How To Identify and Care For Over-Exfoliated Skin

In the quest for a radiant and healthy-looking visage, you likely make it a point to follow a consistent skin care routine. If you’re obsessed with skin care like us, then you know that exfoliation is an absolute must. Dead skin cells are not welcome! However, too much of a good thing can have adverse effects—and over-exfoliated skin is no exception.

While it’s easy to go to work with exfoliation in your routine, it’s essential to give your visage the TLC that it needs. So, it’s important to slough away impurities from your skin without crossing into the over-exfoliation territory. If you’re not too sure if you’ve been handling your exfoliation the right way, we’re here to provide some clarity. Ahead, we’re giving you the full scoop on over-exfoliated skin and exfoliation dos and dont’s to keep your face in tip-top shape.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR SKIN IS OVER-EXFOLIATED?

Before we dive into the best tips for tackling over-exfoliated skin, it’s important to know why it’s not good for your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), over-exfoliation can damage your skin and lead to redness and/or acne breakouts. It can also leave you with irritation and can worsen dry skin. So, if you notice that your skin is going through the conditions mentioned above, you may be dealing with over-exfoliation.

5 TIPS TO MANAGE OVER-EXFOLIATED SKIN

Now that you know how over-exfoliation can take a toll on your skin, it’s time to take action. Below, we’re sharing five tips to help you manage over-exfoliated skin, plus advice on how to avoid it in the first place.

TIP #1: RE-EVALUATE THE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS YOU’RE USING

This tip may be painful to hear, but some of your skin care products may be causing your skin to become more sensitive, per the AAD. It’s best to take a break from exfoliation and highly-potent products like retinol in your routine to help your skin get back to its normal self.

TIP #2: REACH FOR MILD CLEANSERS

It’s a smart move to rely on mild cleansers to give your skin some love without the rough feel. Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – All Skin Types, which works to gently lift and remove impurities from the skin without the need for any rinsing or harsh rubbing. All you need to do is saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe it over the skin until clean.

TIP #3: HYDRATE YOUR SKIN

It’s not news that over-exfoliation can be drying. That’s why it’s essential to incorporate a nourishing facial moisturizer into your routine. Apply this beauty staple immediately after exfoliation to boost your skin’s moisture and keep the dry and tight feeling at bay. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Normal/Dry Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care – Extra Dry Skin. These offerings are all formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid to help soothe and provide your skin with lasting hydration.

TIP #4: DON’T SKIP OUT ON SPF

One of the worst things you can do when dealing with over-exfoliated skin is to pass on sun protection. Your skin is already sensitive and exposing it to the sun’s harmful rays can make things even worse. Play it safe and protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day (even on cloudy days).

Be sure to take additional sun protection measures as well. Limit your time in the sun (especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which are the sun’s peak hours), seek shade when you’re outside, and cover up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

TIP #5: CONSULT WITH YOUR DERMATOLOGIST

If you find that the above tips are not helping your over-exfoliated skin, it may be time to get a professional opinion. A dermatologist will be able to aid you in getting your skin back on the right track.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE OVER-EXFOLIATE SKIN TO HEAL?

It’s safe to say that you’re ready to leave over-exfoliated skin behind. We don’t blame you! However, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no set time for your skin to return back to normal. You may find that some people will see results after a month of following a strict routine, while others can take up to two months. The key is to make sure that you’re managing your skin correctly to get the desired results. Remain consistent and your skin will be back to its former glory in no time.

HOW TO EXFOLIATE THE RIGHT WAY

There’s no denying that exfoliation is key for healthy-looking skin. So, you’ll want to make sure that you take the necessary steps to exfoliate properly once your skin is healed. Here’s what you need to do.

TIP #1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT EXFOLIATION METHOD

When it comes to avoiding over-exfoliation, the best thing you can do is choose the right method for your skin. There are two exfoliation techniques you can select—chemical and mechanical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliants involve using chemicals, like beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid, to remove dead skin cell buildup from the surface of your skin without any rubbing. On the flip side, mechanical exfoliants are all about using a physical tool or abrasive products to slough away dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.

However, the AAD shares that mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating for dry and sensitive skin types. Oily skin types tend to do well with both methods. So, you’ll want to keep this in mind before you start a round of exfoliation.

TIP #2: ALWAYS USE A GENTLE HAND

If you fancy mechanical exfoliation, you’ll want to make sure that you always exfoliate with a gentle touch. Harsh rubbing can irritate your skin and cause redness. Not what you want! Be sure to rinse your skin with lukewarm water, as super-hot H2O can dry out your face and cause discomfort. Use a face scrub, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub, which is formulated with coconut oil, cocoa butter, cocoa, and pure sugars that work to provide a deep and gentle exfoliation.

TIP #3: RE-EVALUATE HOW OFTEN YOU EXFOLIATE

It’s important to note that all skin types handle exfoliation differently. Some can follow through with exfoliation two to three times a week, and others can only deal with one round. Your best bet for locking down how often you should exfoliate is to pay attention to your skin.

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