How to remove dead skin: Tips for face, body, and scalp

When it comes to removing dead skin from your face, you’ve got two main players: chemical and physical exfoliation.

Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation involves using acids like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve dead skin cells. AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, work well on dry or sun-damaged skin, as they work to improve texture and boost hydration. BHAs, like salicylic acid, are perfect for oily or acne-prone skin because they penetrate deep into pores to dissolve excess oil, unclog debris, and reduce breakouts.

Physical exfoliation

This involves using a scrub to manually slough off dead skin from your face. How often you exfoliate depends on your skin type. Oily skin? Aim for 2-3 times a week. Dry or sensitive skin? Once a week should do the trick. And always follow up with a hydrating product to keep your skin barrier happy.

Give your body some love too! Here’s how to gently remove dead skin and leave your whole body feeling silky smooth.

Start with dry brushing before you hop in the shower. Dry brushing boosts circulation, helps lymphatic drainage, and sweeps away loose dead skin. Once you’re in the shower, take things up a notch with a body scrub or a loofah. The warm water softens your skin, which makes it easier to buff away lingering flakes and reveal that fresh, glowing layer underneath.

After exfoliating, your skin is primed to soak up moisture, so lather on a rich body cream to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft, smooth, and happy. BELOVED body creams are a dreamy match for freshly exfoliated skin. Feel like you just walked out of a pampering spa session—all from the comfort of home.

Yes, your scalp needs exfoliation too! Dead skin on your scalp can lead to flaking, itchiness and irritation which may affect hair health over time. Regular exfoliation can boost circulation and keep your scalp balanced—promoting healthier hair growth.

Use exfoliating shampoos, scalp brushes, or scrubs to remove buildup. Massage gently to avoid irritation. Look out for products with salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or charcoal. These ingredients help break down dead skin and keep your scalp fresh.

Exfoliation is great, but too much of a good thing can be bad. Here’s what to steer clear of:

· Over-exfoliating: Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier, causing irritation and sensitivity. Stick to 1–2 times per week for dry or sensitive skin, 2–3 times for normal or combination skin, and 3–4 times for oily or acne-prone skin. If your skin feels tight or irritated, scale back to let your barrier recover.

· Using harsh scrubs: Scrubs with large, rough particles, like crushed walnut shells or apricot kernels, can cause microtears in your skin. Use gentle, fine-particle scrubs with sugar, jojoba beads, or rice powder instead.

· Skipping hydration and SPF: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, making skin more vulnerable—moisturizer restores hydration, while SPF protects against sun damage and barrier weakening.

Now that you know how to remove dead skin from your face, body, and scalp, you’re on your way to smoother, healthier skin. Your skin is constantly renewing itself, and giving it a little extra help can transform it from meh to marvelous! By understanding what causes dead skin buildup and using the right exfoliation techniques, you can reveal a fresh, radiant glow from head to toe.