Dead skin cells accumulate on the top layer of the skin, making it appear dull and sallow. It clogs pores and can also be the reason why you’re frequently dealing with breakouts. While regular exfoliation is necessary to get rid of this layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, glowing and radiant skin underneath, it is also important to know what is causing your skin cells to build up. To find out the culprit we’ve rounded up some common causes below as well as ways to get rid of dead skin build-up.

 

Causes:

Causes:

Ageing

As we age, the process of natural skin shedding and oil production reduces. This causes your skin to become dry and the dead skin on the surface of the skin keeps building up.

Not exfoliating

Not cleansing your face twice a day and failing to exfoliate it twice a week will allow the dead skin cells to linger on your skin longer than they should. Excess oil, deep-set dirt and makeup residue prevent your skin from shedding old skin cells and create new ones.

Using the wrong moisturiser

While cleansing and exfoliating are necessary, so is using the right moisturiser. No matter what your skin type, a moisturiser is an absolute must all year round. Dry and dehydrated skin is one of the biggest culprits of dead skin cells build up as it creates a rough barrier on your skin and prevents other skincare ingredients from doing their job.

 

How to remove dead skin cells

How to remove dead skin cells

Use a mild exfoliator

The best way to get rid of dead skin cells is to exfoliate the skin; however, it is also important that you use a mild scrub. Grainy scrubs can be harsh on the skin and leave micro-tears on the surface of the skin that take weeks, if not months, to heal. Hence, it’s best to use a mild exfoliator like the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. It contains a rice-based powder that activates upon coming in contact with water. It gently removes dead skin cells to reveal bright and smooth skin underneath.

Apply a lightweight moisturiser

After exfoliating, do not skip applying moisturiser. This will not only keep your skin soft and hydrated but will also accelerate the process of skin cell renewal; thereby, eliminating the build-up of dead skin cells.