Being our biggest organ, our skin is continually renewing itself. The appearance of dead skin cells is a natural part of this natural skin renewal process. These dead skin cells appear on the outermost layer of the skin as flaky, dry, rough patches. In certain parts of our bodies such as soles of our feet accumulation of an excessive amount of dead skin cells can cause calluses which are thickened and hardened parts of the skin.
How do dead skin cells appear?
Our skin cells are moving within our body although we do not notice this movement. This movement occurs during cycles of 28 to 42 days. Skin cells move from the middle layer of our skin being the “dermis “to the uppermost layer of the skin being the “epidermis”. After they have reached the epidermis our skin cells should shed naturally enabling newer skin to appear from underneath. At times this process does not go smoothly and once the skin cells have reached the uppermost layer, they do not fall off naturally as they should which can lead to skin problems. Essentially dead skin cells are those skin cells that have reached the uppermost layer and have not fallen off naturally as they should have.
Why dead skin cells do not shed naturally?
Let’s now look closer at some reasons why dead skin cells do not shed naturally as they should:
Climate
Our skin can become extremely dry trough dry environments and indoor heating which can lead to building up of dead skin cells.
Poor cleansing
Oils and cosmetics can remain on our skin due to not regularly cleansing of our skin or improper cleansing which can cause dead skin cells not shedding properly.
The Ageing process
As we have written in the past the ageing process impact our skin and our skin changes with age . Our skin renews itself more while we are younger and as we age the renewal process slows down. This slow down with skin cell renewal can lead to decrease of oil production on the skin which leads to dryness and accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin.
Lack of Moisturiser
The appearance of dry skin due to lack of moisturiser or improper use of moisturizer can also cause the appearance of dead skin cells.
Sun
As we have mentioned in numerous previous blogs sun damage is one of the most common causes of skin issues. If we allow our skin to be exposed to UV rays from the sun without protection our skin can suffer from dark spots, dryness, and hardening of the top layer of the skin which can promote the appearance of dead skin cells. Is it essential that you try to prevent sun damage by taking necessary steps such as applying sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
Chlorine from swimming pools
Chlorine used in swimming polls can irritate our skin. In addition, it can also dry the skin which creates ideal environment for the appearance of dead skin cells.
Hard Soaps
If we use harsh soaps the natural oils that are on our skin for protection are removed. Once these natural oils are removed our skin can become dry. This happens particularly to the sensitive facial skin which can lead to accumulation of dead skin cells.
Exfoliating incorrectly
If we are exfoliating too much it will speed up the skin shedding process too much which can lead to accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin. Exfoliation needs to be done only once or twice per week and doing it daily is harmful for the health of the skin which can lead to the appearance of dead skin cells.
Other skin conditions
Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause dead skin cells. If you suffer from these conditions seek the advice of a professional medical expert such as a dermatologist.
