Everyone has dead skin cells on their face.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is Exfoliation?
Exfoliation is a way to removedead skin cellsfrom the surface of your skin.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
There are two ways to exfoliate your skin at home: chemical or mechanical.
Exfoliation leaves the skin soft and glowing, but shouldn’t be overused.
If you exfoliate too much, you may harm your skin instead.
Each is suited for a different kind of exfoliation.
Choosing the right exfoliation method for your skin jot down can avoid skin irritation, dryness, and redness.
Sensitive Skin
People withsensitive skinare prone to inflammation or reaction to chemicals or fragrances.
Usually, people with sensitive skin will experience itching, burning, stinging, tightness, and dryness.
People with sensitive skin can still exfoliate, but they should be mindful of the products they use.
Mechanical exfoliation may be too harsh for people with sensitive skin.
It’s recommended that they use a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator.
To avoid intolerance and adverse reaction, considermandelic acidfor gentle exfoliation and products with few ingredients.
Dry Skin
Dry skinis the result of weather, age, and other environmental and genetic factors.
Dry skin can be lifelong or appear only sporadically.
Dry skin usually presents with tightness, roughness, itching, peeling, and redness.
Exfoliation of this skin key in should be approached carefully.
To avoid increased dryness, worsening symptoms, or skin irritation, opt for gentle products.
It’s also recommended that people with dry skin exfoliate with a washcloth and a gentle chemical exfoliator.
When choosing anexfoliator, look for ingredients like lactic acid.
These products can help loosen dead skin cells without further irritating the skin.
Oily Skin
People with oily skin have excesssebumon their face.
Exfoliating oily skin is a key part of skin care for this skin jot down.
Not only can exfoliation help with dead skin cells, but it can also prevent acne and spots.
Oily skin results in a buildup of dead skin cells blocking pores, which often leads to breakouts.
People with this skin punch in can opt for mechanical exfoliation or use a stronger chemical exfoliator.
Look for products that contain salicylic acid.
If the main concern of combination skin is oil, address it with salicylic acid.
If sensitive skin is the main concern, opt for lactic acid.
These exfoliators dissolve dead skin cells with chemicals.
They can be found in cleansers, toners, creams, masks, or chemical peels.
you might also use a stronger chemical exfoliator if you have oily or thicker skin.
If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions.
Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Some medications and even over-the-counter products may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel.
These include prescription retinoid creams and products containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide.
Exfoliating while using these products may worsen dry skin or even cause acne breakouts.
Exfoliating can be drying to the skin.
Apply moisturizer immediately after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
How often you exfoliate depends on your skin bang out and exfoliation method.
Generally, the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often it needs to be done.
Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this could lead to skin that is red and irritated.
Summary
Your skin gets rid of dead skin cells and generates new ones regularly.
Mechanical exfoliation is harsher on your skin and not recommended for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Check with your dermatologist if you’re not sure which exfoliator is best for you.
Skin concerns can be stressful and even embarrassing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will dead skin stay on my face?
Skin cells regenerate every 30 days.
This dead skin can stay on the face until it is properly exfoliated.
What is the best way to get rid of dead skin on the face at home?
Avoid mechanical exfoliation for dry or sensitive skin.
Why does dead skin stick to your face?
This may be from lack of moisture or the skin cells' inability to break away from the skin.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What kids should know about how skin grows.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to safely exfoliate at home.
Farage MA.The prevalence of sensitive skin.Front Med (Lausanne).
2016;4(12 Suppl):e1152.
