How to get rid of redness after exfoliating

Why is my face red after exfoliating?

Exfoliation removes dead cells from the outer layer of skin. Too much exfoliation, harsh scrubbing or a method that is too strong can leave skin red and irritated. Your skin barrier is the outer protective layer that keeps water in and harmful substances out; over exfoliating can damage it. Dryness, flaking, tenderness and stinging when you apply products are other signs of barrier damage.23

Exfoliation is optional, even if the bathroom shelf has voted otherwise.3

How to soothe skin after over exfoliating

1. 1Pause the exfoliant. Stop using a chemical exfoliator for a few days if skin becomes dry or irritated, and stop scrubs, brushes and other abrasive tools while skin is irritated.
2. 2Cleanse gently with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser without soap or fragrance. Massage the cleanser on, then rinse; prolonged rubbing offers no extra benefit.
3. 3Apply moisturizer after washing, while skin is still slightly moist. Smooth it on rather than rubbing it in. For very dry skin, a moisturizing treatment can be applied two to four times daily.
4. 4Use sunscreen every day as part of your gentle routine.

What skincare should I use after exfoliating?

Choose a moisturizer with ceramides or fatty acids, which help support the skin barrier. Creams and lotions are more suitable for inflamed areas; an ointment holds moisture in more effectively and suits very dry areas that are not inflamed. If a moisturizer irritates your skin, stop using it and ask a pharmacist for an alternative. Perfume in moisturizing products can trigger a reaction in skin affected by contact dermatitis, a skin reaction to an irritant or allergen.24

Gentle cleansing and moisturizer belong at the centre of recovery, not a product lineup with its own opening credits.2

How long does redness after exfoliating last?

Give irritated skin a few days away from the exfoliant rather than continuing through redness. Irritant contact dermatitis can appear immediately or within 48 hours of exposure, so a reaction need not start during exfoliation. Avoiding the trigger helps symptoms improve. For ongoing skin barrier damage, benefits from gentler habits can take three to four months to become noticeable; that is a different situation from redness after a single session.1245

How can I avoid another reaction?

If you return to exfoliating, follow the product directions and choose a gentler method or less frequent schedule. Dry or sensitive skin can find mechanical exfoliation too irritating. Retinol, prescription retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive, and adding exfoliation can worsen dryness. Strong exfoliation can also cause dark spots, particularly in darker skin tones. Never exfoliate sunburned skin or areas with open cuts.13

When should I get medical help?

Seek immediate medical advice for a severe reaction or possible infection. Warning signs include rapidly worsening symptoms, discharge, increasing pain, feeling unwell or feeling hot, cold or shivery. For sore, inflamed skin, a doctor can assess whether treatment for contact dermatitis is needed. Facial steroid treatment requires an appropriate strength and instructions from a clinician or pharmacist.45