Exfoliating is a crucial part of any skincare routine as it helps to slough off dead skin cells and improve skin cell turnover. That being said, over-exfoliation can be detrimental for your complexion as it compromises the skin barrier; leading to breakouts, redness and irritation. Below are some key signs of over-exfoliation, and what you can do to restore your skin back to it's former glory.
What is Over-Exfoliation?
Over-exfoliation happens when you use physical or chemical exfoliants too often, too rigorously or combine incompatible products leading to skin irritation and damage.
Common culprits include:
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Excess use of force with physical exfoliants.
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Using physical exfoliants too frequently.
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Combining products that do not mix (e.g. Retinol with Salicylic Acid). You can read more about skincare products you should never mix here.
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Excess use of chemical exfoliants. Whether this be AHAs, BHAs, or Retinoids.
Why Is Over-Exfoliating Harmful to Your Skin?
Excess exfoliation can disrupt the skin's natural barrier. This barrier is normally in fine tune, fighting off bacteria and keeping your skin hydrated and safe from the elements.
By scrubbing or using acids too frequently you're stripping the skin of natural oils and moisture. This means a disruption in barrier function and comes with a whole host of problems. Below are some key signs you've overdone it.
Key Signs You're Over-Exfoliating
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Skin Barrier Function is Disrupted - More breakouts, oil production, irritation and dryness.
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Oily Skin - Oilier skin that is still dehydrated.
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Clogged Pores - An increase in blackheads, whiteheads and closed comedones.
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Products No Longer Working - Your regular skincare regime may no longer suit you, note that this can also happen due to a change in skin type.
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Breakouts - Especially if you're not prone to breakouts, or breakouts in new areas.
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Redness & Irritation - Not giving exfoliated skin time to recover can lead to redness, dryness, tightness and irritation.
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Increased Sensitivity - This may accompany dryness and redness.
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Hyperpigmentation - Especially those with darker skin tones.
How to Fix Over-Exfoliated Skin
First things first, we all get carried away at times. Skincare is a time consuming practice and you won't see results overnight. We often rush to apply more products, or more frequently with the intention of seeing results quicker but this is often not the case.
Remember: Less is more. Below are some ways to fix your skin barrier and restore your natural glow.
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Stop exfoliating: Stop the use of all physical abrasives and serums for a few weeks. This gives your skin time to breathe and heal, and also allows you to determine whether excess exfoliation was the culprit in the first place.
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Use a skin-barrier repairing moisturiser: One that has taken the internet by storm is LaRoche Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5+. This thick emulsion helps to soothe dry, irritated and cracked skin. Moisture is critical in reversing the damage done, and a good moisturiser will help keep it locked in.
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See a dermatologist: If you've tried all the above and nothing is working, it may be time to see a qualified medical professional for tailored advice.
How to Prevent Over-Exfoliation
The age old saying that prevention is better than cure is in full effect here.
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Limit the use of physical and chemical exfoliants: 2-3 times a week is sufficient for most.
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Use milder alternatives: If you suffer from sensitive skin, use a milder product alternative such as Mandelic Acid instead of Glycolic Acid.
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Check product compatibility: Not all products mix, it's crucial to know what can and cannot be used in conjunction.
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Moisturise: One of the three pillars of skincare, moisturising will keep your skin healthy and happy if you're using chemical or physical exfoliants.
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Be gentle: Being too forceful when using scrubs or masks is damaging. Scrub lightly and in circular motions.
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Use a gentle cleanser: Foaming cleansers strip necessary oils, combine this with a chemical exfoliant and it's a recipe for disaster. Use a gentle, pH balanced product suited to your skin type.
To Sum it Up
Over-exfoliation can happen to anyone. We, the team here at Obviously are no exception. We can confidently say that we have overdone it in the past, but with some time, the right products, and research you can benefit from healthy skin function again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about Over-Exfoliating: Signs You're?
Exfoliating is a crucial part of any skincare routine as it helps to slough off dead skin cells and improve skin cell turnover. That being said, over
How can I apply this to my routine?
Start gradually and build based on the principles discussed. Pay attention to how your skin responds and adjust your routine accordingly.
What results can I expect?
Results vary by individual, but with consistent application you should see improvements in skin health over time—typically within 4-6 weeks.
When should I consult a professional?
Consult a dermatologist if you experience persistent irritation, worsening symptoms, or if treatments don't improve your condition after several weeks.