The right kind of exfoliation can be good for all skin types, especially for acne prone skin. But too much exfoliation is a bad idea for many reasons. People confuse “doing things to your skin” with “taking care of your skin”. Often doing nothing is better than doing too much.

Exfoliating too frequently can remove too much of the outer layers of your skin. Your skin cells need time to regenerate after a trauma, which is exactly what over-exfoliating creates. Normal cell turnover rate slows as we age and take up to two months for people over 50 years old. Over-exfoliation causes inflammation, leading to redness and ultimately leading to premature wrinkles. Exfoliation can weaken our skin barrier. When it is weakened, it makes the skin more susceptible to infection, irritation and sensitivity.

Signs You May Be Over-Exfoliating

• Skin irritation
• Redness
• Dry skin
• Sensitive skin
• Tight feeling in the skin
• Translucent skin
• Smooth, shiny skin 

When To Exfoliate

If you experience breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads or milia, exfoliating can help clear pores and reduce the build up that clogs pores. Wrinkled, aged skin can benefit from occasional exfoliation as it will stimulate the skin cells to regenerate. If you have thick, rough skin from sun damage, it can be improved with exfoliation. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be lightened from some exfoliation.

Recommendations

But, if you need exfoliation for a good reason then, do it the right way. Not too much, and with good ingredients. Steer clear from deep chemical peels, dermabrasions and lasers.  These procedures, whether in a doctor's office or at-home versions, can cause more damage such as scarring and changes in pigmentation, with darker skin tones having higher risks.  Look for a gentle exfoliating product like Skin Actives Alpha Beta Exfoliant or one of our other gentle exfoliators. Exfoliate no more than once a week, less if you see signs of over exfoliation. And follow it up with Collagen Serum to speed up cell regeneration. Skin Actives exfoliating products range from our mild Salicylic Cleanser to our Alpha Beta Exfoliant with Lactic (AHA) and Salicylic Acids (BHA). If you are new to exfoliation, try the Salicylic Cleanser, Pumpkin Enzyme or Vitamin C Serum. Users with less sensitive skin can try our Exfoliation Powder or Alpha Beta Exfoliant.