As an esthetician, I know a lot about the skin and skin function, so I think it’s safe to say exfoliation helps to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface, AND it's one of the most essential steps in a skincare routine.
Exfoliation (exuviation-cell turnover)happens naturally but slows down significantly with age or when our skin cells don’t get the proper nutrients required to function normally. So as we age, it is essential to help the process through. Regular and adequate exfoliating makes the skin look more radiant, smooth, and even.
On the other hand, over-exfoliating can harm skin too! It can lead to the decreased function of the skin's protective microbiome barrier, making it prone to infection and exposure to environmental toxins. In short, it’s necessary to use products and ingredients that gently remove impurities while stimulating cellular regeneration and helping keep the skin hydrated.
There isn’t just one exfoliation method that suits all skin types. So, before choosing an ingredient for your at-home, give me a shout!
There’s no denying exfoliation is a beautiful thing for your skin. A good scrubbing session takes off dirt and excess oils, boosts circulation, and leaves your face smooth and silky. But too much of a beautiful thing can be a bad thing. Over-exfoliating is the one skincare mistake almost all of us make. While we scrub and peel our faces in an attempt to keep our skin happy and healthy, too much of it is doing more harm than good. Here, the experts at ZO Skin Health have revealed the 7 signs of over-exfoliation to watch out for:
Your face is too shiny: If your face shines like a disco ball, give it a break from exfoliators. Light reflects off over-exfoliated skin quickly because its natural texture has been overly smooth (yes, there is such a thing as too much smoothness).
Your breakouts are getting worse: Excessive exfoliation strips your skin from its natural moisture, which prompts your sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate for the loss of hydration. In addition, scrubbing too aggressively too often can disrupt the skin’s lipid barrier and hinders its ability to protect the under-layers from bacteria and free radicals.
Your skin feels like it was sunburned: Redness, itchiness, and puffiness are all inflammatory responses, signaling that your skin is distressed. The top layer of your epidermis acts as a shield against allergens, irritants, and pollutants. When this natural exterior barrier is compromised, your skin becomes more susceptible to irritants and environmental damage.
Your skin feels like crepe paper:
When over-exfoliating, you scrub away healthy skin cells and lipids that help your skin retain its natural hydration levels. If your skin feels flaky and delicate lines suddenly become more visible, that’s a sure sign your skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture.
Your skin becomes dry:
Over-exfoliation can cause your skin to be drier and, even worse peeling. If you notice dry patches and find yourself reaching for the moisturizer, your skin needs a break from exfoliation. If you see that your skin is peeling, then you should never try to exfoliate it, as you will only make the situation worse.
An increase in acne
Over-exfoliation is a significant reason why people develop acne or why it won’t go away. Moderate exfoliation is a great way to prevent pimples, as it keeps the pores clear of debris. Excessive skin rubbing can weaken the skin so it can’t defend itself against any bacteria; this means that the main form of debris is broken down, so pimples can form much more quickly.
Your skin feels tight
Sometimes we feel like our skin is tight after washing our face, but when you have been over-exfoliating, your skin will feel perpetually tight, which you will notice each time you make a facial gesture. This can feel uncomfortable and cause other skin-related issues, such as cracked dry skin.
Still not sure? Connect with me here at kelssee@gmail.com
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