What Causes Dead Skin Cells To Build Up? Plus, How To Get Rid of Them
November 26, 2024
If you have a dull, lackluster complexion or frequently experience clogged pores and breakouts, a buildup of dead skin may be to blame. Sloughing away built-up dead skin with a face scrub or chemical exfoliant can help reveal a brighter-looking, more radiant complexion. But for long-term results, it’s important to identify what’s causing the cells to build up in the first place. Once you figure out the why, you can adjust your skincare routine to help better prevent dead skin cell buildup. Keep reading to discover what causes dead skin to accumulate and learn how to get rid of dead skin on your face with some of our favorite exfoliating skincare products
What Are Dead Skin Cells?
Though your skin looks like one entity, it’s actually comprised of three different layers. The innermost layer, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is known as the hypodermis. Above that is the dermis, where your oil glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands live. The outermost layer is called the epidermis—and this layer is where new skin cells (also known as keratinocytes) are made.
During their life cycle, live skin cells gradually travel from the bottom of the epidermis up to the top. When they reach the surface of the skin, they die and fall off to make room for new cells. This process is called desquamation and takes approximately a month if your skin is not impaired.
What Do Dead Skin Cells Look Like?
On average, people shed about 40,000 dead skin cells every day, per the Cleveland Clinic. Because the cells are so small, you can’t see them with the naked eye. However, if those dead cells fail to slough off naturally, they can accumulate, leading to a host of visible skin concerns.
Often, a buildup of dead skin on the face results in a complexion that appears dull and lackluster. Your skin may feel rough and uneven to the touch, or your skin might feel drier than usual. In some cases, built-up dead skin can also contribute to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne breakouts.
What Causes Dead Skin Buildup?
At this point, you’re likely wondering what makes dead skin accumulate rather than shed as it should. There are several potential factors at play, from the natural aging process to your skincare routine and habits. Read on for a look at some of the most common causes of dead skin buildup.
Natural aging
According to the Cleveland Clinic, as you age, desquamation—the rate at which your skin produces new cells and sheds dead skin—slows. While this is completely normal, the slowed rate of shedding can make your skin appear lackluster. This, coupled with the natural decrease in hydration levels that come with aging, explains why mature skin tends to be prone to concerns such as dullness and dryness.
Sun exposure
Spending a lot of time in the sun without proper sun protection can lead to a host of skin concerns, and dead skin buildup is one of them. Studies show that over time, exposure to UV rays can reduce desquamation, in turn leading to an accumulation of dead skin cells. Consider that another reason to finish your morning routine—every day!—with a generous layer of SPF.
Not cleansing enough
Sometimes, the oils on your skin can cause dead skin cells to “stick” rather than shed as they should. Cleansing helps remove that oil—as well as dead skin and other debris—to help support smooth, healthy-looking skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends lathering up twice daily with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and lukewarm (not hot) water. It’s also a good idea to wash your face after sweating heavily, as sweat can irritate your skin.
Skipping exfoliation
Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, either by physically sloughing them off or by helping to dissolve the bonds that prevent the cells from shedding as they should. While you may not need to exfoliate every day, outright neglecting to exfoliate can allow dead cells to accumulate on the surface of your skin, leaving your complexion dull, rough, and uneven-looking.
Certain skin conditions
Certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, can affect the rate at which your skin sheds dead skin cells and makes new ones. If you exfoliate regularly, stay out of the sun, and follow a consistent skincare routine and your skin still appears dull or rough, it may be worth scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist to find out if there are any underlying issues at play.
How To Get Rid of Dead Skin Cells
If you’re facing down dull, lackluster skin, here are a few tips to help remove dead skin and reclaim a healthy-looking glow.
Wash your face twice daily
As we mentioned earlier, most experts recommend cleansing your face twice daily to help remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells and support your skin. In general, it’s best to select a cleanser based on your skin type and concerns. Gel-based and foaming cleansers tend to be ideal for those with oily skin, while creamier cleansers are well-suited for dry and sensitive skin types. If you need help finding the right cleanser for your needs, we’ve broken down some of our favorites in the article How To Find the Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type.
Exfoliate consistently
Exfoliating your skin (either via physical exfoliation or with chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs) is a great way to help slough away dead skin and promote a brighter, clearer appearance. Depending on the type of exfoliation you choose and the products you use, you may not need to exfoliate daily to reap the benefits of this helpful habit. Per the AAD, the more aggressive the approach, the less often it needs to be done. Your dermatologist can help you determine what type of exfoliation is right for your skin type and help you come up with the ideal schedule for your needs.
Shield your skin from the sun
Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day can help protect your skin from the sun damage that can contribute to slowed desquamation and premature visible signs of aging. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests using a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 15 and reapplying it every two hours (or more) for lasting protection. It’s also recommended to follow other sun protection measures—like seeking shade and avoiding direct sunlight at midday—whenever possible.
Try an at-home peel
Chemical peels contain higher concentrations of ingredients than daily-use exfoliating products and, as such, can be a great option for those wondering how to remove dead skin from the face for visibly smoother, brighter-looking skin. Professional chemical peels are an option worth considering, but they can be pricey. Fortunately, there are plenty of at-home options that you can use for similar results without the hefty price tag (we’ll give you the details on one of our favorites in a moment). Keep in mind that chemical peels aren’t for everyone, and if your skin is sensitive or reactive, you may fare better with a gentler approach. If you’re unsure whether an at-home peel is right for you, consider asking your dermatologist for their input.
Our Favorite Products To Remove Dead Skin Cells
Whether you’re looking for an everyday exfoliant to add to your routine or want something to reach for when you’re in need of a more thorough exfoliation, keep scrolling. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite products to remove dead skin cells from your face (and body).
Skinbetter Science Refining Foam Cleanser
Start your skincare routine on the right foot with this foaming facial cleanser. The multi-tasking formula, which contains AHAs and BHAs, removes makeup, gently exfoliates, and helps remove dead surface skin cells to reveal a brighter, more refined complexion. It’s best suited for normal-to-oily skin and can be used twice daily as the first step in your skincare routine.
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
If you’re someone who prefers the satisfyingly gritty feel of a face scrub, we suggest giving this gentle formula a try. It helps physically slough off dead skin cells and purifies pores while hydrating and softening the skin. While some physical exfoliants may be too aggressive for sensitive skin, this aloe and glycerin-infused formula is designed to be suitable for daily use on all skin types.
Kiehl’s Ferulic Brew Antioxidant Facial Treatment with Lactic Acid
Lactic acid, ferulic acid, and squalane come together in this antioxidant-packed facial treatment, which is formulated to help boost glow and refine skin texture within just one week of use. Pat it onto your skin after cleansing to help remove dull dead surface cells and prime your skin for the rest of your routine.
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel
There are plenty of at-home peels on the market, but this option from L’Oréal Paris is among our favorites, both because it’s affordable (yay!) and because it works. The fast-acting formula boasts a blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs (poly-hydroxy acids) and helps resurface dead skin cells to support a clearer, brighter-looking complexion. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used up to four times per week, at night, as part of your regular skincare routine.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner
If built-up dead skin on your face is making you break out more than usual, consider adding this toner to your skincare routine. It’s made with both salicylic acid (a BHA) and glycolic acid (an AHA) and helps remove dead skin and other pore-clogging debris to leave skin looking smooth, even, and refreshed. With regular use, it helps reduce clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Vichy Double Glow Peeling Face Mask
There’s little better than unwinding with a pampering face mask at the end of a long day (or week)—and if you have dull skin, this is the mask to use. It’s formulated with exfoliating acids and ultra finely-ground volcanic rock powder and provides a one-two punch against dead skin cells that can make your complexion appear dull or uneven. Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin, wait roughly five minutes, then wash your face with lukewarm water to reveal brighter, glowier-looking skin.
Youth to the People 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body Scrub
Dead skin can build up on your body, too, which is why incorporating a body scrub into your regular shower routine can be a great idea. We’re huge fans of this pick, which boasts a blend of AHAs and gentle physical exfoliants and helps buff away buildup, dead skin, and pore-clogging impurities. Use it one to two times per week, or as needed, to help support silky-smooth skin.
Cocokind Turmeric Illuminating Solution
If you have dull or uneven skin, this brightening toner can make for a worthwhile addition to your skincare routine. It’s made with turmeric and a blend of mild chemical exfoliants, according to the brand, and helps remove dead skin cells and reduces the appearance of dark spots and other skin discolorations. The brand notes that you can use it on your face and body up to five times per week, depending on your skin type and concerns.
Ranavat Smoothing Facial Polish
According to Ranavat, this luxurious-feeling face scrub, which contains finely-milled rice powder and ashwaganda, provides gentle, effective exfoliation for dull, blemish-prone skin. The brand recommends using it three times per week to help buff away dead skin cells, quench dry skin, and visibly reduce blemishes.
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