Exfoliating without overstimulating your skin: how to do it safely
Your skin feels rough or looks dull, so you exfoliate more and more often. Afterward, redness, stinging, or flaking occurs.
That is understandable: a smooth result feels like proof that the product is working. However, over-exfoliating can actually weaken the protective barrier.
"Exfoliation is one of the steps I see go wrong most often. Not because the product is bad, but because people build it up too quickly. Start slowly with one evening per week, and then see how your skin reacts. More is rarely better."
Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician
Why more is not automatically better
Choose one exfoliant based on your skin's needs, start with one evening per week, and use SPF during the day. Do not immediately combine it with retinol or multiple acids.
- Start with one evening per week on cleansed, dry skin.
- Use one exfoliant. Do not stack AHA, BHA, scrubs, and retinol.
- Apply hydrating skincare afterward.
- Use SPF 30 or 50 every morning.
- Only increase frequency if your skin remains calm.
A safe routine
MAYEE - AHA Powerhero: suitable for dull skin, dark spots, and an uneven surface. Don't automatically choose everything at once; one targeted change provides more clarity.
MAYEE - BHA Powerhero: suitable for combination or oily skin with clogged pores. Don't automatically choose everything at once; one targeted change provides more clarity.
IK SKIN Perfection - SCRUB+ mild 3-in-1 scrub: suitable for those who prefer a rinse-off, mild 3-in-1 scrub. Don't automatically choose everything at once; one targeted change provides more clarity.
What you should avoid combining
Pay attention to how your skin feels in the hours and days after use. Stinging, persistent redness, swelling, or pain are not results to "push through." If this happens, stop using the new product and, if in doubt, have your skin assessed.
Personal advice
Are you struggling? Send a message via the chat on sQincare.shop describing what your skin is doing and which products you are using. Yvonne or one of her qualified staff members will personally help you find the right solution.
About the author
This article was written in collaboration with Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician, owner of Salon Rustique in Musselkanaal, and owner of sQincare.shop. Salon Rustique is affiliated with ANBOS and specializes in skin improvement, skin issues, and medical skincare. Thanks to her daily practical experience and additional dermatological training, she combines in-salon treatments with expert product advice for home use. In case of pain, swelling, eczema, or persistent skin complaints, we advise assessment by a physician.