Exfoliate Dry Skin

Dry skin, which is caused by a buildup of dead cells on the surface of your skin, can cause embarrassment and discomfort. Rather than dwell on that, however, take action to heal your skin. Banish dry skin by improving your beauty regimen. From exfoliation to moisturization, there is a lot that you can do to get immediate results, so that you can be done with dry skin!

Steps

Using a Sugar Scrub

1. Make the scrub using home goods. Simply combine half a cup of sugar with just a dash of olive oil in order to wet it. The more coarse the sugar, the better the scrub will work. If you have access to unprocessed, unbleached organic sugar, use this in the scrub as it will be less likely to irritate your skin.
2. Wet the dry and affected area. Wash your face with a clean washcloth and clean hands, using warm water. The washcloth should be as soft as possible to prevent irritation; many dermatologists recommend a muslin washcloth.
   • A hair elastic can effectively keep hair off of your face while washing. A headband can also work, especially for people with bangs.
3. Apply the scrub. Once your skin is wet, apply the scrub with your fingers, rubbing it in gentle circles to exfoliate the skin. In areas where the skin is less delicate, you can scrub more vigorously, but pay close attention to how your skin feels and how it is reacting to the scrubbing.
   • If using this method on the face, be sure to use a more fine-grain sugar with less oil. Scrub very gently and be sure to wash the face with a doctor-recommended face wash to remove the excess oil. If your skin feels irritated, or begins to redden, stop scrubbing immediately as your skin may be having a reaction.
4. Rinse off the scrub. Wet a clean washcloth with warm water, and use it to remove the scrub. Avoid using water that is too hot, since this can dry out sensitive skin. Moisturize your face with an oil-free facial product after washing.

Exfoliating With a Pumice Stone

1. Wet and lather the dry area thoroughly. Lather the area with soap using body wash, preferably with a product that is designed to aid in softening of the skin. Look for products that boast "Dermatologist-Recommended" or those that are specifically designed to treat dry skin.
2. Purchase a pumice stone. By gently applying a pumice stone to the affected area, you can remove dead skin cells to reveal the soft, beautiful skin underneath. Although effective, keep in mind that this method may cause hair in the exfoliated area to lighten or even become removed completely with sustained use.
3. Rub the dry area with the pumice stone. When using a pumice stone, use light pressure and quick, brisk strokes on wet skin. You should only use the stone for a minute or two in each affected area. Avoid pressing too hard, since this will lead to sore skin and reddened areas.
4. Rinse the area and dry off your skin. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the affected area. Look for doctor-recommended lotions that are proven to soothe chronically dry skin.

Brushing Dry Skin

1. Obtain a natural bristle body brush. A loofah can also work well to brush sensitive skin. Avoid using a synthetic brush, as it will be too stiff and can cause scratches on the surface of the skin, which could lead to even more dry skin. Use a soft brush with a long handle for ease of use and maximum comfort.
2. Apply pressure to skin with the brush. Using firm, but gentle pressure, work the brush in a circular motion over the skin. Always work the brush toward the heart. Dry brushing can also improve circulation.
3. Rinse off in the shower after brushing. Wash your skin thoroughly to remove any excess dead skin. Use water that is warm as hot water can further dry out your skin.
   • Hot water strips oils from the skin faster than warm water. Avoid taking long, hot showers and instead use lukewarm water for a quick, 10-minute shower or bath.
4. Dry your skin and moisturize. Products that are designed to leave pores clog-free are best to use. Look for moisturizers that are labeled as “non-comedogenic” or that are described as “oil-free.”
   • Moisturizers retain water in the outermost layer of skin, acting as a shield for your skin. They can protect your skin from dangerous effects of the sun, wind, and various other environmental concerns.

Talking to a Dermatologist

1. Find a dermatologist. Dermatologists are experts on skin, nails, and hair diseases; they can let you know if you have any skin conditions that would require treatment. Your primary care doctor can recommend a dermatologist to you, or you can find one online. The American Academy of Dermatology is also a good resource, helping to match people with dermatologists in their area.
   • Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells from your face. If you have acne, open cuts, or burnt skin, consult a dermatologist before trying an exfoliation treatment.
   • Look for board-certified dermatologists. This certification indicates that they have completed medical school, have undergone a three-year residency in dermatology, and have passed an exam through the American Board of Dermatology.
2. Express your concerns. If you experienced discomfort when you tried to exfoliate, let your dermatologist know. If you have a rash, blemish, or bump that isn't going away, bring this up during your appointment. The dermatologist can also let you know if any moles that you may have look troubling.
   • Bring information about your medical history to your appointment, including any allergies you may have or medications that you have been using. Be prepared with a pen and notepad so that you can take note of the doctor's advice.
3. Learn about alternative treatments. For extreme cases, your dermatologist may suggest a chemical peel for exfoliation. High pH levels in chemical peels can help prevent skin irritation and tissue damage, along with making moisturizers and anti-aging treatments more effective, and lessening the effects of acne.

Warnings

• None of these methods should hurt! If they do, you may be applying too much pressure or using a product that your skin cannot handle. Check the ingredients and instructions on the products that you use, so that you can avoid using products that could react negatively to your skin.
• Do not use any of these methods on broken, irritated skin or on skin with blemishes.
• If the dry skin persists, it may be due to a fungal infection. Stop exfoliating and treat the infection before continuing.
• Avoid using these treatments on the genitals. These areas are delicate, and could become very uncomfortable and irritated.

Related Articles

• Take Care of Dry Skin
• Know Skin Types
• Remove Redness from Skin
• Clean Your Skin
• Perform a Vitamin E Oil Face Treatment

Sources and Citations

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