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Do you start group chats about the best scalp treatments?
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Google AHA vs BHA exfoliants until the wee hours?
You’re our people.
For even more nerdiness, check outThe Science of Beauty podcast, produced by our editors.
When done with care,exfoliationis a real gift.
“It also makes all other skin-care products and ingredients absorb better.”
Michelle Lee and Jenny Bailey try a product that proves how powerful acids can be.
Consider both of them a double-edge sword, though, because all that good does come with some caveats.
According to dermatologists,over-exfoliationis very common.
“Over-exfoliating is probably the single most significant cause of breakouts.”
Andthattype of reaction can be hard to differentiate from run-of-the-mill skin issues and conditions.
All you’ve got to do is listen closely to your body.
Here’show to tell if you’re over-exfoliatingand what to do if you are.
If it stings when you wash your face or apply products, you may be overdoing it.
“When you think about the skin, think about bricks and mortar,” she explains.
What happens after you experience this irritation can also key you into an over-exfoliation problem.
“In darker skin tones, irritation can even heal with dark patches called post-inflammatoryhyperpigmentation,” Palm says.
In extreme cases, scarring can also occur post-inflammation.
Or, as Gohara puts it, “Don’t panic.
Here’s the cut-and-not-so-dry routine Palm advises for sensitive, stripped-down skin.
“Use abland cleanserthat does not strip the skin of moisture,” she advises.
“Use a healing topical cream that contains growth factors, peptides, and reparative ingredients.
I loveNeocutis Bio-Cream Bio-Restorative Skin Cream, andAlastin Restorative Complex.”
Gohara recommends picking up a barrier repair cream.
Her current favorite isLa Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream.
EltaMD, anAllureeditor-favorite brand, also makes its ownBarrier Renewal Complex.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream.
Just because exfoliants can cause irritation doesn’t mean you have to eliminate them completely.
Like so many of the best things in life, they should just be enjoyed in moderation.
One bad exfoliating experience doesnt mean canceling this beauty essential for life.
It just means a break is warranted.
How and how often you exfoliate ultimately comes down to your skin.
Those who have combination or oily skin can exfoliate up to three times weekly, according to Marchbein.
A little trial and error go a long way.
If a product simply isn’t working for you, don’t force it.
