are you over-exfoliating?
yes, it's a thing. if you've been following us, you probably already know about our love affair with chemical exfoliation, specifically dr. dennis gross peel pads 2-3x/wk (not to be combined with retinol). although exfoliation is paramount for a smooth, glowing complexion, overdoing it can be detrimental. your skin has a fragile, protective coating known as your lipid barrier- much like a security guard, it’s designed to protect the skin from outside irritants and moisture loss. however, harsh products and over-exfoliating can dismantle and weaken it, which leads to a slew of issues including premature aging, dehydration and sensitivities…
as the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be harmful, so how do you know when it’s time to back off?
when your skin is…
crepey & dehydrated: if fine lines start to become more prominent and your skin feels uncomfortable and tight post-cleansing, it’s usually a sign of thinning skin due to over-exfoliation
irritated & inflamed: if you notice your skin is extra sensitive or reactive, that’s a sure sign it’s time to back off
flaking & peeling: while peeling can be the desired effect of a professional chemical peel, it shouldn’t happen through the use of regular exfoliating acids at home
how to restore a damaged barrier
use a ceramide moisturizer: ceramides are lipids that make up 50% of the skin’s protective barrier. when you strip the skin, you deplete the proper ratio of ceramides, compromising your barrier function. you can replenish and restore what was lost by using skincare products formulated with ceramides
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apply a face oil on top of your moisturizer: this will add an extra layer of protection to help reinforce the skin’s protective barrier
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use a hyaluronic acid serum: a damaged barrier allows water to escape more readily because it’s porus. supplement lost hydration with a hyaluronic acid serum, a powerful moisture-binding acid that can hold 1,000x its weight in water to restore the skin *apply as the last serum before your moisturizer*
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