Remove Dead Skin Without Damaging Your Barrier

At CHOLLEY we are passionate about skincare and the science behind its formulation. We have seen over the last 37 years how our customers deeply appreciate and show their satisfaction with our skincare products that transforms their skin into a glowing and radiant skin!  One area we have observed that many customers face challenge with is how to remove dead skin from face without damaging the skin barrier. If it is not done correctly through methods such as exfoliation it can cause damage to the skin. You can be left with skin that is feeling raw, dry, irritated and is dull.

In the following guide we will try to help you through all the knowledge we have obtained in the past 37 years about this topic. This knowledge is very wide and extensive. It covers everything from biology of the dead skin cells to safe methods that help to protect your skin barrier’s functions. Many of these strategies are inspired by our own CHOLLEY approach to skincare. If you’d like to dive deeper into how to repair and renew dead skin cells on your face, check out our detailed guide on how to repair dead skin cells on face for practical tips and product insights.

Understanding the skin barrier is essential when we talk about dead skin. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the epidermis. Its job is to provide protection to the skin from bacteria, pollutants and water loss. The composition of the skin barrier is made of lipids and skin cells which work in harmony to maintain the skin resilient and hydrated. Redness, sensitivity, dryness and flaking can occur when the skin barrier is compromised.

Our skin naturally sheds old cells approximately every 30 days. This shedding process exposes fresh and vibrant skin from underneath. This process can be slowed down due to certain factors such as pollution, sun exposure, ageing and even harsh cleansing routines. This will result in a dull complexion, skin with rough texture and pores that are clogged. All skin types are vulnerable to this build-up, being oily, dry, sensitive or combination skin. But when it comes to its removal your individual needs play a key role.

Chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation are two main methods used when it comes to the removal of dead skin cells. Let’s now look at each one very closely with focus on the skin barrier safety.

Loosening the bond between the dead skin cells is how chemical exfoliation works. This loosening process will cause the skin cells to shed naturally. This method is usually much gentler than scrubbing the skin with abrasive brushes.

Like glycolic and lactic acids AHA’s are water soluble acids that help to dissolve the top layer of dead skin, revealing smoother texture from underneath. They can help to improve skin’s radiance without harsh scrubbings and are ideal for dry and normal skin types. Make sure to:

• Apply once or twice a week.
• Start with a low concentration.
• To reinforce the skin barrier always apply a hydrating moisturizer afterward.

At CHOLLEY we deeply appreciate what AHAs can do for the skin. Due to our appreciation, we have developed products such as CHOLLEY Crème AHA to balance effective renewal with deep hydration.

BHAs like salicylic acid work differently than AHAs. They can penetrate the skin since they are oil soluble. In addition to their ability to deeply penetrate the skin they can also clear dead skin cells and trapped debris from within. BHAs are particularly helpful for those suffering from oily or acne prone skin.

Moderation is essential when using BHAs. If you use them too frequently the skin barrier can be weakened since essential oils are removed. The weakened skin barrier and removal of essential oils can lead to inflammation so make sure to start slow!

Enzyme exfoliants which are derived from fruits such as pineapple and papaya are a skin barrier friendly option for those suffering from a sensitive or compromised barrier. They can digest the glut holding the dead skin cells together. They do this without aggressively penetrating the deeper layers of the skin which makes them ideal for those who seek results with minimal irritation.

Soft washcloths, konjac sponges or very gentle scrubs are used in the process of physical exfoliation. These tools are used to gently wipe away dead skin cells. Although safer when compared to over scrubbing and using harsh particles they can still lead to tearing of the skin barrier. A damaged skin barrier can cause inflammation and sensitivity so make sure to:

• Avoid scrubs with hard kernels (like nutshell fragments)
• Physical exfoliation must be limited to once a week at most
• Apply soft circular motions when exfoliating

When doing physical exfoliation be as gentle as possible and make sure to apply moisturizer afterwards.

When it comes to exfoliating dead skin without doing any damage to your skin it is essentially about not damaging your skin during the whole process. It is also essential to provide support to your skin barrier before and after the process.

Make sure you do not disrupt the skin lipids therefor use a mild and non-stripping cleanser. In addition, make sure to stay away from harsh foaming agents and cleansers with strong fragrances.

It is also important to make sure your skin is properly hydrated before you exfoliate. It is less likely that irritation is caused to skin that has already been dampened!

You must remember that providing moisturization to the skin after exfoliation is crucial. Make sure to apply a moisturizer immediately after you have exfoliated. This will ensure that your skin is replenished, and your skin barrier is strengthened.   Certain ingredients such as glycerine, ceramides and hyaluronic acid provide great hydration to the skin barrier which ensures your skin will stay resilient after exfoliation.

The BIOREGENE lotion we produce at CHOLLEY is a great product to use after exfoliation to provide moisturization the skin. This product encapsulates all the principles that are required when it comes to providing ideal moisturization to freshly exfoliated skin.

Even those who have the best intentions and routines still can damage their skin barrier during exfoliation. Some common mistakes to avoid include:

• Over-exfoliating: Those who exfoliate their skin more than 2-3 times per week risk stripping away lipids and weakening the skin’s natural defences.
• Exfoliating with harsh physical scrubs with large particles: Using these tools can cause micro-tears in the skin.
• Not moisturizing afterward: Skipping moisturization after exfoliation can make the skin vulnerable.

We like to suggest a good and easy to follow routine when it comes to approaching removal of dead skin cells from the face without damaging the skin barrier:

• To begin use a gentle gel or milk to cleanse the skin.
• Next use AHA peeling mask once a week. This will encourage exfoliation.
• Make sure to apply a hydrating moisturizer afterward which focuses on ingredients ideal for skin barrier protection.
• If you exfoliate in the mornings, make sure to follow up with a SPF. This will provide the essential sun protection for freshly exfoliated skin.
• Those days you may feel the need for additional polish you can use a soft konjac instead of harsh brushes.

This exfoliating routine will provide the balanced approach to maintain your skin smooth, healthy & bright without irritation or compromises.

The removal of dead skin from the skin should not be a damaging or aggressive process. By correctly combining chemical exfoliation like AHAs & BHAs, gentle physical routines, hydration, and caring for the skin barrier you can have a glowing and refreshened skin safely. AT CHOLLEY we believe healthy skin is not only beautiful but essential! That is why we have created products and an approach to respect your skin’s natural physiology when it comes to this process.

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