Physical and chemical exfoliation are the best ways to get rid of dead skin on your face.

Learn how to do it for your particular skin bang out.

Im talkin skin thats calm, soft, and smooth as butter.

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Experts in this article

What are dead skin cells?

What does dead-skin buildup look like on the face?

Ever spend a few minutes in the mirror thinking, Wow, I could probably use a facial?

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Do I need to remove dead skin from my face?

But there are benefits to speeding up the process, especially for the efficacy of your skin-care routine.

A buildup of dead skin on the face can actually prevent your products from working to their full potential.

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actually penetrate the skin better when theres less grime and buildup to pass through.

Thick layers of dead skin cells can prevent topicals from absorbing properly, says Dr. Nazarian.

Active ingredients will always penetrate exfoliated skin more efficiently.

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Exfoliation involves using tools or ingredients to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells, says Dr. Nazarian.

Both types of exfoliation have the same goalto rid dead skin cellsbut get there using different mechanisms.

Over time, regular chemical exfoliation can also increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, she says.

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What is chemical exfoliation?

Chemical exfoliation is exactly what it sounds like.

AHAs, like glycolic acid, gently slough off dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath.

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What is physical exfoliation?

Because of its abrasive technique, physical exfoliation poses more risks than chemical exfoliation.

Its also important to gradually build up frequency when it comes to incorporating a physical exfoliator into your routine.

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She recommends trying AHAs likeglycolic acidorlactic acidthat will help remove dead skin gently.

Because acne begins underneath the surface, an exfoliating product with both AHA and BHA can be incredibly effective.

Dr. Engelman suggests usingat-home exfoliation padswhich usually come soaked in AHAs and BHAs to help resurface the skin.

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Can I over-exfoliate my skin?

Stick with acreamy cleanser, a bland andhydrating moisturizer, and agentle SPFin the interim.

But the reality is: Dead skin has to go in order for your glowy skin to shine through.

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Black hair woman wearing a grey and white bra giving herself a deep cleansing session with a face brush and Gatineau skincare face wash lotion, after her shower. Studio skincare portrait over isolated background.

A curvy woman applying cleansing balms and smiling to her reflection in the mirror.

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