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.

No Exfoliation 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.

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

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 make a nice Yes to Carrots Intense Hydration Night Cream you can also try. 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 does contain some sort of exfoliant. Also, foundation does 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. Use your fingers, not a brush, for gentle application. Avoid applying drying powder makeups at this time.

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.

Have a healthy, happy skin day!

  xo 

Jill