There are two major causes for skin thickening. Firstly, cornification is a natural process, but it only takes 28 days for the epidermal cells to reach the surface, if they do not flake off after that, our skin thickens. Secondly, our epidermis is unhealthy and becomes part of the dead corny layer far too soon. If the epidermis is dry, it will lose its firmness and will appear flat. In addition, if the lipid barrier is not protecting our skin barrier, our skin cells will not adhere to each other, and our skin surface will appear to be very rough. Another scenario of roughness occurs when our skin loses its elasticity, causing our pores to enlarge, such that our epidermal tissues might become oxidized and densely pigmented.

When we observe our skin, not only would we see a barrier, but also the health status of our pores and deeper layers. Sometimes, we can observe the cornification of hair follicles, such that the epidermal coating of hair follicles degenerate and form a dead skin coating around our hair follicles instead. This can block the exit of sebaceous gland and cause sebum to accumulate and milia to enlarge. Subsequent colonization of bacteria will cause pus-filled acne to be formed, which can be fairly painful.

As long as we clear our corny layer regularly by peeling, we will be clearing up bacteria residing in our skin barrier. We will also be avoiding the formation of clogged pores. Thus said, peeling is the secret to preserve smooth, firm and supple skin.