Over-exfoliation can occur not only from using acids (AHA, BHA, PHA) but also from excessive use of retinoids, scrubs, and cleansing brushes. The result is red, irritated, bumpy skin that reacts painfully even to basic moisturizers. In severe cases, you may feel burning and discomfort from ordinary water touching your skin.
What to do about it?
Set aside exfoliating products (and ideally all actives, including niacinamide!). Switch to a gentle routine that includes only mild cleansing and a basic moisturizing cream. Apply occlusive products like petroleum jelly to damaged areas (peeling, texture changes). A cream with panthenol can help with itching and severe redness.
Once your skin has recovered, carefully reintroduce acids and other active products by using them once every three days.
Leave a Reply