Over-exfoliating our skin is often considered a common practice, and regrettably, this is the default perpetuated by the mainstream skin care industry. Daily and/or weekly is often too often. Monthly chemical peels are too much. Morning exfoliation is never a good idea. The desire for improved skin is universal; even when our skin is already in good condition, we continuously seek ways to enhance it. This inherent aspiration draws individuals into the realm of skin care marked by terms like “corrective,” “clinical,” “medical,” and “anti-aging.” Here we dive into what over-exfoliated skin is, indicators of skin that has been excessively exfoliated and what you can do instead that is light years ahead of the outdated over-exfoliation approach..
What Is Over-Exfoliated Skin?
Over-exfoliated skin refers to a condition where the skin has been exfoliated or scrubbed too frequently or aggressively, leading to excessive removal of the top layer of skin cells. Glycolic, lactic, salysilic acids are the most common chemical exfoliants and microdermabrasion and scrubs are the most common physical exfoliates. Dermaplaning is another popular type of physical exfoliation. Most people are still over-exfoliating their skin. This can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function and cause a multitude of short-term and long-term issues.
What Are The Signs Of Over-Exfoliated Skin?
- Increased Sun-Sensitivity: Chances of sunburning, hyperpigmentation, and increased collagen loss over time
- Redness: The skin may appear visibly red and irritated.
- Dryness: Excessive exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dry and flaky skin.
- Tightness: The skin may feel uncomfortably tight or stretched.
- Increased Sensitivity: Over-exfoliated skin can become more sensitive to skin care products, environmental factors, and even touch.
- Burning or Stinging: Some individuals may experience a burning or stinging sensation when applying skin care products.
- Breakouts: Ironically, over-exfoliation can sometimes lead to an increase in acne breakouts as the skin tries to compensate for the loss of its protective barrier.
- Peeling: The skin may peel, especially in areas that have been over-exfoliated.
- Inflammation: In severe cases, over-exfoliation can cause inflammation and may even result in small cuts or tears in the skin.
- Impaired epidermal function:Eepidermal function is a concert of functions that require hydration, healthy acid mantle, the sublime delivery of our own natural oils to the surface of our skin
How To Treat Over-Exfoliated Skin
The most effective remedy for skin that has undergone excessive processing and exfoliation is to initiate Skin Harmonics protocols, or alternatively, adopt a more minimalistic approach akin to the “caveman regimen” to allow your skin a complete respite.
For those with normal skin, I advise exfoliating once a month, and at most, twice a month. If you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, weekly exfoliation is the maximum recommendation. Opting for enzymatic exfoliation is the best route to prevent the risk of over-exfoliating. There are individual cases in which a more aggressive old-school scrub can be used but only in the context of Dermal Nutrients and maximum hydration which are both baked into the Skin Harmonics protocols.
Traditional exfoliation methods often lead to persistent surface dryness, which is crippling to achieve even the most minimal of skin health. Instead, I offer a distinctive enzyme exfoliator called “Revive,” designed to hydrate while providing a gentle exfoliation. New skin cell generation is facilitated through the absorption and metabolism of Dermal Nutrients, rather than resorting to short-sighted and forced skin cell production caused by exfoliation. This approach is far more sustainable for achieving skin resurfacing, addressing acne concerns, and slowing down the aging process for long-term lasting skin health.
When Can You Start Exfoliating Again?
There is no reason to revert back to over-exfoliation and start over-exercising and giving your skin an excessive dermal workload that will only diminish it over time. Skin cells that are manufactured out of sustenance are a world of difference compared to skin cells manufactured from constant micro-traumas that will deplete dermal thickness over time. Sustenance makes delayed aging possible. Dermal Nutrients fortify and thicken our dermal capillary mattress and over-exfoliation depletes this layer.
Final Thoughts On Over-Exfoliated Skin
In conclusion, dodging the perils of over-exfoliating your skin is essential for achieving clear skin that has the ability to stay vital and gorgeous well into our later years. The mainstream skin care industry default often perpetuates the notion that more exfoliation is better, but the signs of over-exfoliated skin tell a different story, including redness, dryness, and increased sun sensitivity and all complications including the development of actinic precursor lesions.
Fortunately, there is a better approach and a holistic alternative now with the Skin Harmonics Method to achieve skin resurfacing and address common concerns like acne and aging. Embracing a more balanced exfoliation routine, complemented by gentle enzymatic exfoliants like “Revive,”, adding Dermal Nutrients, can help your skin thrive. Once these other things are experienced you will forget to exfoliate and won’t miss it at all because you will see what is possible. If you ever need guidance or personalized advice for your skin, don’t hesitate to schedule a complimentary virtual consultation. Your skin’s immediate and long-term health and radiance are worth the effort.