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Over-exfoliation is real and the results aren't pretty – you can end up with everything from increased sensitivity to redness, flaking and even burning skin.
If you’ve over-cooked it, get our tips for soothing skin and how to avoid over-exfoliation in the first place, the K-Beauty way!
The tell-tale signals of over-exfoliation include excessive dryness, irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Some people also experience a burning sensation on their skin.
The reason is that exfoliation targets the outer layer of the skin – the stratum corneum. This layer is composed of dead skin cells and natural lipids, and is naturally designed to prevent irritation, infection and keep the barrier hydrated.
When the skin’s outer layer – it’s barrier – is compromised, it is unable to perform this function as the healthy skin cells are disrupted.
Once the skin’s barrier is exposed, you are vulnerable to hypersensitivity and bacteria, meaning over-exfoliation can even result in acne – the very thing you were probably trying to avoid in the first place!
Over-exfoliation not only occurs by exfoliating too frequently (although this is often a problem) but can also be exacerbated by the types of products you are using.
Especially with Western skincare products, the focus is often on scrubbing, buffing and peeling to reveal new skin. Many people mistake cleanliness for scrubbing and end up damaging their skin’s barrier in the process.
If you’re experiencing over-exfoliation, there is good news – first, the results aren’t permanent and second, you can help soothe the skin to minimise the effects while it heals.
As soon as you can, apply a cool compress to the skin. Once it has calmed down, start applying hydrating products to moisturise, soothe and nourish your skin. Serums like Jelly Ko's barrier repair serum, White Truffle Souffle Serum, are ideal.
While the skin recovers, strip out any unnecessary products from your skincare routine (this includes things like acids, Vitamin C serums, scrubs and any actives). Aim to remove anything even remotely sensitizing or abrasive from your routine and use the minimal amount of products necessary.
It will also help to change to a gentle, low pH cleanser like Subi's Brightening Powder Wash to help the skin’s barrier.
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The golden rule with all exfoliation is to keep it to a minimum – you shouldn’t be exfoliating more than 2 – 3 times a week or you risk overdoing it and damaging the skin’s barrier.
The focus of Korean beauty products is to care for the skin gently by nourishing it and adding hydration, rather than stripping away old skin to reveal new skin.
Korean beauty products have several methods to avoid over-exfoliation, including manual exfoliators.
These allow you to choose the level of abrasiveness of your scrub.
Take Jelly Ko Cinnamon Toast Sugar Scrub Foam, which you can dilute by dissolving the sugar crystals in water first.
While chemical exfoliants are all the rage, that doesn't mean they are perfect for everyone.
On the one hand, chemical exfoliants use acids to remove dead skin and oil from the skin’s surface. Some people prefer this because they find it less sensitizing. However, because acid exfoliants work on a chemical level it can be difficult to see the results straight away.
As a result, many people end up going overboard with them and suffer from damaged skin down the track. That's why some people simply prefer using manual exfoliants. With products like scrubs or clay masks you are completely in control of the results and can choose to scrub softly and wash off your mask after only a few minutes if you feel your skin drying out. Manual exfoliants also offer more immediate results. This also helps to avoid an accumulation of damage under the skin which can sometimes occur with chemical exfoliants.
The key is to introduce chemical exfoliators into your routinely very slowly – no more than once a week at first.
Korean Beauty products also focus on gentle ingredients, such as Betaine Salicylate, a fatty-type of BHA derived from plants or Salix Alba (aka Willow Bark extract). You’ll find these alternatives in a wide range of K-Beauty products, including Cinnamon Toast Sugar Scrub Foam.
While it can be tempting to scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells, opt for a gentler option like Skinfood’s dissolvable Black Sugar Scrub.
"The golden rule with all exfoliation is to keep it to a minimum – you shouldn’t be exfoliating more than 2 – 3 times a week or you risk overdoing it and damaging the skin’s barrier."
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