto your face in circular motions. Let it sit for about ten to fifteen minutes, then wash your face with warm water and pat dry with a towel. Finally, apply a mild moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized.
- Another alternative is combining two tablespoons of oatmeal with two or three teaspoons of honey. This mixture is then combined with two teaspoons of lemon juice and a little water to form a paste. Rub the oatmeal paste over your skin lightly and leave it on for about ten minutes before washing it off.
These kinds of oatmeal scrubs can be used on the face as well as all over the body. You can repeat them twice a week.
2. Sugar Scrub
Olive oil and sugar produce an excellent scrub for all skin types. The fine sugar particles help exfoliate dead skin, while olive oil serves as a moisturizing lotion for your skin. A well-known exfoliant for the entire body, including the lips, this scrub works wonders.
Application: Stir together ½ a cup of fine sugar and three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add three teaspoons of bee honey and a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply this sugar, and coconut oil scrub to your skin and rub it in circular motions with your fingertips for about two minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat the skin gently with a soft towel. You can apply this scrub 2-3 times a week.
3. Green Tea Herb
A good way to keep your skin healthy is to save green tea bags. Recycle them into a skin scrub. The rough surface of green tea leaves helps exfoliate the skin. Removes dead skin cells, dirt, and harmful toxins. Moreover, green tea herb improves the appearance as well as the flexibility of the skin. It helps keep it healthy.
Application: Combine two used green tea bags, three teaspoons of honey, and one tablespoon of baking soda in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until a thick paste forms. Apply the mixture evenly to your face and allow it to dry for about ten minutes. Gently wash it off with wet hands. This scrub should be used once per week.
4. Coffee
If you want to get rid of all the dead skin cells with a natural exfoliator, coffee grounds can be the right choice. Coffee grounds are good for getting rid of dead skin cells and helping your body generate new skin cells. Also, flavonols within the coffee grounds improve skin texture to restore damaged skin and keep the skin shining and healthy.
Application: Add three tablespoons of coffee grounds to one tablespoon of either extra virgin olive oil or almond oil. Then add one tablespoon of bee honey and one tablespoon of fine sugar. This scrub should be gently massaged over the face, neck, knees, and elbows with circular motions using fingers. Allow it to sit for five to ten minutes, then wash the face with warm water and pat it dry. Use this scrub once per week.
5. Almonds
Almonds are a great option for treating dead skin cells because they contain antioxidants, vitamins A and E. It also contains good fats that help to maintain a youthful appearance.
Application:
Soak ten almonds in water overnight. For best results, soak them in milk. The next day, remove the almond skin and grind it into a paste. Mix it with two teaspoons of bee honey and apply it to your neck and face. Rub it in a circular motion and allow it to dry for 15 minutes. Then wash your face with warm water. Use this almond and honey face scrub three times weekly.
The almond milk scrub is ideal to remove dead skin from the face. With natural ingredients formulated for the delicate skin of the face, this exfoliant removes dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and other impurities with ease. The result is beautiful, glowing skin.
6. Orange Peels
The peels of oranges should never be thrown away. Rather dried out in the sun for a couple of days. Then ground into a powder to use as a homemade skincare product to get rid of dead skin.
Because of the rough texture of orange peel powder, it is a natural exfoliating agent on the skin. It removes dirt and dead cells from its surface.
Orange peels are also rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, helping to regenerate new skin cells. It makes the skin look younger and more vibrant.
Application: Using the same amounts of orange peel powder and plain natural yogurt. Blend the ingredients to make a smooth mixture. Apply the blend over your neck and face and let it dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse with water and repeat once a week.
7. Gram Flour
Gram flour, also known as besan, is another powerful natural scrub that helps to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin supple and radiant. Additionally, it helps remove excess oil from your skin and helps prevent acne breakouts, pimples, and blackheads.
Applications:
- You can make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of gram flour with two tablespoons of rose water or plain water. Apply the paste to your face and then let it dry. Then wash it off with normal water.
- An alternative choice is to mix two tablespoons full of gram flour and plain yogurt. You may also put one teaspoon of turmeric extract powder in it.
If the mixture is too heavy to apply, add more natural yogurt. Apply the mixture to your neck and face and let it dry completely. Rinse it off with normal water. Use both of these home remedies a few times a week.
8. Avocado Seed
As is common practice, you can use pulps of avocado to prepare facial masks to remove dead skin cells and ensure healthy skin. Also, you may use the avocado seed to remove dead skin cells.
Besides being rich in antioxidants, black cumin seeds restore new skin and nourish dried or damaged skin. They also help cleanse the skin of excess oils and other harmful toxins.
Application: Remove the skin from a few avocado seeds and grind them into a powder using a coffee grinder or high-powered food processor. Combine one tablespoon of avocado powder and one teaspoon of olive oil with bee honey in a container. Apply this scrub to your face, neck, hands, and other parts of your body using circular motions. Wait for around fifteen minutes, then take a nice shower. Use this scrub once a week.
9. Dry Brushing – Mechanical Exfoliation
Dry brushing can remove dead skin cells from your body and increase the size of your pores. You may also use a sponge or scrub. This will not only help you to eliminate dead skin cells from your skin, but it will also tighten it and improve its texture.
Application: Dry brush your entire body for about 10 to 20 minutes, starting with your feet and then moving upwards. After you have finished brushing, shower and pat your skin dry, and then apply moisturizer. You can do the process a few times a week.
Chemical Exfoliation for Dead Skin
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids are used as chemicals in chemical exfoliation to dissolve dead skin cells. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are the two types of hydroxy acids. These acids are found in toners, cleansers, scrubs, moisturizers, peels, and masks. Retinol is another chemical also used for exfoliation purposes.
- Alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) – Acids with alpha hydroxyl groups (AHAs) dissolve the top layer of the skin and reveal the new cells underneath. Glycolic acid is the most common AHA.
- Beta hydroxy acid (BHAs) – has a deeper penetration rate and is recommended for oily and combination skin types. The most common BHA is salicylic acid, which is also used to treat acne.
- Retinol -The vitamin A derivative retinol is used for skin care. It is a powerful chemical exfoliant that helps treat acne.
How Safely Exfoliate Your Skin at Home
If you decide to exfoliate your skin, it’s important not to damage it. To safely exfoliate the skin at home, follow these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Precautions
All of the above are great methods to get rid of dead skin cells. However, you must be careful not to damage your skin. You may be using a specific type of body lotion or taking a certain medication. Therefore, using these remedies sometimes may have an unexpected effect on your skin. Always know your skin type and patch test before using these remedies.
Know your skin type:
- Normal skin – Clear and not sensitive
- Sensitive skin – May sting or burn after the application of a remedy
- Dry skin – Flaky, itchy, or rough
- Oily skin – Shiny and greasy
- Combination of skin – Dry in some areas and oily in others
Here is the list of precautions to take before exfoliating your skin:
- Consider the skin care products you already use. Exfoliating while using these products may worsen dry skin or even cause acne breakouts. This is especially the case with drugs and even over-the-counter products containing retinoids or other retinoids.
- Choose an exfoliation method that is right for your skin type.
- Be gentle with your skin. Apply gently using small, circular motions. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts wounds or sunburn on your skin.
- Finish with a moisturizer. The skin may be dry after exfoliating. Make sure you apply moisturizer promptly after exfoliating.
- Create a schedule that works for you. Your skin type and exfoliation method determine how often you should exfoliate. The more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it is needed. Avoid over-exfoliating, as this may result in skin that is red and irritated.
Takeaway
Choose between mechanical, natural, or chemical exfoliation methods to get rid of dead skin cells. Always patch-test the remedy before application so as not to damage the skin.
Consult with a board-certified dermatologist if you’re unsure of your skin type or have questions about exfoliation. A dermatologist can assess your skin type and help you decide if exfoliation is appropriate for you.
7 Sources:
Noble Home Remedies relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations for accuracy and reliability while avoiding tertiary references. Our editorial policy provides more information about how we ensure our content is accurate and up-to-date.
- How to safely exfoliate at home – https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena Sativa) Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3508548/
- Homemade sugar scrubs for skincare – https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/homemade_sugar_scrubs_for_skin_care
- Home remedies to get rid of dead skin cells – https://www.india.com/lifestyle/home-remedies-to-get-rid-of-dead-skin-cells-7-homemade-scrubs-to-remove-dead-skin-cells-from-face-and-body-1861983/
- Flavonoids and Skin Health – https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/flavonoids
- 10 Things to Know About Almond Milk Scrub – https://bathhousesoap.com/blogs/housemade-blog/10-things-to-know-about-almond-milk-scrub
- How To Get Rid Of Dead Skin In 5 Easy Steps – https://www.siobeauty.com/blogs/news/dead-skin