How to Heal Over-Exfoliated Skin from Salicylic Acid

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and that's especially true when it comes to using one of our favourite skin care acids, salicylic acid!

Salicylic acid-based products are great for many people, especially those with oily and acne-prone skin types. However, if you've over-exfoliated with this powerful acid, it can lead to redness, shininess, even more breakouts, and overall irritated and angry skin! If you notice any of the above symptoms, here's how you can do some damage control at home: 

1. Say "aloe" to your new best friend!

Other than being extremely soothing, aloe vera can also help restore hydration and rebuild firmness to your skin, which is exactly what you need right now. As we all know, a one-step skin care routine will not cut it, so other than using an aloe vera sheet mask, you can also invest in an aloe vera-based toner and/or an aloe-based moisturiser, which will lightly hydrate without being too heavy on the skin.

2. Invest in a hyaluronic acid serum

Even though it has got "acid" in its name, hyaluronic acid is one of the best things you can use for over-exfoliated skin. Instead of exfoliating, hyaluronic acid traps moisture and helps replenish your skin, since it has been stripped of its natural oils.

Try the Olivarrier Dual Moist Hyaluron Essence, which contains micro-hyaluronic acid to supply moisture deep into the layers of your skin that ordinary hyaluronic acid can't reach!

3. Prioritise rebuilding your skin barrier

Yes, this means laying off any retinol, drying lotions or high-pH cleansers, and focus on rebuilding your damaged skin barrier. You can still double cleanse, but stick to a simple routine consisting of gentle products, and don't forget your sunscreen!

4. Gently ease back into exfoliating

After a few weeks, or once your skin is feeling like it's ready to take on salicylic acid again, slowly ease back into it, doing less than you were before!

Have you ever over-exfoliated your skin? What products would you recommend to bring your skin back in tip-top shape?