What skin problems arise if one exfoliates too much? How can going overboard be harmful for the skin?

The ageing skin doesn’t quite shed those dead cells that easily- consequence- accentuated fine lines and dull skin .Exfoliating is great as it reveals a smoother, softer skin plus aids your everyday cleansers and serums to penetrate better. But a word of caution; however tempting  it is to scrub away, it can do more harm than good if overdone. It reduces skin’s vitality and makes it more susceptible UV damage. Over-exfoliation triggers an inflammatory response, leading to a compromised lipid barrier that won’t function properly, a sensitized skin condition, and accelerated premature aging.

Tell-tale signs of the over-exfoliation skin include excessive dryness, irritation, redness and sensitivity. Overall the skin tolerance reduces drastically.

Dos and Dont's during exfoliation.

DOS

  • Exfoliate once or twice a week, not more even if your skin is oily, preferably in the mornings.
  • Dab on your moisturizer post-scrub to regulate oil production and keep skin smooth.
  • A broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day is an absolute must, even on cloudy days. Physical UV blockers - Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide-work best.
  • Immediately stop using whatever you feel is over-exfoliating your skin and don’t scrub again till your skin has healed completely.
  • The pressure used for exfoliation needs to vary depending on the type of product, type of skin as well as the area of face.

DON’TS

  • Don’t pick the wrong scrub. Be sure the scrub you are using has fine particles without jagged edges that won’t irritate your skin and lead to flare-ups. Choose a gentle exfoliant such as lactic acid from beets as it stimulates ceramide production to prevent moisture loss and augments skin lightening.
  • Don’t use your body scrub on your face. Body scrubs are too harsh with bigger granules which may abrade the gentle facial skin.
  • Lips are barred from the use of scrub as they don’t contain any natural oils and may crack or bleed in response.
  • Never exfoliate dry or irritated skin.
  • Waxing will exfoliate skin, so any kind of exfoliation should never be combined or followed by waxing.

3-Explain the right way to exfoliate.

  • An exfoliation routine should be based on age and skin type. People less than 20 years and with dry skin- exfoliation can be less infrequent or even avoided.
  • Use the right scrub, on wet skin, in circular motion with gentle pressure. Once done, wash it off as leaving it on can cause dryness.
  • Follow it with dollops of moisturizer and sunscreen in the day.
  • Be careful of sensitive skin like around the eyes, corner of the mouth on the face and underarms, bikini line over the body.

4-Some home remedies for exfoliation.

  • Normal skin - Mix baking soda with water and apply it to your face for 10 minutes. Wash using warm water and a washcloth.
  •  Oily skin – Prepare a mask using avocado, honey, sugar and lemon. Mash the avocado; mix it with 2tbsp honey, 1 tbsp sugar and 2 tsp lemon juice. The sugar will provide a soft exfoliation while the honey and avocado will nourish your skin. The lemon juice will help tighten skin and dry up pores. Keep it on for 15 minutes and wash thoroughly.
  • Acne prone skin – A sea salt scrub removes dirt from the pores and lessens the chance of pimples. Use with an oil.Tea tree, grapeseed and rosehip oils are favorites.
  •  Dry skin - Soothe and nourish with an oatmeal scrub. Mix 2tbsp ground oatmeal with 1 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp olive oil. Sugar and oil will hydrate the skin. Apply the mixture to wet skin and wash in 15min with warm water.
  • For cellulite- Use coffee in your scrub as it is a natural stimulant and detoxifier. Steam you face for 20 minutes to open up the pores. Then mix 1 tbsp coffee powder with milk or honey to form a thick paste. Apply it in a circular motion, leaving it on for 20 minutes. Wash with cold water to close pores.

Body scrub- Mix 1 cup sugar with 1 tbsp baking soda, 2tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 5 drops peppermint oil and 2 green tea bags. Keep for 20-30min and wash.