OVER EXFOLIATION

WHEN LESS IS MORE ;

2020 / 2021 has been a boom year for skincare categories . 

With many of us now working from home, we’ve had the luxury of additional time on our hands for home treatments. 

But how much is too much and what are the signs that you may have gone overboard with overzealous exfoliation?

BENEFITS OF EXFOLIATING

Exfoliation is an additional step in your skincare regime designed to amplify your results. It expedites and removes a build-up of dead skin cells and assist with the natural shedding process that tends to slow down as we age. 

Exfoliation addresses issues such as dry, flaky skin with the results revealing a renewed and radiant complexion sitting just below the surface.

Exfoliating the dead skin cells also allows an improved delivery system and penetration of active ingredients found in serums ,lotions and, hydrating ingredients found in moisturizers.

Correct exfoliation leaves a fresh, healthy, and clean skin surface which forms the foundation of good skin and a clear complexion.

Over-exfoliating is a common mistake. 

The general rule for exfoliating your skin is a maximum of 2-3 times a week. This includes acids as well as physical exfoliants. 

The desired effect is to increase cell turnover minus any damaging effects. Irritation occurs when you have removed more skin cells than your body has been able to replace and regenerate.

SIGNS OF OVER EXFOLIATION

Irritation, burning, or peeling

Redness and inflammation

Breakouts - small pimples

Dermal impairment - increased sensitivity to other products in your daily routine

Sad to say, the impact of over exfoliation is that your complexion becomes dry and flaky and, you may even develop an uneven patchy skin tone.

A clear sign to look out for is a change in the texture of your skin . A "waxy” texture can be evident if you have removed the naturally occurring lipids and prematurely exposed new skin cells. This may be even more challenging to identify as your skin may have a healthy glow and radiant shine but in actual fact, it's suffering from over stimulation and is prone to dryness and overexposure. 

The long-term effects can result in dermal impairment which is best avoided at all costs. 

Healthy, glowing skin should appear hydrated and plump as opposed to waxy, thin or dry.

HOW TO REMEDY OVER-EXFOLIATED SKIN

Patience is key ! 

Stop exfoliating until your skin has healed and returned to a base line texture. Allow for a month to six weeks (the length of your skin cell cycle) for your skin to return to its baseline. 

A cold compress can be applied immediately to over-exfoliated skin. 

Avoid using harsh cleansers that are not pH balanced this will further dry your skin.

Avoid retinol products and physical or chemical exfoliators (AHA’s)

Switch to a mild cleanser and gentle moisturizer.

Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen to prevent further damage.

Simplify your skincare routine and avoid too many active skincare products .

To assist with hydration and rebalancing your skin texture , our NIKKISAVY SANDALWOOD OIL  should be your go to product .

Once your skin has healed, you can slowly reintroduce exfoliating again once per week, then after several weeks if there are no issues, you can increase exfoliating to twice weekly. 

If you notice any redness, tingling or peeling, cut back to once week or give your skin a break for several weeks.

EXFOLIATION FACTS

1 -Your skin naturally exfoliates itself .

2 -The process known as shedding is approximately a 28-day cycle in which new skin cells, develop, mature move towards the outer skin layer and naturally shed. 

3 - As we age, the shedding process slows down.

4 - Interruptions to the skin's natural exfoliation process include pollution , imbalanced oil production and dermal impairment.

5 - Mixing and matching too many different types of exfoliators can cause long-term damage to your skin. 

Have you tried any of the NIKKISAVY SCRUBS AND EXFOLIANTS ?