We all love that smooth, fresh feeling after exfoliating. It makes your skin feel clean and renewed, almost as if you just hit reset. But when that glow starts fading into tightness, redness, or discomfort, it might be your skin’s way of saying you have gone too far.
Over exfoliation happens more often than most people realize, especially with how popular AHA and BHA products have become. The good news is that your skin can recover with the right care and a little patience.
What Happens When You Over Exfoliate
Your skin naturally renews itself every few weeks, shedding dead cells on its own. Exfoliation helps that process along, but when you do it too often, you start removing more than buildup. You begin stripping away the protective layer that keeps your skin hydrated and balanced.
Acids like glycolic and lactic acid, both types of AHAs, are amazing for improving texture and brightness. But using them too frequently or combining them with other strong ingredients can lead to irritation. That tingling or burning feeling that seems normal at first is usually your skin telling you it needs a break.
How to Know If You Have Over Exfoliated
Your skin will always try to communicate what it needs. Here are some signs that your barrier might be compromised:
- Redness or stinging that lingers after cleansing
- A tight, dry, or hot feeling
- Flaking or rough texture that does not go away with moisturizer
- Small breakouts or bumps that appear suddenly
- Increased sensitivity to products you normally tolerate
If these sound familiar, your barrier may be weakened and in need of repair.
How to Support Skin Barrier Repair
Your skin barrier acts like a natural seal that keeps hydration in and environmental stress out. When that seal is damaged, your skin loses moisture faster and becomes more reactive. To help it recover, take a step back from exfoliation and focus on comfort and hydration.
Our Barrier + Beyond Vitamin Water Serum is an easy way to bring hydration back into your routine. It is lightweight, layers easily, and helps skin feel balanced and refreshed.
When to Start Exfoliating Again
Once your skin feels calm and hydrated, you can slowly reintroduce exfoliation. Start with one or two times per week and stick to gentle concentrations of AHAs or BHAs. Always follow with a hydrating serum or moisturizer.
Healthy skin should never feel stripped or tight. The goal is steady renewal, not instant results.
When your ready to get back into exfoliation, our Cream Exfoliator with 9.8% Glycolic Acid is a great creamy exfoliation to use 1–2x/week to help clear buildup without stripping your barrier.
To Make it Simple
Over exfoliation doesn't just dull your glow, it weakens your skin’s ability to stay healthy and hydrated. By listening to your skin and keeping a balance between exfoliation and hydration, your complexion can stay clear, smooth, and strong.
Healthy skin is balanced skin, and balance always looks beautiful—even when it's simple.
