Over-exfoliated skin? Here’s how to heal your barrier and get your glow back (without overdoing it)!

Have you ever layered a scrub, a glycolic acid toner, and a Vitamin A mask all in the same day! Only to wonder why your skin is suddenly red, dry, and more reactive than ever?

At The Skinologists in Chester, over-exfoliation is one of the most common skin issues I see in clinic, and often, clients don’t even realise they’re doing it.

So let’s clear things up. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or a product junkie, understanding how exfoliation works, what happens when you overdo it, and how to bring your skin back to balance is key to getting that calm, radiant glow.

First things first: What exactly is Exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This helps to:

✔️ Brighten dull complexions
✔️ Improve the appearance of texture and pigmentation
✔️ Minimise clogged pores and blackheads
✔️ Boost the performance of your serums and moisturisers

There are two main types of exfoliation:

1. Physical exfoliation – Think gritty scrubs, cleansing brushes, microbeads (which, FYI, are now banned in the UK due to environmental impact), or even dermaplaning.

2. Chemical exfoliation – These use acids or enzymes to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. Common examples include:

   • AHAs (like glycolic, lactic or mandelic acid) – water-soluble and ideal for brightening and texture

   • BHAs (like salicylic acid) – oil-soluble, great for congested and acne-prone skin

   • Enzymes (like papaya or pineapple) – gentler options that can work for sensitive skin

When used appropriately, exfoliation can be a powerful tool in your skincare routine. But…

When good skincare goes bad: What is Over-exfoliation?

Over-exfoliation happens when the protective outer layer of your skin, your skin barrier is damaged from too much exfoliation or using overly harsh products.

Your skin barrier is made up of lipids, ceramides, and skin cells that act like a shield. It helps lock in moisture and keep out irritants, pollutants, and pathogens.

If you compromise that barrier by exfoliating too often, or by mixing too many active ingredients at once, you can cause inflammation, sensitivity, and long-term damage.

How do you know if you’ve Over-Exfoliated?

Your skin won’t always shout, it might whisper first. But if you notice any of the following, take a step back:

🔹 Redness and irritation – Your skin may feel sore or hot to the touch.
🔹 Tightness or dehydration – It can feel like your skin is “too small” for your face.
🔹 Breakouts – Especially around the cheeks and jawline.
🔹 A shiny, glazed appearance – Often mistaken for glow, but actually a sign your skin is raw.
🔹 Peeling or flaking – The surface cells can’t hold together properly.
🔹 Stinging when applying products – Especially anything with fragrance, acids or actives.

Top Culprits Behind Over-Exfoliation

Clients are often surprised when I point out that they’re overdoing it, even when they don’t think they exfoliate that often. Here are some common scenarios I see in clinic:

❌ Using multiple exfoliants at once – For example, a salicylic acid cleanser, a glycolic toner, and a weekly scrub. Plus retinol!

❌ Daily use of exfoliating acids – Especially if your skin type is dry, sensitive, or over 40.

❌ DIY peels or at-home tools – These are often used without professional guidance.

❌ Following influencer routines that don’t suit your skin – Just because someone has amazing skin on camera doesn’t mean their routine is right for you.

What happens to skin that’s Over-Exfoliated?

When your skin barrier is damaged, it can’t function properly. That means:

• Water loss increases – leading to dehydration and dullness

• Inflammation kicks in – which can trigger sensitivity, redness, and even melasma or rosacea

• Breakouts become more frequent – because your skin is now vulnerable to bacteria and irritation

• Premature ageing – Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to fine lines and uneven tone

In short: over-exfoliation leaves your skin weaker, not stronger.

How to heal and rebuild your skin barrier

Step 1: Stop exfoliating—for now
Take a break from all exfoliating products for at least 1–2 weeks. Let your skin rest and repair.

Step 2: Hydrate generously
Look for products with ceramides, glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help restore moisture and support the barrier.

Step 3: Simplify your routine
Strip back to the basics: a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, a hydrating serum, a nourishing moisturiser, and SPF. That’s it.

Step 4: Wear SPF daily
Damaged skin is especially vulnerable to UV exposure, which can deepen pigmentation and delay healing.

Step 5: Book a professional skin consultation
At my Chester clinic, I tailor skin recovery plans using barrier-repair facials, LED light therapy, and simplified home routines that actually work.

My professional advice (from 30 years in clinic)

I know how tempting it is to chase results with scrubs and peels, especially when social media makes it look like instant magic.

But the truth is, healthy skin doesn’t need punishing, it needs nurturing.

I always say: “You don’t get a glow from scrubbing off your skin. You get it from supporting your skin”. Once your barrier is strong again, we can reintroduce exfoliation in a safe, strategic way that works for your age, skin type, and lifestyle.

Let’s bring your skin back to balance

📍 Based in Chester? Come and see me for a 1:1 Skin Consultation at The Skinologists. Book online here!
📩 Or download my FREE Skin Guide and learn how to support your skin at home.

✨ Your skin doesn’t need more. It needs the right support.
Let’s get your confidence—and your healthy glow—back.