Dealing with Dead Skin: Causes and Care Routine

Dead skin is a natural part of the human body’s renewal process. Dead cells often manifest as rough, dry, or flaky patches on the outermost skin layer. In more severe cases, accumulation can lead to calluses, especially on the soles of the feet. Employing various exfoliation techniques can assist the skin in shedding effectively.

After exfoliation, dead skin cells exhibit a greyish hue and a flaky appearance. 

This article covers the causes of dead skin cells, followed by a skincare routine for the face and homemade remedies to remove dead skin cells on the body. Finally, the article gives some recommended ingredients to integrate into the routine to get rid of dead skin cells.

During a cycle of 28 to 42 days, skin cells journey from the middle layer (dermis) to the outer layer (epidermis) and naturally shed, revealing newer ones underneath. The cycle enables skin restoration and the replacement of damaged tissue. However, sometimes these dead cells don't fall off as they should, resulting in an accumulation that may trigger skin problems.

Here are 10 reasons why dead skin does not shed properly:

1. Age
   As people age, skin cell renewal slows down, leading to slower shedding and reduced oil production, causing dryness and accumulation.
   
   
2. Inadequate Cleansing
   Irregular or improper cleansing can prolong the presence of dead skin cells by leaving oils and cosmetics on the skin.
   
   
3. Incorrect Exfoliation
   Exfoliating only needs to be done either once or twice a week, not daily. Exfoliation speeds up the shedding process, allowing for the emergence of new skin cells.
   
   
4. Moisturiser Misuse
   Using an improper or insufficient moisturiser can trap dead skin cells on dehydrated skin.
   
   
5. Weather and Climate
   Dry environments and indoor heating can parch the skin, promoting dead skin cell accumulation.
   
   
6. Sun exposure 
   Unprotected exposure to UV rays can lead to dryness, dark spots, and a thickening of the skin's top layer.
   
   
7. Hot Showers and Baths
   Hot showers and baths can damage your skin’s natural moisture barrier. As a result, your skin becomes less effective at battling dry skin. This creates a build-up of unwanted dead skin cells.
   
   
8. Harsh Soaps
   Aggressive soaps can strip the skin's oils, causing dryness and accumulation, especially on sensitive facial skin.
   
   
9. Swimming Pools
   Chlorine in swimming pools can irritate and dry out the skin, leading to dead skin cells.
   
   
10. Other Skin Conditions
    Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema are prone to cause dead skin. (If you think you may have one of these, seek advice from a medical professional or your GP)

Depending on the part of your body and your skin type, you should use techniques and products to get rid of dead skin.

2. Exfoliate 

There are 2 ways to exfoliate your skin to remove the dead cells:

Chemical Exfoliation: the softer exfoliation method which dissolves the dead skin instead of brushing it away. 

The Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator is enriched with Salicylic and Glycolic Acids to stimulate the removal and renewal of old and damaged skin cells. The product is designed for blemished-prone skin and not recommended for sensitive skin.

Mechanical Exfoliation: in contrast to chemical exfoliation, mechanical exfoliation removes dead skin physically. This technique may involve the use of a soft brush or a washcloth to gently rub in circles on the face. Most effective on normal to oily skin types, this tends to be more harsh than chemical exfoliation. On dry or sensitive skin, it is recommended to avoid mechanical exfoliation. 

For men’s skincare routine, NIVEA MEN offers Protect & Care Face Cleansing Scrub infused with Provitamin B and Aloe Vera, can be used for unclogging pores and smoothening the skin’s appearance by lifting off dead skin cells. 


NIVEA offers a range of scrubs and exfoliators with products such as the Pore Purifying 3-in-1 Wash Scrub Mask, infused with Kaolin to remove daily impurities and deeply cleanse the skin. The product is based on a vegan formula to best suit your skin needs.

3. Hydration (day/night cream)

Since dryness can cause dead skin, hydration is an important step in your skincare routine. You want to nourish your skin with the right components depending on your skin type.

NIVEA offers day creams and night creams to include in your skincare routines, with products for all skin types. Both ranges are designed to ensure that all skin types are addressed with carefully formulated creams.

4. SPF (morning)

In your morning routine, it is important that you end with the application of an SPF. UV Rays can be very harmful to your skin, damaging the cells on the surface of the skin, which increases the chance of dead skin production.

Using a natural body scrub to exfoliate your skin with a brush, sponge, or glove is the most effective method to get rid of dead skin cells from the surface of your body. Thoroughly scrubbing the skin, gets rid of the skin's dead cells, and promotes blood flow.

1. Coffee scrub
   Coffee grounds make an effective exfoliant for removing dead skin cells. Additionally, coffee has a lot of Flavonols, which enhance the texture of the skin and maintain the glow when applied straight to the skin. 
   
   
2. Oatmeal scrub
   All skin types benefit from Oatmeal's gritty and granular texture for removing dead skin. Along with excess sebum and other pollutants, it will help remove any built-up dead skin.
   
   
3. Orange peel powder
   All you need to do to utilise Orange Peels as an effective exfoliant is to keep them and let them dry in the sun for a few days before using them. Put the dehydrated orange peels in a blender to powderise them, then conserve them in a sealed bag. Orange Peel scrub can help make your complexion look younger by removing impurities in addition to dead skin cells.
   
   
4. Gram flour
   Another product that is simple to locate in your kitchen cupboard is Gram Flour, often known as Besan. Gram Flour helps to exfoliate your skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. Utilising Besan will also help you get rid of extra oil from oily skin.
   
   
5. Dry brushing
   Dead skin cells can be effectively removed by dry brushing. By using a dry brush, you may easily remove dead skin cells from your skin and widen your pores. By doing this, you can eliminate dead skin cells to let your skin find its natural glow back.