Over Exfoliated Dehydrated Skin

Exfoliation. It's a big deal in skin care. Exfoliation removes dead skin which makes our skin look younger, helps prevent clogged pores and promotes collagen production.

Can it be over done? It can.

Especially in the winter when the skin is in a dryer, more delicate condition.

Signs that your skin is over exfoliated:

Dehydrated, dry and tight feeling skin
Skin has a burning sensation
Skin care products burn when applied
Sensitive, irritated, rashy areas
Flaking
Redness

If your skin is feeling this way, stop all forms of exfoliation and use a gentle, minimal skin care routine to let the skin calm and heal.

Things you can try to help your skin heal:

No Exfoliation Products: 
There are a lot of exfoliating products and exfoliating ingredients hidden in skin care and makeup products.

Exfoliation products include ultrasonic facial cleansing brushes, grainy scrubs, liquid exfoliators such as salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids, Retin A, Renova, loofahs, washcloths, even most facial masks do some exfoliation.

Foundations, bb creams, cc creams and moisturizers can contain anti aging ingredients that have exfoliating properties. Check your labels.

Morning Cleansing: 
Just splash with water, pat dry and spray on a healing toner. I love YonKa Lotion PS to soothe and heal dehydrated skin. It is amazing healing mist toner that contains essential oils and glycerin.

Morning Moisturizing:
Use a gentle, basic moisturizer that contains a minimal amount of ingredients. Make sure it does not contain salicylic acid or hydrox acids. Apply it right after your toner to seal in moisture. 

Yes to Carrot SPF 15 Daily Fragrance Free Moisturizer is gentle and contains zinc oxide which is both a sun screen and skin healer. 

I also love Yonka Sensitive skin care line. I find it extremely soothing for irritated skin.

Click here for more on the Yonka Sensitive line

Another nice cream to try is Beautycounter's Nourishing Day Cream. It's lightweight formula contains organic coconut oil, safflower oil and aloe.

Nighttime Cleansing: 
Use a gentle moisturizing facial cleanser that contains a minimal amount of ingredients. Make sure it does not contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids. 

Try Yes to Carrot Fragrance Free Daily Cream Facial Cleanser

Use your cleanser in the evening to remove dirt and makeup. Wet your face, apply the cleanser with your hands, massage it over your face to loosen dirt and makeup. Rinse it off well and pat dry. Do not use a wash cloth. Spray on a healing toner.

Nighttime Moisturizing: 
Slather on the emollients! Try shea butter, coconut oil or avocado oil. 

Yes to Carrots makes a nice Yes to Carrots Intense Hydration Night Cream you can also try. 

I also like Beautycounter's Nourishing Night Cream. It contains organic coconut oil and aloe plus the great healing ingredients geranium, green tea and lavender

Apply your emollient product generously right after cleansing and toning for overnight skin healing.

Makeup:
It will be difficult to find a liquid makeup, bb cream or cc cream that doesn't contain some sort of exfoliating ingredient like retinol. Also, foundation doesn't apply well to dehydrated flaky skin. It tends to cake up. 

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 is something you can try. It's a tinted moisturizer so it is a more lightweight product. 

Use your fingers, not a brush, for gentle foundation application. Pat with a soft sponge to blend. Avoid applying powder makeups at this time. They with make your skin look even more dry.

Use a Humidifier: 
A humidifier is a great device for adding moisture to the air in your living space. The moist air will help the skin retain moisture and heal.

No Hot Water: 
Hot water dehydrates your irritated skin even more. Quick warm showers are your best option.

Eat Healing Foods:
Add healthy skin healing foods to your diet.

Flax seed oil

Take Vitamin D

Omega 3 Fatty Acids:  Soybeans, walnuts, flax seeds and salmon

Omega 6 Fatty Acids:  Cereals and grains, oils: flax seed, soybean, corn, sunflower, cottonseed, black currant and evening primrose and egg yolks

Mono-unsaturated fats- Avocados, olives, olive oil, nuts

Give your skin a good month of healing time. You can go back to exfoliating once your skin is healed but with a less zealous routine. Your old exfoliation routine will only cause a problem again.

Gentle Exfoliating Products:.

Use only gentle exfoliating products once your skin is healed.

I highly recommend Beautycounter's Overnight Resurfacing Peel as a super gentle, yet effective, liquid peel. It will make your skin look better with no irritation. It's one of my all time favorite products!

I hope my tips help your over exfoliated, dehydrated skin become moist and beautiful again!

Brides, I can help you get your skin glowing, beautiful and healthy for your wedding day makeup application!

Book a Facial or Skin Care Consultation with 
me at Styling Point in Media, Pa.

Visit my shopping page!

       Have a Beautiful Day! 

xo

Jill

Licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Makeup Artist

 Wedding, special occasion or everyday makeup and skin care services available in the Philadelphia, Pa. area. Visit my makeup page for more information!

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