Overexfoliation - what to do?
Overexfoliating is more common than you think. Of course by exfoliating too often however also by using exfoliants that are too harsh on your skin!
In both cases your moisturizer barrier is compromised.
So when to know your skin is overexfolitated?
๐ฉ irritation
๐ฉ increased sensitivity
๐ฉ tight and dry skin
๐ฉ dry patches and flakiness
๐ฉ stinging when you apply product
๐ฉ burning sensation
๐ฉ peeling
๐ฉ redness and inflammation
๐ฉ breakouts
What to do if you overexfolitate?
๐ผ Please stop exfoliating immediately!
๐ผ Switch back to a simple routine.
Cleanser - (Serum) - Moisturizer - Sunscreen
๐ผ Cut out Retinol- this will irritate your already damaged skin more!
๐ผ Same goes for foam cleansers, products where (den.) alcohol is on top of the list, or with fragrance, paraben - these are harsh on your skin.
๐ผ If your skin is dry I would recommend using hydrating products. (What works wonders for me was the unscented centella serum by purito)
๐ผ SPF SPF SPF!
UV rays are harmful to our skin in so many ways! So please protect your skin from the sun!
๐ผ Switch to a good moisturizer!
One of the main purpose of the barrier is to keep moisture locked in the skin.
However with a compromise barrier your skin is extremely vulnerable.
So having a good moisturizer which helps your barrier is essential now!
๐ผ Once your skin has healed, you can start to use exfoliants again.
However slowly introduce it!
๐ผ If your skin break outs or if it tingles, your skin hasn't healed fully yet - go back to your basic routine.
๐ผ For me it took about 2 - 3 weeks to fully heal.
๐ผ Higher doesn't always mean better especially with exfoliants! Start at a low concentration and work your way up!
๐ผ If the exfoliant you're using is too harsh switch to another one!
Eg. From BHA -> AHA -> PHA.
๐ Last but not least listen to your skin! For some they can use strongest exfoliants every other day but some others not. Dont compare your skin to others and just listen to it!
Hope these tips help you! โก