7 Home Remedies That Are Helpful In Removing Dead Skin Cells

The skin continuously loses dead skin cells and replaces them with new cells. However, sometimes these dead cells accumulate on the skin surface, making it appear dull.

As the dead skin cells pile up, they inhibit the absorption of nutrients and block sweat glands, often leading to the formation of acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

A persistent problem of dead skin cell accumulation can also cause flakiness, dry patches, and premature aging.

Therefore, it is essential to exfoliate your skin regularly to help clear the skin of dead cells, dirt, and oil. It also enables the efficient absorption of skin products.

# Perform dry brushing

Dry brushing your skin is an effective method to remove the dead skin cell buildup from your skin. Moreover, dry brushing helps tighten the skin and improves its texture.

How to use:

- Brush your whole body with a coarse, natural-fiber-bristled brush while standing upright. Start from the legs and move upward to the thighs, chest, back, and shoulders. This can take from 10 to 20 minutes.
- Take a shower after dry brushing.
- Pat your skin dry, and apply a moisturizer.
- Perform dry brushing a few times a week.

# Use a coffee scrub

Coffee grounds are coarse in texture and thereby work as natural exfoliators. Additionally, the caffeine in coffee boosts circulation and prevents photoaging.

You can make a scrub by mixing coffee grounds with any oil that moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

How to use:

- Mix 3 tbsp of coffee grounds with 1 tbsp of olive oil and 1 tbsp of honey.
- Gently massage this scrub on your neck, face, elbows, knees, and foot.
- Wash your skin with warm water after 5–10 minutes.
- Pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer.
- Use this remedy once weekly.

# Make a buttermilk and oatmeal scrub

Topical use of buttermilk is popular for fading dark spots, blemishes, suntan, etc. It also helps cleanse the skin of any impurities and dirt.

Being a milk product, buttermilk contains lactic acid that acts as a mild exfoliator and helps lighten the skin.

Oats, on the other hand, are natural exfoliators that soothe, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin.

How to use:

- Mix ½ cup of buttermilk with ½ cup of oatmeal, and allow it to soak for some time.
- Once the mixture turns into a thick paste, apply it to the skin and massage in circular motions.
- Rinse the skin with fresh water.
- Repeat this remedy twice a week for best results.

# Use a sugar and coconut oil scrub

Sugar is a popular and effective ingredient for scrubs due to its gentle exfoliating action. It is also safe in case of accidental ingestion.

Coconut oil, on the other hand, deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin. You can also add lavender essential oil to the scrub for a soothing effect.

This scrub is especially useful to achieve smooth, supple lips. However, it is advised not to use this scrub on the face as the sugar granules can damage the sensitive facial skin and cause irritation.

How to use:

- Mix 1 tbsp of coconut or olive oil with 1 tbsp of sugar.
- Add 2–3 drops of lavender essential oil and mix well.
- Massage the mixture on the skin gently.
- Wash after 5 minutes.

# Prepare an almond and milk scrub

Almonds are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin E, which helps manage skin problems associated with oxidative damage.

Moreover, almonds contain moisturizing properties that nourish the skin from within and improve its health. Milk contains lactic acid that cleanses and exfoliates the skin.

How to use:

- Soak 10–12 almonds in milk and leave it overnight.
- Peel the almonds in the morning and grind them.
- Mix the granules in 2 tsp of honey.
-Apply this paste to your face and neck. Massage gently for a couple of minutes and allow it to dry. Wash the skin with lukewarm water.
- You can use this remedy two to three times a week.

# Use orange peel powder

Orange peel is another highly effective natural exfoliator. The vitamin C in orange peels helps in the removal of dead skin cells and dirt and rejuvenates the skin at the same time.

How to use:

- Dry orange peels in the sunlight for a few days and grind them to form a fine powder. Store the powder in an airtight container.
- Mix orange peel powder with equal amounts of yogurt.
- Apply the paste to the affected areas, and allow it to dry for 20 minutes.
- Wet your hands and rub off the paste from your skin in circular motions.
- Use this remedy once a week.

# Try Epsom salts

Epsom salts boost blood circulation, especially to the feet, thus helping remove dead skin cells. They also contain magnesium, which can help detoxify the feet.

How to use:

- Mix 1 cup of Epsom salt with 1 cup of coconut oil. Add 1–12 drops of lavender essential oil to it. Apply the paste to the affected areas and scrub. Rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy regularly for best results.
- Add Epsom salts to water and soak your feet in it. Apply petroleum jelly after drying your feet. Use this remedy for 3 days continuously.