How to Remove Dead Skin from Body at Home Naturally

The accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin’s surface is a normal process in your skin’s lifecycle. However, excess accumulation of these dead skin cells may lead to rough skin and clogged pores, irritate your skin, and even result in breakouts. So, now the question arises of how to remove dead skin from body.

The answer lies in exfoliation, the process of removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to reveal healthier, glowing skin. Continue reading this article to understand how to remove dead skin from body and the various methods for exfoliating your body to maintain healthy, glowing skin.

Understanding Dead Skin

The sebaceous glands in your skin produce natural oils that protect your skin from dryness. These glands also pave the way for generating new skin cells while shedding the old ones. Keratinocytes are the cell type present in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. These cells are responsible for the generation of new skin cells.

The process of shedding the dead skin cells from the epidermis is called desquamation. It takes about a month for the skin to complete this cycle, shedding nearly 40,000 dead skin cells every hour. However, the skin’s natural shedding process can slow down due to various reasons like ageing, environmental factors like pollution, or sun exposure. This accumulation of dead skin cells can lead to various skin problems.

Exfoliation and Its Types

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin, revealing fresh and healthy skin underneath. The two different types of exfoliation are physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation.

Physical Exfoliation

Physical exfoliation involves using a tool or scrub that physically sloughs off dead skin cells. Some of the common physical exfoliators include scrubs, washcloths, sponges, etc.

Washcloth:

• Individuals with delicate skin would benefit by using a washcloth for exfoliation.
• Damp the washcloth in warm water and rub it in a circular motion on the skin.
• Wash your face before exfoliation to ensure that your pores get opened.

Scrubs:

• Scrubs are one of the most effective ways to remove dead skin cells from the body
• Avoid harsh scrubbing to protect your skin from irritations or microscopic tears.
• Do not use hard substances like nutshells
• Use mild salt- or sugar-based scrubs that dissolve readily and are gentle to the skin.

Sponges:

• A natural sponge can effectively slough off dead skin with ease.
• Damp the sponge and, after wringing it out, move it gently in a circular motion across the skin.

Chemical Exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation includes alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that dissolve dead skin cells rather than sloughing them off physically. These acids break down the bonds between skin cells, allowing the dead cells to shed naturally.

Here are some of the chemical exfoliators one can use to remove the dead skin:

AHA:

• It promotes the removal of the top layer of skin to expose fresh skin cells below.
• The appearance of fine wrinkles or pores can be reduced by the application of AHA’s
• One of the most prevalent AHA is glycolic acid

BHA:

• Individuals with oily and combination skin may use BHAs as they penetrate and unclog the pores.
• A widely known BHA is salicylic acid, which doctors use for acne treatment.

Retinol:

• It is an effective chemical exfoliator that can treat acne.
• Individuals with psoriasis or eczema may avoid using retinol.

Benefits of Exfoliating Dead Skin from the Body

When dead skin cells build up on the surface, your skin looks dull, resulting in uneven texture and clogged pores. Regular exfoliation helps to remove these impurities and promotes skin renewal, resulting in a radiant and smooth appearance. Here are the benefits of exfoliating dead skin cells:

Improves Skin Texture

One of the significant benefits of exfoliating dead skin cells is that your skin texture is improved upon exfoliation. When dead cells accumulate on the surface, skin becomes rough, uneven, dry, and bumpy. Regular exfoliation ensures the dead skin cells are removed, and you achieve fresh and smooth skin underneath.

Enhances Skin Complexion

Another remarkable benefit of exfoliating dead skin cells is that your skin will look brightened, which can help restore its natural glow. When dead cells accumulate on the surface, your skin looks dull, hindering the fresh, healthy skin beneath. Regular exfoliation will promote skin renewal and offer a uniform complexion. This process will enhance the brightness and overall health of your skin.

Prevents Clogged Pores and Reduces Breakouts

Clogged pores can lead to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. When the dead skin cells combine with excess oil and dirt, the pores get clogged. By regularly exfoliating, you can keep the pores clean and minimise the risk of breakouts.

Increased Absorption of Skincare Products

The dead skin cells accumulated on the surface of your skin act like a barrier that prevents the penetration of skin care products. As a consequence, you may not be able to get the desired results of these products. Exfoliation ensures that these products reach deeper layers of your skin, making your skincare routine more effective.

Boosts Collagen Production

Exfoliation stimulates collagen production, which is essential for maintaining firm and youthful skin. Regular exfoliation, especially with chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), encourages skin cell renewal and boosts collagen production.

Thus, exfoliation can prevent signs of ageing and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Removes Ingrown Hairs

When hair becomes trapped due to clogged follicles caused by dead skin cells, ingrown hairs are formed. Exfoliation can prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, which can hinder the formation of ingrown hairs. So, it’s best to exfoliate before shaving for best results.

How to Remove Dead Skin from Body: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide for exfoliating your body:

Step 1: Start with a warm shower

A warm shower before exfoliation helps soften the skin and open up pores. This way, the exfoliating agents penetrate deeper into the skin, making the exfoliation process more effective.

Step 2: Choose Your Exfoliation Method

Depending on your skin type, decide your exfoliation method. You may use a physical exfoliant like a scrub, washcloth, or sponge. Chemical exfoliants like an AHA or BHA serum are also available. Chemical exfoliation might be gentler for sensitive skin, while those with tough or rough skin may prefer physical exfoliants.

Step 3: Apply Exfoliant Gently

For a physical exfoliator, apply it in circular motions using your wet fingers. For chemical exfoliants, apply the product evenly on your skin with dry fingers or as mentioned in the product packaging.

Step 4: Rinse off

After using physical exfoliants, rinse your body with lukewarm water. However, a chemical exfoliator has to be left on the skin. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Step 5: Moisturize

Exfoliation should be immediately followed up with a moisturizer. This will ensure your skin stays hydrated, prevents damage, and keeps your skin soft and supple.

Home Remedies to Remove Dead Skin from the Body

Brown Sugar Scrub

The granular texture of brown sugar makes it an excellent exfoliating ingredient. When gently massaged onto the skin, it facilitates the removal of dead skin cells. This scrub also unclogs pores, removes excess sebum and impurities, and boosts blood circulation, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

Ingredients:

• Brown sugar – 1 teaspoon
• Almond/coconut oil – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Mix the ingredients and apply it to your skin.
• Gently scrub in a circular motion for 2 minutes.
• Wash off the scrub with lukewarm water.

Ground Coffee Scrub

Coffee offers incredible benefits when it comes to skin care. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it protects your skin from environmental damage and offers healing properties. Its exfoliating nature helps remove dead skin cells. So, regular use of coffee scrub leaves the skin smooth, refreshed, and brightened.

Ingredients:

• Ground coffee – 1 teaspoon
• Raw milk – 2 teaspoons

Directions:

• Mix the ingredients well.
• Apply the scrub to the face and body.
• Exfoliate gently in circular motions for 2 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Gram Flour Scrub

This homemade DIY scrub that uses curd and gram flour for skin helps remove impurities and brightens the complexion. The exfoliating ingredients like curd and gram flour even out skin tone, reduce pigmentation and leave the skin looking healthy and radiant.

Ingredients:

• Gram flour – 1 tablespoon
• Curd – 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder

Directions:

• Add gram flour, curd, and a pinch of turmeric powder in a bowl and mix it well.
• Apply this mixture to the skin and massage your skin gently in circular motions.
• Wash off the scrub with cold water and pat dry.

Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal, rich in antioxidants and skin-brightening properties, is an excellent natural exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells and nourishes the skin.

Ingredients:

• Oatmeal – 1 tablespoon
• Yoghurt – 1 tablespoon
• Honey

Directions:

• Mix oatmeal, yoghurt, and a few drops of honey to make a smooth paste
• Apply this paste to the skin, and by using your fingertips, gently massage the paste into your skin. 
• Wash off the paste with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Sea Salt Scrub

Sea salt, which possesses natural exfoliating properties, effectively removes dead skin cells, deeply cleanses the pores, evens out skin tone, and fades blemishes and scars. Olive oil, rich in vitamins A and E, nourishes and moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and healthy.

Ingredients:

• Sea salt -2 tablespoons
• Olive oil – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Combine both ingredients to form a paste.
• Massage this paste gently on the skin in circular motions using your fingertips.
• Rinse off the paste with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Papaya and Sugar Scrub

Papaya, in this remedy, is a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin and promotes the renewal of skin cells. Additionally, sugar is a supporting exfoliating ingredient that removes excess sebum and dirt from the skin.

Ingredients:

• Mashed Papaya- 2 tablespoons
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Mix both ingredients to create a paste.
• Apply this paste to your skin and massage it in a circular motion using your fingertips for 2 minutes.
• Wash off the scrub with lukewarm water, and pat dry your face.

Rice Flour and Aloe Vera Scrub

Using rice flour for skin offers mild exfoliation without irritating the skin, helps reduce pigmentation, and restores its natural glow. When combined with aloe vera gel, it provides a soothing and hydrating effect, leaving the skin refreshed and nourished.

Ingredients:

• Rice flour – 2 tablespoons
• Aloe vera gel – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Combine rice flour with aloe vera gel to form a smooth paste.
• Gently massage this paste onto your skin in circular motions for about 2 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Lemon and Sugar Scrub

Rich in vitamin C, lemon juice is a natural astringent, deeply cleansing the skin by removing impurities and dead skin cells. It also helps lighten the complexion and reduce blemishes and acne scars, leaving the skin refreshed and radiant.

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• Sugar- 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Mix lemon juice with sugar to form a paste.
• Gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions using your fingertips for about 2 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Flaxseed Scrub

Flaxseeds, abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, offer nourishment and exfoliation to the skin. When combined with honey, this homemade scrub provides deep hydration, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and supple.

Ingredients:

• Ground flaxseeds – 2 tablespoons
• Honey – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Mix the ingredients to form a paste.
• Gently massage this paste onto your skin in circular motions with your fingertips for about 2 minutes.
• Wash off the scrub with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Almond Scrub

Almonds, one of the greatest sources of vitamin E, are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Moreover, they also contain fats that promote mild exfoliation. This scrub is made by combining ground almonds with milk, which provides exfoliation and hydration to the skin.

Ingredients:

• Ground almonds – 2 tablespoons
• Milk – 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Combine the ingredients well to form a paste.
• Apply this paste to the skin and massage it for about 2 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

The Bottom Line

Understanding how to remove dead skin from the body and following the correct method that suits your skin type is essential for achieving smooth, radiant skin. If you prefer physical exfoliation with scrubs and sponges or opt for chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, consistency is the key.

Regular exfoliation not only helps prevent clogged pores, acne, and dullness but also improves the overall health of your skin. Remember to exfoliate gently and always follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. By making exfoliation a part of your skincare routine, you can enjoy softer, brighter, and healthier skin.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Remove Dead Skin from Body