How do I know if I'm over exfoliating?

Author: Maria Klein  |  Last update: Sunday, May 25, 2025

Your Skin Feels Dry and Tight Dry, tight skin is a clear sign that you're not getting the moisture your skin needs. Just as over-cleansing strips the skin of beneficial natural oils, so does over-exfoliation. Without some of these natural oils, the skin becomes dehydrated, tight and uncomfortable.

How do you know if you're exfoliating too much?

If you're exfoliating too much, you'll notice unmistakable skin irritation. "One of the first signs of any skin irritation, including over-exfoliation, is that your skin will burn or sting when applying lotions to it," says board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, FAAD.

How does over exfoliated skin look like?

The lipid barrier is critical for locking in moisture and keeping harmful aggressors out. Excessive exfoliation breaks down this essential lipid barrier, leaving your skin defenceless and more prone to skin discomfort. This can appear as tightness in your skin, a waxy appearance due to dehydration.

How do you know when to stop exfoliating?

What are the signs to look out for, for over-exfoliating?
  • exfoliation area skin is shiny (chemical exfoliator)
  • flaky dry skin (physical exfoliator)
  • itchiness
  • increased oil production
  • rough skin

How do you recover from over exfoliating?

Stop exfoliating the over exfoliated areas, first of all, and just baby them as much as possible - cleanse once or twice a day with the mildest gentlest cleanser (like a milk cleanser) and apply moisturizer to the over exfoliated areas and top with vaseline.

Signs of over-exfoliating the skin // HOW TO RECOVER FROM TOO MUCH EXFOLIATING @DrDrayzday

What are the side effects of over exfoliating?

Tell-tale signs of over-exfoliated skin include:
  • noticeable dehydration.
  • patchy areas of dryness.
  • skin tautness.
  • redness and itchiness.
  • increased sensitivity.
  • inflammatory acne and irritation.

What not to do after exfoliating?

After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.

Is it better to exfoliate at night or in the morning?

When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.

What comes off when you exfoliate?

There are three main types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators, which use scrubs, brushes, or sponges to manually remove dead skin; chemical exfoliators, which rely on AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve dead skin cells; and enzymatic exfoliators, which use natural fruit enzymes to ...

Is rubbing dead skin off bad?

“The best practice is to avoid over-scrubbing because you want to maintain a healthy and intact skin barrier,” Dr. Khalifian notes. Going too hard can leave your skin red and irritated. Use it after cleansing, and always follow with moisturizer to lock in hydration.

Should I moisturize over exfoliated skin?

After exfoliating, you can apply a hydrating serum followed by a great moisturizer for your skin type. Your hydrating products will absorb further into your newly resurfaced skin.

How should your face feel after exfoliating?

Think about how good the skin feels after you've exfoliated it. It feels smoother, softer, and more supple than before. That's because exfoliating removes the “gunk” built up from dirt, excess oil, and bacteria that clog pores and give your skin a duller appearance.

How to exfoliate skin properly?

If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.

What does overexfoliation look like?

Believe it or not, over-exfoliating can lead to stubborn breakouts that just won't seem to go away. These may sometimes show up as small, red, bumpy blemishes that give the appearance of an uneven, rash-like texture.

What happens if you don't moisturize after exfoliating?

Flaky skin can be made worse by not applying a moisturizing product after exfoliating. If you only remove the dead skin without protecting the new skin underneath, it can lead to rough skin and uneven texture. Some people even experience peeling skin because the texture is so dry and rough.

Should you physically exfoliate everyday?

Don't exfoliate every day. "At most, do it two or three times a week," Dr. Reynolds says. "Your skin needs to repair itself in between exfoliation episodes."

What is the black stuff when I rub my skin?

The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.

What exfoliate do dermatologists recommend?

Size: 1.7 oz.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Courtesy of brand. ...
  • Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner. ...
  • Best for Combination Skin: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. ...
  • Best for Dry Skin: RéVive Enzyme Essence Daily Resurfacing Treatment.

What happens to your face when you over exfoliate?

When you strip away healthy skin cells and oil from over-exfoliation, you leave the skin raw and exposed to your environment. As a result, your skin may crack, peel, or lose its elasticity. Follow the recommended exfoliation based on your skin type, but also pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust as needed.

Should you exfoliate while wet or dry?

It depends on the product you're using and the ingredients. Generally, chemical exfoliants are applied to dry skin and then washed off with warm or cold water. If you're using a physical exfoliant on your body in the shower, exfoliating wet skin is much easier.

Is it better to wash or exfoliate first?

Should a person cleanse or exfoliate first? Cleansing washes away dirt, makeup, and other skin impurities. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. Cleansing first may remove surface-level dirt, allowing for better access to dead skin cells when exfoliating.

What order to do skin care?

How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Spot Treatment.
  4. Step 4: Serums.
  5. Step 5: Retinol.
  6. Step 6: Eye Cream.
  7. Step 7: Moisturizer.
  8. Step 8: Face Oils.

How to tell if skin is over exfoliated?

Symptoms of over-exfoliation include:
  1. Irritation and redness of the skin.
  2. Blemishes and breakouts.
  3. Dehydrated, dry skin.
  4. Peeling or burning.

Why do I still have dead skin after exfoliating?

Irregular or improper cleansing can prolong the presence of dead skin cells by leaving oils and cosmetics on the skin. Exfoliating only needs to be done either once or twice a week, not daily.

How to exfoliate skin in a shower?

How to exfoliate your body
  1. Step 1: Get wet: Step into the shower and wet your body from head to toe.
  2. Step 2: Circular rotation: buff your skin in gentle circular motions. Start with the bottom of your feet and work your way up.
  3. Step 3: Don't scrub too hard.

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