Exfoliation is a tricky area. Dermatologists prescribe it all the time, and then even tell you to go slow. You are told to exfoliate regularly, but not too much. You are taught to exfoliate well but not too harsh. Also, the process of exfoliation is addictive, especially when you feel the tingling work of the product sucking impurities out of your skin. One good result and you want to do it again and again for radiant, clean, and healthy-looking skin. But does the result always come out good?

What about those times when too much exfoliation leads to rashes or redness or even breakouts on the skin? This is called over-exfoliation. If you are reading this, you have likely suffered it. So without further ado, here’s how to recover over-exfoliated skin. 

How to Identify Over-Exfoliated Skin?

• Over-exfoliated skin may feel inflamed and tingly, even stinging sometimes.
• It will look very shiny in light, which will reflect very easily from the surface of your skin.
• You may also feel that your skin is too dry and tight.
• Irritation is also a sign of over-exfoliated skin.

How Does Over-Exfoliation Happen?

• Scrubbing too harshly, or too often.
• Using products like exfoliants, acids, retinoids, etc for exfoliation very frequently.
• These may strip the protective upper layer and moisture barrier of the skin along with dirt and impurities. 

Side-Effects of Over-Exfoliation:

• Prolonged skin inflammation and irritation.
• Premature signs of skin aging.
• Hyperpigmentation.

If you see your skin suffering hyperpigmentation suddenly, or looking old and leathery very quickly, then step back and take note — have you been over-exfoliating? Have you been using very potent exfoliants? Have you been too harsh in scrubbing or doing it too often? If yes, then chances are, that over-exfoliation is causing these problems.

Healing Over-Exfoliated Skin:

1. Immediately Stop Exfoliation

The first thing to do is stop the causal action. You need to immediately ban any exfoliation routine from your skincare. Especially any acids, facials beads, scrubs or retinoids that may have been part of your routine. This will give your skin some breathing space to recover.

2. Give the Skin Intense Moisture

The next step is to help your skin rebuild its stripped protective layer and heal the damaged skin cells. This is done through tons of moisture in the form of hydrating serums, toners, and moisturisers. Use gentle products that you know suit your skin (this is not the time to try that new serum from your favorite skin store). A moisturiser is very important for you right now, especially one that has natural lipid-mimicking oils like sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, or even primrose oil. 

3. Go Sulfate-Free

Try and use sulfate-free products for the time being as a mild cleanser is better for your traumatised skin. It’s best if you use organic or natural products. 

4. Avoid Fragrant and Colored Products

If your skin symptoms persist and there is inflammation or irritation, then cut out any fragrant products from your skincare. Cut out artificial color and makeup too if you can. These may accelerate the symptoms or trigger allergies.

5. Visit Your Aesthetician

It is best to visit your aesthetician who does your facials and clean-ups. They will know exactly how to help you recover your over-exfoliated skin. They may not only offer solutions for your daily skincare practice but also give you tips on exfoliation so that you do not fall into this trap again. If you wish to find an aesthetician ASAP for your current predicament then contact Savarnas Beauty Spa. The team of skincare experts here will help you with your over-exfoliation problems and offer facials that will be tailored to calm your skin. 

 Some Tips to Avoid Over-Exfoliation

• Exfoliate sparingly — 1-2 times a week to begin with.
• You can stretch this up to 4-5 times a week slowly, but only after ensuring that your skin is resisting in any way.
• If you have sensitive skin or irritated skin then do not use harsh products like acids, AHAs, retinoids etc without expert consultation. 
• Moisturise well every day to supplement any hydration loss.
• Step out of the ‘if it’s tingling it must be working mentality.  
• Listen to your skin and stop if it tells you to stop

The last tip is for any treatment or skincare ritual. The truth is, our skin tells us what it wants and when it has had enough. The trick is in listening and understanding. So be very observant of the symptoms, of the look of your skin, and do as your gut tells you. For any other problems, there is always Savarnas Beauty Spa.