Many people experience dry skin in winter. One of the best ways to treat dry skin is to exfoliate and moisturize. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells to produce a fresh glowing appearance.
In normal circumstances, our bodies shed around 40,000 skin cells daily, but skin can flake away even more when it’s irritated or dry. This can lead to visible white flakes, itching, and wrinkles.
Fortunately, you can remove these flaky external skin cell layers without damaging the skin. Here are five safe, dry skin removal methods.
5 Ways to Safely Exfoliate Dry Skin
Use a Natural Scrub or Exfoliant
One of the best ways to remove dead skin is to scrape it off – gently! You can easily achieve this result by mixing fine sugar with olive oil until you have a gritty yet spreadable consistency.
Apply the substance to your face and gently rub it over the skin. The grit from the sugar will remove dead skin cells. Wash and moisturize, and you’re good to go!
Home Remedies
Home remedies are effective in improving skin. However, several retailers offer pre-made products with advanced ingredients. Here are a few recommendations:
- Crepey Skin Pre-Treatment Exfoliating Scrub from Derma-E softens skin and reduces crepey skin. It is rich in fruit extracts and antioxidants.
- CannaCell X-Foliate Scrub from Andalou Naturals contains hemp stem cells and organic hemp seed oil that infuse antioxidants into your skin. It is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- Episilk Facial Scrub with Hyaluronic Acid from Hyalogic features fossilized plant resin that exfoliates away dead skin cells to reveal youthful skin underneath. Hyaluronic acid further supports skin health and reduces signs of aging.
- Eco-Friendly Exfoliating Glove from Kitsch offers a unique approach to skin exfoliation. It massages the skin to remove dead cells and improves circulation.
Exfoliants and scrubs are ideal for removing dry dead skin and revealing the fresh skin underneath. However, if they are too abrasive, you can use masks and creams that contain natural acids that dissolve dead skin cells. They offer a gentler approach.
Use a Pumice Stone
Pumice stones are made of volcanic rock that’s porous, roughly textured, durable, yet lightweight. When moistened with water and lathered with soap, pumice stones can rub away dead skin and calluses.
We recommend that you confine this exfoliation method to tough skin because of the rough texture. For example, pumice stones are ideal for removing dry skin from feet. Soak your feet in warm water beforehand for best results.
Brush the Skin Away
Exfoliating brushes are available at your nearest bath and body store or online. They feature a large brush head with a wide surface area covered with natural bristles. The bristles brush away dead skin but do not cause irritation with gentle use.
Brush your body before or during a shower for best results.
Like pumice stones, exfoliating brushes are too harsh for facial skin. They are better for feet, elbows, and other less sensitive body parts.
A Simple Face Wash
Exfoliation is only one part of healthy skin care. Follow up with a face wash to ensure toxins are removed.
Focus on problem areas such as the forehead and around the nose. Don’t scrub vigorously, but give each area enough attention to remove dead skin and invigorate the living skin beneath. Gently pat your face dry afterward and admire your healthy glow in the mirror.
Here are some recommended cleansing products.
- Organic Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser for Dry Skin from 100% Pure cleans and moisturizes skin. It is made with all-natural hydrating ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and honey.
- Skin Cleaner with 3% Grapefruit Seed Extract from Nutribiotics is designed for sensitive skin. It contains the compound Citricadal which has been shown to promote and maintain healthy skin tissue.
There are many ways to exfoliate, but these are some of the gentlest and most accessible. Start now and watch your skin improve before the weather warms up. Good luck achieving optimal skin health this winter.