We all know the great benefits that exfoliating your skin has to offer, but like with many good things, too much of it can lead to some negative effects. It can be so easy to over-exfoliate your skin without picking up on it immediately because the signs of over exfoliation can be so subtle. The best way to take care of your skin is to listen to the soft whispers it gives you. Our skin is changing daily and with hormones playing a role too, we constantly need to change up our skincare routines. But fear not, here are a few things you can look out for if you aren’t sure if you’re taking your exfoliation game too far.

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Signs of over exfoliation you might not have known about.

For a very long time, I wasn’t even aware that over exfoliating skin is a thing. How was I supposed to know? It’s not like I had taken a course on skincare or anything. When you first start thinking about skincare, you go to the store and pick up a few basics that you’re familiar with and that usually includes an exfoliator, and then you follow along the instructions on the back. Well, if that sounded a little something like your life, you’re not alone! Over exfoliating skin is more common than you might think and it’s just because people don’t know what the signs of over exfoliation are. So let’s do a crash course on exfoliation!

1. Itchy and irritated skin.

Itchy skin can often be overlooked as a sign of over-exfoliation in your skincare routine, but it’s one of the most common ones. When you exfoliate too often or aggressively, you compromise your skin’s natural barrier, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and discomfort. The itchiness might start as a persistent sensation that lingers even after applying moisturizer or other skincare products. It’s your skin’s way of signaling that it’s been pushed too far and needs a break.

Make sure to look at a few of these symptoms showing up at the same time, as itching on its own might be caused by a product you are using. It’s important to look at the bigger picture and really listen to your skin, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem. If the itching persists, think about adding a recovery balm to your face after cleansing to help heal the irritated skin.

2. Increased breakouts and acne.

There is nothing more annoying than getting a breakout when you’re skin has been feeling its best. While the main goal of exfoliating your skin is to help unclog pores and prevent breakouts, over-exfoliating your skin can do the exact opposite. There is a very fine balance that needs to be maintained when it comes to exfoliating your skin the right way. When you strip away too many layers of skin, you can irritate and trigger the skin to produce more oil to compensate, resulting in more frequent breakouts.

If you notice a sudden uptick in acne or blemishes, especially in areas where you’ve been focusing on exfoliation, it might be time to take a look at your skincare routine and give your skin a chance to recover by scaling back on exfoliation and go for gentler, acne-fighting ingredients.

3. Sensitive skin.

Experiencing sudden sensitive skin is a dead giveaway that you might be over-exfoliating your skin. When you exfoliate your skin excessively, it compromises the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity. If you find that your skin has become unusually reactive, with heightened sensitivity to products that once felt gentle, it could be a sign of over exfoliation. This heightened sensitivity can present itself as a tingling or stinging sensation when you apply your skincare products or even a general feeling of discomfort.

if you’ve been feeling any of these signs, you might want to consider giving your skin a break from harsh exfoliants and focus on gentle, soothing ingredients that can help restore your skin’s natural balance and resilience.

RELATED: 7 Signs You Need To Exfoliate.

Dry and flakey skin.

Have you ever had the feeling that no matter how much you moisturize your skin, it still feels dry and flakey? Well, your exfoliation habits might just be the culprit. While the main goal of exfoliation is to reveal smooth, radiant skin, overdoing it can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to excessive dryness and flakiness. When the skin’s moisture barrier is compromised, it struggles to retain hydration, resulting in parched, tight skin that may appear dull and rough to the touch.

So, if you’re feeling like swimming in a tub of moisturizer won’t be enough to save your skin, you might want to forget about your exfoliator for a while. Avoiding exfoliation and focusing on replenishing your skin’s moisture barrier with hydrating products can help restore balance and rejuvenate your skin’s appearance.

Redness in your face.

Although rosey skin can be quite charming at times, going Rudolph red might not be ideal for anyone. With a combination of all the above-mentioned signs of over exfoliation, it was inevitable that redness in your face would follow. When your skin’s protective barrier is disrupted, it becomes more prone to irritation, resulting in a persistent redness that can be quite noticeable in areas where exfoliation is focused, more common in your cheeks and T-zone.

If you find that your face appears consistently flushed or irritated, especially after exfoliating, you might want to dial back on exfoliation and opt for gentler, soothing skincare products to help calm inflammation and restore your skin’s natural balance. When this does happen to me, I usually go for a soothing face mask to help ease some of the discomfort.

How to fix a damaged skin barrier.

Now that we’ve covered all the ways that over exfoliating skin can damage skin barrier, there are actually a few simple things you can do to heal your skin barrier in no time. Don’t let the fear of damaging your skin barrier stop you from exfoliating your skin, because exfoliation is also very important and has a ton of benefits for your skin. Like anything in life, you need to find the balance and use good quality exfoliants.

• • Give your skin a break: The first step in healing your skin barrier is to give your skin a break from harsh exfoliants. Put away your scrubs, acids, and brushes for a while, and allow your skin to heal.

• • Hydrate your skin: Focus on replenishing your skin’s moisture barrier with hydrating products rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids. Opt for gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizers to lock in moisture without clogging pores.

• • Use soothing ingredients: Add soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and colloidal oatmeal into your skincare routine to calm inflammation and reduce redness. Look for products specifically formulated for sensitive or over-exfoliated skin.

• • Slowly reintroduce exfoliation: Once your skin has had time to recover, reintroduce exfoliation slowly and cautiously. Start with gentle exfoliants like enzyme peels or mild acids, and limit their use to once or twice a week.

• • Listen to your skin: Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products and adjust your routine accordingly. If you notice any signs of sensitivity or irritation, cut back on exfoliation and focus on nurturing your skin’s health first.

• • Consult a Dermatologist: If you’re not sure about how to proceed or if your skin issues persist despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized recommendations and treatments tailored to your skin’s needs.

RELATED: 7 Foods For Skin Repair To Nourish Your Skin.

How long does it take for over-exfoliation to heal?

The healing process for over-exfoliated skin is different from person to person and depends on a few things, like the severity of the damage, the treatment methods you are taking, and your skin’s resilience. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for over-exfoliated skin to fully heal. Adding a few good skincare habits to your routine will help along the healing process. Make sure to make a habit of things like staying hydrated, protecting your skin from sun damage, and avoiding harsh chemicals.

Conclusion.

In some cases, less is often more when it comes to skincare, so listen to your skin and treat it with the care it deserves. Finding the perfect balance in your skincare routine requires patience, attentiveness, and an open-minded approach to skincare. While exfoliation is great for your skin, overdoing it can wreak havoc on your skin’s health and appearance. By looking out for these subtle signs of over-exfoliation and taking the right steps to restore balance, you can rejuvenate your skin and give it the care it’s been begging for.

Happy Healing,

Your Wellness Warrior!