Are dead skin cells actually a good thing?

You should save yourself the peeling in the future - and no, we're not kidding at the moment. Dead skin cells are actually a pretty good thing …

Ever since we first used an exfoliant when we were around 13 and felt the soft skin, we have focused our lives on destroying dead skin once and for all. And why not please? After all, dead skin is the root of all beauty evils: pale skin, dry skin, flaky skin, clogged pores, pimples, … OR?!?!?

We don't want to make your peeled head explode now, but: Everything you know about dead skin cells is wrong. Indeed, these babies play an important role in the skin barrier - perhaps even the most important one. When scrubbed away and etched into senselessness, the overall health of the skin suffers. In other words, dead skin cells are actually a good thing and you could probably use more of them.

Why are dead skin so important?

To understand what makes dead skin cells (or scientifically speaking, corneocytes) so important, we first need to understand the natural life cycle of a skin cell. First of all, cells multiply at a rate of around 40,000 per day: "New skin cells are created in the basal layer of the skin," Ronald Moy, certified dermatologist and founder of DNA Renewal, told HelloGiggles. As they arise, they push older cells closer to the top layer of the skin (also called the stratum corneum). "It takes 28 days for a single skin cell to go from its base layer to the surface of the skin," explains Moy. "The role of mature dead skin cells is to protect the skin itself and from drying out." Let's leave repeat it again to the dermatologist:

"Yes, dead skin cells help the skin retain moisture."

Exfoliating skin cells before they can act as a reservoir of moisture can lead to skin problems. You are probably thinking "What about all those articles that always talk about glowing skin behind the dead skin?!?!" Well, that's not wrong per se. But not quite right either.

That's why you REALLY have dry & sallow skin

These fresh, radiant cells are not yet ready to come to the surface. They can't handle UV light yet, and neither can your beauty routine. After the peeling you may look brighter for a moment, but after that you probably have dry, flaky skin. To put it in the words of the dermatologist: "Your skin is not dry and pale because there are too many dead skin cells, but because you have too few of them."

OK. We're just completely done. In fact, we "shed" naturally and by ourselves - without our having to do anything. However, only if we have completely healthy and functioning skin. Thanks to poor nutrition, environmental influences, little sleep and UV light, this rarely happens … So it's a good idea to help out sometimes. Soft.

How Often Should You Use Exfoliator?

Therefore, you shouldn't exfoliate more than once a week. A DIY mask made from yogurt and goat milk works the gentlest way. The lactic and AH acids contained in it not only make dead skin cells disappear, but also give the skin back moisture. So breath a little "sorry" on your skin, do without mechanical peelings from now on and trust your body!