To prevent irritation and get the most benefit out of all of these powerful treatments, it's recommended to use them on different nights. 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.
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.
After exfoliating or washing your face, it's generally recommended to wait about 10 to 20 minutes before applying moisturizer. This allows your skin to return to its normal pH level and ensures that the moisturizer can be absorbed effectively.
Give Your Skin Enough Time to Heal From Over-Exfoliation
This varies depending on exactly how over-exfoliated your skin is. For some, it takes just a few days. For others, it can take weeks.
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.
Immediate application: Moisturizing just after exfoliating is crucial to ensure deep penetration of the moisturizer for maximum hydration and soothing effects, though waiting a few minutes after using chemical exfoliants can help avoid any unforeseen interactions.
Below are dermatologist-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite products that contain exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and BHAs and are in line with experts' guidance. Although some of these products may be safe for daily use, experts recommend exfoliating one to three times a week.
After your exfoliant, apply the rest of your skin care products in order of their texture, going from the thinnest, most fluid consistencies up to the thicker lotions and cream.
If you've gone in with a physical scrub, a hydrating, soothing moisturizer is your best bet. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. For those who've ventured into the realm of chemical exfoliants, pick a moisturizer that's going to soothe and repair.
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.
Apply a gentle skincare routine
Over-exfoliated skin is very sensitive, which is why it's important to implement a gentle, mild skin care routine to help the skin recover. Given that over-exfoliation can dry the skin out, moisturisers, serums and cleansers formulated for dry skin are usually your best bet.
Whether you use your exfoliator in the morning or evening make sure you apply a moisturizer after exfoliating to perfectly prep your skin for makeup or the day ahead, or feed your skin effective, plump-effect, moisturizing ingredients overnight!
While you might want to have glowing, freshly-exfoliated skin every day, over-exfoliating can cause damage to your skin and its natural barrier. Exfoliation should only occur once or twice a week and always moisturize afterward! This provides your fresh new skin with moisture and protection from the elements.
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.
“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.
Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.
Simply splashing the face with water after you wake up could be a good option, Stull recommended. Particularly, she said, “For those with sensitive or dry skin, using water with no cleanser in the morning may be sufficient and will not remove any of the protective lipids that help support your skin barrier.”
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.