Dead skin on the face is a pesky skin problem which is an accumulation of damaged skin cells, dirt and pollutants. It feels like an unwanted layer on the skin which you want to get rid of right away! Normal cell turnover happens every 30 days when your skin undergoes a renewal process to form a new skin layer from the dermis. But how to remove dead skin from face manually? The easiest way to remove dead skin is exfoliation.

Read on to learn a variety of ways to exfoliate your skin at home. 

What Leads To Dead Skin Cells?

Your skin undergoes a cellular cycle where the dermis regenerates new skin cells and sheds the old ones. The entire process happens naturally. If this process doesn’t occur at regular intervals then dead skin cells might build up on the surface of the face. There are many factors which contribute to the cause of dead skin cells. They include, the natural process of ageing, climate change, pollution, dehydration, sun exposure, and bad hygiene.

What Is Exfoliation And How Does It Help In Removing Dead Skin Cells?

Exfoliation is a process of scrubbing. For manual exfoliation, you will need an exfoliating tool or face scrub. The tiny granulated particles in the face scrub work up into the epidermal layers of the skin to effectively remove dead skin cells including dirt, impurities and excess sebum deep-seated in the pores.  

Your skin might shed off dead skin cells at regular intervals, but it is good to exfoliate your face once a week to keep it squeaky clean and reduce the chances of blackheads or future breakouts.

How To Remove Dead Skin From Face – 5 Home Remedies 

These home remedies for dead skin on face will help get rid of it effectively.

1. Sugar & Honey 

Granulated sugar has effective exfoliating qualities to unclog congested pores, remove excess sebum from the surface of the face and slough off dead skin cells. Applying it with honey keeps your skin hydrated and rejuvenates. This is the easiest homemade facial scrub to remove dead skin from face.

How To Apply: 

  • Mix 1 tbsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of pure honey in a small bowl. 
  • Add a few drops of lemon juice to it. 
  • Take it on your fingertips and apply it to your face in small circular motions for 2 minutes. 
  • Rinse off with cool water and pat dry your face.

2. Coffee Grounds & Raw Milk

Coffee to Remove Dead Skin Cells from Face

There are ample coffee uses for skin. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents present in coffee protects your skin against environmental stressors and repair damaged skin tissue. It is a touted natural ingredient to gently get rid of dead skin cells while giving your skin a moisturising effect. Raw milk has skin-lightening qualities to transform dull skin complexion into smooth & brighter-looking skin. 

How To Apply: 

  • Take 1 tbsp of coffee grounds (coffee powder with granulated particles ). 
  • Add 2 tbsp of raw milk and mix it well. 
  • Use it to scrub your face in small circular motions for 2 minutes. 
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your face.

3. Kiwi & Honey

Kiwi is enriched with vitamin C and other antioxidants which have powerful skin-exfoliating properties to clear out blocked pores, improve dull skin tone, and control excess oil production. Using it with honey helps calm skin inflammation and adds moisture to give you soft, smooth, and gorgeous skin.

How To Apply: 

  • Peel off ½ a kiwi to extract the pulp. 
  • Add 2 tbsp of honey to it. Mix it well to form a smooth face scrub. 
  • Apply in small circular motions. 
  • Leave it for 5-10 minutes and then rinse off with cool water.

4. Oatmeal & Yoghurt

Oatmeal and Yoghurt - Best Dead Skin Remover at Home

Loaded with antioxidants and skin-lightening compounds, oatmeal works to get rid of dead skin from face. Yoghurt contains lactic acid and minerals which help reduce the appearance of patchy skin tone, lighten blemishes, and reveal the clean smooth skin underneath. It’s the best natural face scrub to get an instant glow.

How To Apply: 

  • Take 1 tbsp of oatmeal and yoghurt.
  • You can add a few drops of honey to it.
  • Mix all three ingredients together. 
  • Massage it into your skin using your fingertips. 
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your face.

5. Gram Flour & Curd

Gram flour is a popular skincare ingredient to remove dead skin from face. You can mix it with an exfoliating compound like curd to gently exfoliate your face, remove pigmentation and even out skin tone. 

How To Apply: 

  • Take 1 tbsp of gram flour and 1 tbsp of curd in a small bowl. 
  • Add a pinch of turmeric powder. 
  • Mix all three ingredients together. 
  • Use it to exfoliate your skin in small circular motions. 
  • Rinse it off thoroughly with cool water and pat dry your face.

6 Best Products To Get Rid Of Dead Skin Cells

We have jotted down some of the best skincare products to remove dead skin cells. These products are 100% pure, natural and safe for use containing no traces of harmful chemicals or synthetic substances. Here are our top picks for you:

1. OH 3-in-1 Advanced Face Wash: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Rice Water 

Organic Harvest 3-in-1 Face Wash to Remove Dead Skin from Face

Organic Harvest OH 3-in-1 Advanced Face Wash is made with the rare combination of kakadu plum, acai berry and rice water that is specially formulated to exfoliate dead skin cells and clean up all the dirt & impurities accumulated on the surface of the face. The presence of acai berry helps fight acne and protect against damage due to pollutants. It also helps lighten blemishes or any kind of skin discolouration leaving you with naturally glowing skin from within.

Price: 215 INR
Buy Link: OH 3-in-1 Advanced Face Wash

2. Organic Harvest OH Acne Control Mattifying Face Cleanser: Green Tea, Moringa & Aloe Vera

Face Cleanser to Get Rid of Dead Skin on Face

Organic Harvest is OH Acne Control Mattifying Face Cleanser is infused with the benefits of green tea for skin to clear out pollutants, dirt and clogged pores. Infused with moringa  and aloe vera, it is a great product to add to your daily skincare routine to remove makeup, dead skin cells and everyday impurities. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop solution to fight skin damage due to environmental stressors, prevent acne, and keep your skin nourished, this one can be your ideal choice.

Price: 495 INR
Buy Link: OH Acne Control Mattifying Face Cleanser

3. Organic Harvest Anti Tan Scrub

Anti Tan Scrub to Remove Dead Skin Cells from Face

Organic Harvest Anti-Tan Scrub contains gentle scrubbing beads to help you remove dead skin cells and purify clogged pores. The presence of shea butter and olive oil stimulate the skin cell renewal process which works great to remove tan naturally. The anti-inflammatory agents help heal damaged skin tissues giving you a refreshing feeling.

Price: 595 INR
Buy Link: Organic Harvest Anti Tan Scrub 

4. OH SPF 30 Day Cream: Kakadu Plum, Acai Berry & Chia Seeds

Day Cream for Dead Skin Cells

Organic Harvest OH SPF 30 Day Cream is made with the combination of kakadu plum, acai berry and chia seeds to slough off dead skin cell layers, lighten acne scars and even out skin tone. It also helps fight impurities, damage due to environmental stressors, and treat minor skin imperfections. This organic face cream feels extremely lightweight and non-greasy to apply, which deeply moisturises your skin without clogging pores.

Price: 1195 INR
Buy Link: OH SPF 30 Day Cream

5. MyGlamm Wipeout Germ Killing Face Scrub – Rose & Honey  

Rose & Honey Face Scrub to Remove Dead Skin from Face

MyGlamm Wipeout Germ Killing Face Scrub is made with the richness of roses and honey. This purifying face scrub contains antimicrobial properties to exfoliate dead skin cells, zap-off bacteria, and get rid of all the dirt thoroughly. The apricot and walnut scrub beads re-energise your face while keeping it soft, supple and brighter-looking.

Price: 129 INR
Buy Link: MyGlamm Wipeout Germ Killing Face Scrub

6. St.Botanica Activated Charcoal 4 In 1 Face Scrub

Activated Charcoal 4 In 1 Face Scrub for Dead Skin Cells

St.Botanica Activated Charcoal 4 In 1 Face Scrub has the goodness of detoxifying charcoal with the power of detoxification, exfoliation, refreshing, and brightening. It reduces the appearance of dark spots and evens out patchy skin tone. This face scrub contains natural oils which helps seal in moisture and aids in the skin regeneration process.

Price: 499 INR
Buy Link: St.Botanica Activated Charcoal 4 In 1 Face Scrub

Precautions To Take While Exfoliating Dead Skin Cells

We all love skin exfoliation to get a clean and clear skin appearance. However, it is important to take a few precautions while removing dead skin. Here are the pointers to safely exfoliate your skin:

  • Make sure you do not overuse the face scrub as it might lead to irritation, abrasion and rashes on the skin.
  • You can use organic face scrub which is derived from natural plant-based ingredients and is 100% chemical free containing no sulphate, paraben, animal fats or mineral oils.
  • Do not exfoliate your skin more than twice a week. 
  • Make sure to always use a toner & face moisturiser on your skin after exfoliation to balance the skin’s pH level and restore lost moisture.

FAQs

Are dead skin cells harmful?

Dead skin cells can cause several skin problems such as clogged pores, acne, dry patches, blackheads, and irritation. Make sure to exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin.

What does dead skin cell buildup look like?

Dead skin cell buildup makes your skin appear dull and patchy with clogging pores & blackheads on the nose.

What happens if we don’t remove dead skin?

If you do not remove dead skin from face manually, it might block pores causing acne and uneven skin tone. 

Does soap remove dead skin?

Soap helps cleanse your skin by removing the outermost layer of dirt and excess oil. To remove dead skin, you will need a natural exfoliating face scrub or chemical exfoliators.

Conclusion

Manual exfoliation of skin is a must at least once a week. It prevents any sort of skin discolouration and occurrence of breakouts. These natural remedies work as the best dead skin remover for face at home.

So, next time you wonder how to remove dead skin from face? Get your hands on a few of the kitchen ingredients to indulge in a homemade recipe to slough off all the dead skin cells, exfoliate pores and keep your skin squeaky-clean & refreshing!

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