Skincare Confessions: Lessons Learned from Over-Exfoliating 😅

TL;DR:

Over-exfoliating damaged my skin barrier and left it dry, flaky, and irritated. I fixed it by:

• Switching to hydrating cleansers like Turmeric Lemon Soap and Oatmeal, Coconut Milk, and Honey Soap.
• Exfoliating 1-2 times a week instead of daily.
• Layering hydration with toners, serums, and moisturizers to repair my skin barrier.

Key takeaway? Less scrubbing, more hydration, and smarter skincare routines = healthy, glowing skin. Read on for all the details!

What Went Wrong: The Over-Exfoliation Trap

We’ve all been there—scrubbing and masking like our glow depended on it. For me, it started with the belief that tighter, squeaky-clean skin meant my products were working. Spoiler alert: they weren’t.

Instead of glowing, my skin felt tight, flaky, and irritated. My barrier wasn’t just damaged—it was screaming for help. I didn’t need more exfoliation—I needed balance.

The Fix: Changing My Routine

Once I learned that “more is more” doesn’t apply to skincare, I changed my routine—and my skin hasn’t stopped thanking me.

1. Gentle Cleansing

I ditched harsh cleansers and switched to hydrating soaps that work without stripping my skin.

• Turmeric Lemon Soap—Brightens dull skin and calms irritation.
• Triple Butter Soap—Packed with shea, mango, and kokum butter for deep hydration.
• Oatmeal, Coconut Milk, and Honey Soap—Soothing and gentle, perfect for sensitive skin.

Key Lesson? Cleansing shouldn’t feel like punishment—it should feel like pampering.

2. Exfoliating Smarter

Exfoliation isn’t the enemy—overdoing it is. I cut back to 1-2 times a week and swapped harsh scrubs for chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid and toners.

Pro Tip: Always follow exfoliation with hydration—think toners, serums, and moisturizers.

3. Layering Hydration

Hydration is the secret to the glow. After cleansing and exfoliating, I always follow up with:

• Toners & Essences—Layers like rose water, snail mucin, and bifida essence keep my skin plump and soft.
• Serums—Lightweight but powerful options like PDRN Caffeine Shot for brightening and firming.
• Moisturizers & SPF—Trader Joe’s Honey Cream for deep hydration and sunscreen to protect my hard work.

Why Exfoliation Still Matters

Even after my mishap, I’ll never skip exfoliation completely. Done right, it:

• Removes dead skin cells.
• Smooths texture and clears pores.
• Boosts absorption of toners, serums, and moisturizers.
• Keeps skin looking fresh and glowing.

The trick? Balance. Exfoliate just enough to boost radiance without damaging your skin’s protective barrier.

Tips for Gentle Exfoliation

• Start with Clean Skin. Use a hydrating cleanser like Oatmeal, Coconut Milk, and Honey Soap to prep without drying.
• Stick to 1-2 Times a Week. Your skin needs time to repair.
• Hydrate Immediately After. Layer toners, serums, and moisturizers to lock in hydration and repair your barrier.
• Listen to Your Skin. If it feels tight or irritated, pull back and focus on soothing ingredients like honey or aloe vera.

Lessons Learned

Over-exfoliating taught me that more isn’t always better—especially when it comes to skincare. Now? My routine is all about balance—hydrating cleansers, exfoliating just enough, and layering moisture like my skin depends on it (because it does).

Your turn—what’s your biggest skincare confession? Drop it in the comments below or DM me. Let’s share tips, lessons, and a few laughs—we’ve all been there!