Your body is constantly shedding dead skin cells—close to 500 million a day. It’s like the old saying—out with the old and in with the new. When you slough off your old skin cells, you give your new ones a chance to shine.
So, how do you clear away the dead skin cells to reveal the fresh, young skin beneath? Exfoliation, of course.
In this guide, we discuss the benefits of exfoliation and how to remove dead skin buildup from your body.
Use a Body Scrub to Remove Dead Skin
A body scrub is a simple way to get rid of dead skin cells and give yourself a treat during your regular shower routine. Most body scrubs are made with tiny, gritty particles that give them their sandy consistency, helping to scrub off and discard your old cells. The result? Skin that feels polished, fresh, and deliciously smooth.
And if you use it right, you can even remedy strawberry skin. What is strawberry skin? It’s a condition when black spots appear on the skin caused by dead skin trapped hair follicles in hair follicles. Routine exfoliation can minimize clogged pores, and is even cited as a suitable keratosis pilaris treatment.
In addition to the satisfaction of feeling luxuriously soft, body scrubs can also improve your skin’s ability to do the following:
• Soak in moisture – With the dead skin cells circling the drain (literally), your pores are open and ready to retain more moisture from the shower.
• Unclog your pores – Ridding your pores of old skin means you’re less likely to develop razor burn or strawberry skin.
With three types of exfoliants, Kate Somerville’s Exfolikate™ Resurfacing Body Scrub helps your skin shed those dead skin cells so you’re left with nothing but baby softness. Made with natural pumice, this formula targets bumpy or dry areas on your skin that need it most, while giving the rest of your body a gentle polish.
Meanwhile, ingredients like honey, aloe, and soybean oil nourish and hydrate your fresh, new skin, to give it (and you) a radiant glow.
Our formula offers a 3-in-1 treatment acting as a scrub, peel, and mask—essentially, it’s a gift basket of spa goodies in one adorably orange squeezable container.
Try Chemical Exfoliation
What do you think of when you hear the words “chemical exfoliation?” One part intriguing and one part alarming? Trust us, we’d never lead you astray. Chemical exfoliators utilize the good kinds of chemicals, the type your skin will be grateful for, like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA).
AHAs help to rid you of your dead skin cells without causing the physical irritation that sometimes occurs from body scrubs or exfoliating tools. They shed old skin by breaking the bonds that secure dead cells to the surface of your epidermis.
Some of the AHAs you might see on a chemical exfoliant ingredient list includes:
• Lactic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Citric acid
• Tartaric acid
Using chemical exfoliants regularly can do wonders for your skin, such as:
• Minimize clogged pores
• Smoothen appearance of fine lines
• Reduce the signs of aging
• Encourage healthy skin cell turnover
Experiment With Exfoliation Tools to Remove Dead Skin From Your Body
There’s an exfoliation device for everyone, whether you’re looking for a gentle everyday exfoliator or something more vigorous that really digs deep to uproot all those long dead cells. Here’s a quick breakdown of two popular tools:
Washcloth
Tried and true, a washcloth is an excellent daily exfoliator, especially if you have sensitive skin. To exfoliate with a washcloth, follow these simple steps:
1) Wet the cloth with warm water.
2) Wipe down each area of your body in gentle, upward circular motions.
3) When you’re done, be sure to cleanse with a body wash to dispose of any leftover dead skin cells.
When you’re done, be sure to cleanse with a body wash to dispose of any leftover dead skin cells.
If you decide to do a daily scrub with a washcloth, remember to use a new one each day. A used cloth can harbor bacteria and days’ old cells. Instead, get in the habit of putting your old washcloth in the wash after each use and grabbing a new one before you hop in the shower.
Dry Brush
Dry brushing is an Ayurvedic technique that has been around for centuries. If you’re interested in taking the dry brush for a spin, here are the steps:
1) Purchase a natural fiber brush.
2) Start at your feet and work your way upward by brushing your skin in circular, clockwise motions.
3) Use more pressure on areas with thicker skin, such as your knees, elbows, and other areas where dead skin accumulates.
4) Take a cool shower afterward to wash away the remaining dead skin cells.
Just know that physical exfoliation should be done in moderation. Too much physical exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and strip the skin of its nutrients.
Find Your Smoothest Skin With ExfoliKate™ Resurfacing Body Scrub
Everyone deserves to let their skin shine—today, tomorrow, and everyday after that. Try adding a body scrub to your weekly regimen once a week and slowly building up to three times weekly to achieve your best and brightest skin.
Treat yourself to a relaxing facial at our skin care clinic to achieve clear skin. At Kate Somerville, our Skin Health Experts are dedicated to providing you with skin care that feels as good as it makes you look. With nourishing ingredients your skin will love, we can help you put your best glowing skin forward.
Explore our product line today and don’t wait another moment to start your skin care transformation!
Sources:
PLOS Biology. Revised Estimates for the Number of Human and Bacteria Cells in the Body. https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002533
