Time is not an ally when you want beautiful skin, unblemished skin. But unfortunately, in time, you start to notice that your face is not as smooth as it used to be. Oh, God! I’m getting old and wrinkled. That’s what you’re thinking, right? Don’t panic.
You just have to take extra measures to get rid of this nasty dead skin, fine lines, which have built up on your face. But how do you do that? Well, I’m going to offer you some beauty tips and natural treatments that will restore your fair complexion.
So, if you’re wondering how to get rid of dead skin on your face, don’t stop reading.
Understanding Human Skin
Let’s first talk about your skin. At first glance, it’s something simple, right? In fact, it consists of three layers –hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. The top layer, also known as the epidermis, is composed of millions of cells made of keratin.
So how do we make new skin cells? It’s a simple, repetitive circle. New cells grow at the bottom of the epidermis, and they push their way upward. When the new cells reach the top, they die, and they form a layer called stratum corneum. That’s the top layer of the epidermis.
Since our body is making new cells all the time, the dead must be shed to make room for the new ones. It takes about 28 days for the new cells to push their way to the top of the epidermis. This means that in one month you’re going to have an entirely new skin. Awesome, right?
But where do these skin cells go? They’re closer than you think. Just look at all the dust around your home. It’s made mostly of dead skin cells. Gross, right? And if that’s not enough, a tiny organism called dust mites feats upon your dead skin.
Why Dead Skin Build-up on the Face?
Do you know that you shed around 30,000-40,000 dead skin cells every minute? No, I’m not kidding. It’s not a surprise that you haven’t noticed anything because your body is working like a well-oiled machine. It produces new cells constantly and gets rid of the old ones. And you’re none the wiser that something is happening.
But sometimes dead skin cells don’t shed as they should. And what happens then? Well, your skin loses its natural radiant tone. Instead of being smooth and silky, it gets dry and dull. Not something you’ll want, right?
So, what’s the matter? There are three main reasons why dead skin is building on your face. Let’s take a look at them:
- Old age. Our body constantly produces new cells and sheds old ones. But with time our organs and metabolism start to slow which means that our body doesn’t shed the dead skin cells as efficiently as before.
- Cleaning routine. As we said, we’re making new cells all the time. But if we don’t wash our face regularly and remove make-ups, oils, or other face products, the process of rejuvenating gets too slow. That’s why it’s important to clean your face regularly and exfoliate twice a week to keep everything in perfect working condition.
- Climate. Dry climates or excess winter temperatures cause dry skin and the build-up of dead skin cells.
Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Dead Skin
And here comes the important question. What can you do to get rid of dead skin on the face? In general, you have two options for dealing with this problem:
- Physical exfoliation
- Chemical exfoliation
Physical exfoliation means using a tool to scrape the dead skin away like exfoliating pads or microdermabrasion kits. Chemical exfoliation is when you use a product containing lactic acid or glycolic acid. You can consult a dermatologist to pick the right option for you and your skin type.
There are tons of exfoliants, which you can buy from the store. However, some of them might contain additional chemicals that may further irritate your skin, especially if you are sensitive.
So, what can you do then? Well, there are some natural treatments that you can try. And you won’t have to go further than your kitchen cabinet.
Let’s see which the most effective home remedies are and how to get rid of dead skin on the face fast.
1. Sugar tears the dead skin cells
We use sugar every day as a cooking ingredient or to sweeten our tea. But that’s not the only application of this white substance. Surprisingly, sugar is an excellent exfoliant due to its grainy texture.
It removes dead skin cells due to the friction created when you scrub your skin with it. And it contains glycolic acid, the same acid you’ll find in commercial exfoliants.
For your face, specialists recommend that you use brown sugar, not white. The reason is a simple one. Brown sugar is softer than raw and white sugar, and it will be gentle to your skin.
Necessary ingredients:
- Brown sugar
- A tablespoon
- Olive oil
- A bowl
- Water and soap
- Washcloth
- Moisturizer
Process:
- Measure two tablespoons of brown sugar and pour them into the bowl.
- Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Alternatively, you can use vegetable oil or sunflower oil.
- Mix the ingredients.
- Clean your face with water. Use a mild soap.
- Wash your hands.
- If you have long hair, tie it in a ponytail to keep in away from your face.
- Use your fingers to scrub your face with the sugar exfoliant. Use circular motions.
- If you feel any pain, it means that you’re scrubbing too hard. Stop.
- Soak the washcloth in warm water.
- Squeeze the excess water.
- Clean the sugar off your face gently.
- Apply moisturizer to soften the skin.
Notes: You should be careful when you’re using sugar to remove dead skin cells. Remember that sugar is abrasive and it tears the skin. Don’t use it if you have sensitive skin and repeat this remedy no more than twice a week. If you notice redness or abrasions, you should stop immediately. If you want to clean the dead skin from your feet, you can use raw sugar because of its super grainy texture.
2. Epsom salt makes the skin radiant
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
You’ve probably heard all about Epsom salts and their amazing health benefits. And you might have used them for relaxing or soothing sore muscles. But did you know that these salts are an excellent way to cleanse your skin and give it a radiant glow?
No? Well, here’s how to do it:
Necessary ingredients:
- Epsom salt
- Vegetable oil
- Essential oil (optional)
- An air-tight container
- Water
- A cup
Process:
- Measure two cups of Epsom salt and pour them into the bowl.
- Add one cup of vegetable oil. You can use other carrier oils like almond, olive or coconut oil.
- If you wish, you can add a few drops of lavender oil or other essential oil.
- Mix the ingredients well and pour the concoction into an air-tight jar.
- Before you use the mixture, you should wet your face.
- Then scrub your face gently using circular motions.
- Rinse with water and pat your face dry.
Alternatively, you can combine Epsom salt with a commercially bought cleanser.
Necessary ingredients:
- Epsom salt
- Face cleanser
- A teaspoon
- A bowl
Process:
- Measure ½ teaspoon of Epsom salt.
- Add it your facial cleanser.
- Wash your face and use the Epsom salt/cleanser mixture to scrub your face.
- Then wash again with cool water and pat your face dry.
Notes: The Epsom salt scrub will last 3-4 months if you have stored it properly in an air-tight container.
3. Oatmeal nourishes the skin
You probably know that eating oatmeal is healthy. But oatmeal has some pretty fascinating benefits for your skin when you use it as an exfoliant. Oats:
- Contain mineral and vitamins that nourish the skin
- Remove dead skin cells and excess sebum
- Keep your skin hydrated
- Treat acne
- Have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
- Contain saponins, which remove dirt and cleanse your pores
Necessary ingredients:
- Instant oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Honey
- A bowl
- Moisturizer
- A tablespoon
Process:
- Measure two tablespoons of instant oatmeal into the bowl.
- Then add yogurt ( two tablespoons) and honey (one tablespoon).
- Mix well until you have a thick paste.
- Wash your face and hands.
- Use your fingers to apply the oatmeal paste on your face and scrub gently using again circular motions.
- Wait 10-15 minutes and wash your face.
- In the end, apply moisturizer.
- Repeat once or twice a week.
Alternatively, you can mix oats, honey, and lemon juice.
Necessary ingredients:
- Instant oatmeal
- Honey
- Lemon juice
- Water
- A bowl
Process:
- Measure two tablespoons of instant oatmeal, two-three teaspoon of honey, and two teaspoons of lemon juice.
- Pour the ingredients into the bowl and add water.
- Mix well to make a paste.
- Wash your face and gently scrub the concoction on your face.
- Wait 10 minutes and rinse with water.
- Repeat once a week.
Notes: Applying oats to the skin might cause breakouts in some people. Use caution if you’re allergic to oatmeal.
4. Green tea removes dirt
For those of you who love drinking green tea, this home remedy will come in handy. Green tea has powerful effects on our skin, including:
- Getting rid of free radicals that damage the cells
- Delaying wrinkles
- Nourishing the skin
- Removing dirt and other impurities
- Enchanting skin complexion
Necessary ingredients:
- Green tea
- A teapot
- A cream mask
- Sugar
- A bowl
Process:
- Prepare the green tea as usual.
- Let it cool down.
- Strain the tea.
- Measure one teaspoon of sugar and pour it into the bowl.
- Add one teaspoon of your cream mask.
- Mix the ingredients and then add one-two spoons of green tea.
- Wash your hands well and clean your face.
- Use your fingers to apply the green tea mask to your face.
- Scrub gently.
- After 15 minutes you can rinse off with warm water.
And if you want fast results, try this recipe:
Necessary ingredients:
- Green tea
- Sugar
- Honey
- A bowl
- An air-tight container
Process:
- Brew a cup of green tea.
- Wait for it to cool down and strain it into the bowl
- Add several tablespoons of sugar to the tea solution.
- Stir well unit the mixture thickens.
- Add some water and honey. You can use an essential oil instead.
- Mix until you have a thick grainy paste.
- Scrub your face gently.
Notes: This green tea recipe is suitable for people with normal to dry skin. If you have oily skin, you can combine rice flour, lemon juice, and green tea.
5. Almonds for healthy skin
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Another tasty food that could help you in your fight against dead skin cells is almond. Yes, you’ve read it right. Almonds are not only great for your digestion, but they have a fascinating effect on your skin. For example, almonds:
- Improve your skin tone
- Remove dead skin
- Nourish the skin and prevent dryness
- Reduce wrinkles because they contain powerful antioxidants such as vitamin A and E
- Maintain healthy skin due to the presence of healthy fats
Necessary ingredients:
- Almonds
- A bowl of water
- A grinder
- Honey
- Water
Process:
- Start by soaking several almonds in the bowl of water.
- Leave them overnight.
- On the morning, peel the skin of the almonds.
- Use the grinder to grind the almonds until you have a paste with a grainy texture.
- Add two teaspoons of honey to the paste.
- Wash your face and hands thoroughly.
- Use your fingers to apply the paste to your face.
- Scrub gently with circular motions.
- Wait 10-15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
- Repeat twice a week.
Notes: You can also soak the almonds in milk.
Tips for healthy skin and preventing dead skin
There is nothing more important than taking good care of your skin if you don’t want to deal with dead skin cells. Here are some tips to help you do that:
- Establish a good cleaning routine.
- Use skin moisturizers.
- Dress well in cold weather.
- Don’t use abrasive to remove dead skin. They leave the skin raw and vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
- Don’t linger too much in the hot shower. It removes essential oils from your skin and leaves it dry.
- Use mild soaps that don’t contain harsh chemicals.
- Don’t exfoliate daily. For normal and dry skin – twice a week, oily skin – thrice a week.
- Don’t be harsh on your skin and choose gentle scrubs.
Indeed, dead skin on the face is not a medical emergency. But no one wants to have dull and dry skin, right? Just remember that you need a good cleansing routine to keep skin problems away and to preserve the radiant glow of your face.
So what do you think about these natural treatments and tips to get rid of dead skin on the face? Have you ever tried them? How do you exfoliate your skin? Tell us in the comments.
Cory Fang
A beauty professional, Cory Fang earned her two-year diploma in Beauty and Skin Care before going on to study Reflexology, Somatology, and electrical face and body treatments.She is committed to her client's well-being, and after working at a local beauty business for three years, she went into business for herself four years ago. A proponent on peels, skin needling, facials, and basic home care, she knows what it takes to keep skin and the body healthy.
