As important as exfoliation is, put your exfoliators aside for a while. Your skin barrier needs some time to heal. Continuing to exfoliate won't allow that to happen. After a few weeks, consider gradually incorporating exfoliation back into your skincare routine.
You don't use exfoliant when you have a damaged skin barrier, that's how you can make it worse.
Using too many products or harsh ingredients can damage the skin barrier and lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation. Stick to a simple routine that includes a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you have a skin condition, follow your treatment plan as directed by your doctor.
Over-exfoliation can cause several long-term problems, including: Compromised Skin Barrier: The skin's natural barrier, which protects it from environmental stressors and pathogens, becomes weakened. This can leave the skin more susceptible to bacteria, pollutants, and other irritants.
Don't overdo it when using active ingredients like AHA, BHA, retinol, or anti-acne treatments. Applying the highest strength of an ingredient and using multiple treatments can unnecessarily irritate your skin.
After treating your over-exfoliated skin and removing exfoliators from your skincare routine, you should see improvements in your skin's condition within one to two weeks. However, if it's still not recovering, you may wish to see a dermatologist, healthcare provider, or skin professional.
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!
“Alcohol, fragrances and strong acids such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid can disrupt the skin barrier and cause further damage,” continues Dr Ifeoma.
“You will be able to tell when your barrier is healed/repaired when your skin is feeling less irritated/sensitive. It's not reactive/dehydrated or even dry. If your inflammation has decreased you're on the right path,” Yadira explains.
In addition, secreted sweat mixed with sebum on the skin surface forms a moisturizing lipid layer (Shelmire, 1956). We hypothesized that sweat may play an important part in mediating skin barrier function.
Those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer just a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator, as mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating for this skin type.
Do I need to exfoliate if I use salicylic acid? No, not really, this is because the way salicylic acid works is as an exfoliant itself. As I have mentioned already, it is an ingredient that is readily found in all manner of skincare products, from face wash to serums.
CeraVe's formulas, for instance, contain 3 essential ceramides identical to those found naturally in the skin. Our formulas help protect the skin barrier function, therefore replenishing the lost lipids. This helps provide your skin with instant and long lasting relief.
You must stop all exfoliating products immediately until your skin barrier heals. This includes retinoids, AHAs, and BHAs. As over-exfoliation is usually the culprit when it comes to a damaged barrier, further use will only cause further irritation. Strip back and simplify your routine until further notice.
If you've recently started using a product containing retinoids or chemical exfoliants such as glycolic or salicylic acid, there's a good chance your skin is feeling the purge. These ingredients work quicker by helping bring impurities to the surface and small red bumps can actually be a sign the product is working.
Niacinamide has been shown to support skin components such as ceramides and fatty acids that are integral to the outermost layer of our skin. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% hydrates the skin, and reinforces the skin barrier in as little as 7 days.
"The [tell-tale] signals that you're using your exfoliator too much include: excessive dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity. If you see any of these signs occurring on your complexion, it's important to stop using the product immediately."
Expert Tips for Gentle Exfoliation
There are two main methods of exfoliation used in CeraVe products: chemical exfoliation (such as salicylic acid) and physical exfoliation (such as jojoba beads). Over-exfoliating or exfoliating incorrectly can disrupt the skin barrier and result in redness, flaking, or irritation.
Regardless if you have mild or severe acne, regular exfoliation will smooth and soften your skin. In addition it'll brighten your complexion. Exfoliation will also help your pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells and excess oils. Which means it'll also help to reduce breakouts.
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.
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.
Once your skin has recovered, you may benefit from Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or slowly (emphasis on slowly) resuming chemical exfoliators like AHAs, to help lighten the look of dark spots.