In the case of the first two scenarios, you'll most definitely know. The irritation from too much scrubbing looks similar to how your skin looks post-wax -- red and raw. If you use too strong of a chemical exfoliant, the result is a chemical burn, which may even start to blister, notes Schultz. And if the excessive exfoliation occurs overtime rather than in one hit, your complexion will simply gradually start to look and feel red, dry, and flaky. "Too much exfoliation strips away the lipids and proteins that are essential for keeping the skin barrier intact and locking hydration in and irritants out," points out Mona Gohara, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatologist at Yale School of Medicine. "If you've overdone it, your skin will start to become easily irritated by every minor little thing."
Image via Getty
Photo 4/9
Clogged pores can be a sign, too.
If you've gone overboard with physical exfoliation (so, scrubbing too hard and/or too often), you can also end up with clogged pores. Ironic, given that this is probably one of the things you're trying to remedy with said scrubbing. "Too much physical exfoliation can lead to a thickening of the skin, which can lead to clogged pores," explains Schultz. OK, that's all the bad news we have for now. The good news: Follow the easy exfoliating routines coming up next, and you won't have to deal with any of the stuff we just talked about.
Image via Getty
Photo 5/9
If your skin is normal...
You can really take your pick between chemical or physical exfoliation, says Gohara, though she recommends a little bit of both. She suggests using a retinoid nightly; not only is it an effective exfoliator, but it also packs a hefty anti-aging punch. Our pick: Differin Gel, $11.29. If you want a little extra boost, add an electric cleansing brush, like Mary Kay Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush, $50, into the mix a few times per week, she adds. Pair it with your normal cleanser and let it do the work for you, gently buffing off dead skin cells.
Dry skin is the trickiest to exfoliate, since you obviously don't want to do anything that will further dry it out. The side effects of chemical exfoliants are typically dryness and irritation, notes Gohara, which is why she advises sticking with mechanical options. Her recommendation: A creamy exfoliating cleanser used no more than three times per week.
Try: Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliating Creme Cleanser, $29. Most importantly, be gentle! Like, really gentle. "There's no need to go crazy with excess pressure and rubbing. Lightly massage the scrub across your entire face in a circular motion two to three times and you're good to go," advises Gohara. Follow up with a hyaluronic-acid based serum or a hydrating mask to help immediately add back any moisture that may have been lost. Try the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask, $4.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, oily skin can take much more exfoliation. As long as you're not sensitive, go ahead and opt for a daily method; both Gohara and Schultz like glycolic acid pads. "Glycolic acid is gentle enough to use every day, but still strong enough to be effective," says Schultz. The liquid on the pads is also light enough that it won't clog pores, like a glycolic lotion or cream could for someone with oily skin, he adds. Try his BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz Advanced 10% Exfoliating Pads, $63.
