What Is Over Exfoliated Skin and How Do You Treat It?

Genesis Rivas
·5 min read

Recognize the signs of over exfoliation, plus how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Fact checked by Emily Peterson

Exfoliating your skin is essential in any skincare routine—no matter your skin type—but there's a fine line between it being beneficial and harmful. If you jump to exfoliate at the sight of breakouts or dull skin, you may experience over exfoliation. From increased sensitivity and irritations, it can be uncomfortable dealing with this skincare woe, but you can get your complexion back on track with a few changes to your routine. We spoke with skincare experts for advice on treating over exfoliated skin and preventing it from happening altogether.



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What Is Over Exfoliated Skin?

Simply defined, over exfoliated skin is when you exfoliate too often or use exfoliators that are too rough on your skin. Since exfoliation clears dead skin cells and buildup on your skin and in pores, exfoliating too often won't allow enough time for the skin to replenish between treatments. Likewise, using a harsh exfoliator or leaving it on too long can over exfoliate your skin.

Signs of Over Exfoliated Skin

Irritated, sensitive skin commonly signals over-exfoliated skin. "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 Dr. Finney.

Worden adds that there are other signs your skin is over exfoliated, including:

  • Redness

  • Dryness

  • Burning

  • Peeling

  • Rashes

  • Breakouts

  • Inflammation

  • Tenderness

  • Stinging

Healing Over Exfoliated Skin

Luckily, you can treat over exfoliation and bring your skin back to a healthy status. Here are some of the easiest ways to heal over exfoliated skin.

Eliminate Ingredients

According to Dr. King, the first step is to stop using potentially irritating active ingredients, like retinoids, vitamin C, and hydroxy acids. While these are normally great skincare products, when your skin is over exfoliated, these ingredients will continue stimulating the skin rather than soothing it.

Stop Exfoliating

Next, take a break from exfoliating altogether. "If you have over-exfoliated skin that causes more dryness and peeling, it can be tempting to exfoliate the dryness off," says Dr. Finney. "Doing this will just perpetuate the cycle, so stop any exfoliation, including the use of microbeads and alpha and beta-hydroxy acids."

Give your skin a rest from exfoliation for a few days and assess your skin's condition. The break will also allow your skin to recover and replenish itself. Once healed, you can slowly reintroduce exfoliation.

Use Soothing Moisturizers

Switch to gentle moisturizing formulas with ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. If you don't have acne-prone skin, Dr. Finney recommends using a thicker ointment like Aquaphor ($6, target.com) to help soothe and moisturize your skin.

"Use a gentle cleanser (or just rinse with water!), use a thick moisturizing cream and sunscreen," suggests Dr. Finney. "Things that are anti-inflammatory, hydrating, or that help repair the barrier of your skin are necessary."

The best thing you can do for your skin is to cut back on extensive routines and stick to the basics—cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. "Less product is more for your skin to heal," says Worden.

Preventing Over Exfoliation

There are steps you can take in your skincare routine to help avoid over exfoliation from happening in the first place. Follow these tips for preventing over exfoliated skin.

Use the Right Exfoliator

Start slow and listen to your skin. "Not everyone fits into the classic skin types, so pick an exfoliator that matches your skin concerns," says Dr. Finney.

  • Oily or acne-prone skin: Dr. Finney recommends choosing an exfoliator with salicylic acid if you have oily skin or experience many breakouts.

  • Dry skin: People with dry skin benefit from an exfoliator with hydrating ingredients in its formula.

  • Sensitive skin: Those with sensitive skin should look for poly-hydroxy acids, a gentle form of chemical exfoliation.

Exfoliate Less Frequently

"When adding exfoliation into your routine, I generally recommend starting twice per week," says Dr. King. "The frequency can be increased as tolerated if the skin is not too dry or irritated." Oily skin types can exfoliate up to three to four times a week, whereas sensitive skin may only need one weekly treatment.

In addition to skin type, weather is another factor to consider when exfoliating. "Exfoliating is easier to tolerate during the warmer months, so frequency...changes with the seasons," explains Dr. Finney. Ultimately, it's all about finding what works best for you.

Moisturize

Moisturizing your skin and keeping it hydrated is an essential step for preventing over exfoliation and irritation. Use a moisturizer that works for your skin type and has non-irritating ingredients.

It's best to moisturize after washing your face (every morning and night). Then, apply a protective sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to prevent sun damage and dryness.

When to See a Professional

After treating your over exfoliated skin and removing exfoliators and irritating ingredients from your skincare routine, you should see improvements in your skin's condition. However, if it's still not recovering, you may wish to see a dermatologist, healthcare provider, or skin professional. They can further assess your skin and recommend additional treatment options.

Related: Why You Should Exfoliate Your Scalp, According to Experts

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