How can we effectively remove dead skin cells from the surface of our skin?

Several methods exist for removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Among the most useful methods are the application of appropriate peels based on the skin type. Chemical peels, facial cleansing gels, cleansing foams, exfoliating tools, scrubs, and various serums remove dead skin from the surface, but peels are the most effective among these.

What Is Dead Skin?

Our skin consists of multiple layers of keratinized cells produced in different layers of the skin, traveling towards the surface, undergoing structural changes. Upon reaching the surface, they become nucleated, flatten, and die, continually replaced by new cells. The human body sheds between 30,000 and 40,000 skin cells daily. The shedding process doesn't always occur flawlessly; if it malfunctions, dead skin can accumulate, causing dullness, flakiness, clogged pores, dehydration, and buildup of keratin.

What Are the Symptoms of Keratinized Skin?

Within the outermost layer, the epidermis, exists the stratum corneum, composed of the aforementioned dead skin cells.

Symptoms:

• Dry, flaky skin
• Itching
• Thick, rough skin
• Dehydrated or even oily
• Common occurrence of blackheads, clogged pores, pimples, milia

How Does It Develop?

Our skin has three main layers: hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. The latter is the uppermost layer where cell production occurs. The epidermis is composed of different layers where cells undergo numerous changes. If any disruption occurs in these processes, it might lead to incorrect cell division, premature or delayed cell shedding, or even nucleated cells reaching the skin surface.

Can It Be Harmful to Our Skin?

Accumulated cells can clog pores, thicken the stratum corneum, hinder skin breathing, increase inflammation and blackheads. Bacteria can proliferate more easily, leading to acne and inflamed skin.

How Can Keratinized Skin Formation Be Prevented?

Removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface is essential for a clean and radiant complexion. To achieve this, follow these steps:

1. Determine your skin type to understand its shortcomings and needs, which will influence product selection. So, start by identifying your skin type.

2. Incorporate products suitable for your skin type into your skincare routine that effectively remove dead skin from the skin surface.

3. Peels, masks, facial cleansing gels, moisturizers, sunscreen, and serums should be part of your routine.

4. Use pore-tightening facial cleansing gels to remove dead skin cells and open pores simultaneously.

These skincare products should be applied to clean and healthy skin. If there are open wounds, infections, or if the skin is prone to atopic conditions or is sensitive, use products and methods suitable for these conditions.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels aim to effectively remove dead skin cells. Some products only dissolve dead cells, while others affect the healthy skin as well. They effectively combat signs of aging, pigment spots, acne scars, or simply produce smooth, radiant skin. There are different types of chemical peels:

1. AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid): These exfoliating acids target the aforementioned issues. They sensitize to sunlight, so using sunscreen is mandatory, hence they are recommended for evening routines.

2. BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid): These acids exfoliate within the pores, combating blackheads and leaving the skin cleaner and clearer. They don't sensitize to sunlight, so they can be used regardless of the time of day.

When using either acid, the skin needs to acclimate and build tolerance as they can cause irritation! They support the skin's self-regeneration process, improve skin breathing. Maruderm's exfoliating serums make the skin radiant and effectively remove dead skin cells.