Can You Overwork Your Skin?

Overworking your skin? Yes, it can be done! Using too many products too frequently and/or too enthusiastically can overwork your skin, leaving it looking and feeling worse instead of better.

An indication of overworked skin is a red, irritated, puffy, shiny and inflamed all over or maybe just in spots, like the cheeks on your face. A stinging or burning sensation is another indication of overworked skin.

Typical ways people overdo their skin might be using multiple active ingredients at once; possibly layering of competing products such as Retinal, Alpha-hydroxy Acids, scrubs and peels.

Too often instructions to ramp up product usage has not been followed; not testing new products to see if you can tolerate it; using a derma-roller or exfoliator too frequently. Or maybe even scrubbing too enthusiastically.

The truth is, skin has a delicate lipid barrier that holds moisture in and keeps irritants out. If this barrier is distressed, microscopic fissures can form and cause moisture loss, infection and irritation. In short, your skin goes into a “downward spiral” causing you to look older than your years.

If this happens to you, immediately stop the abusive behavior and avoid the sun. You can try crushed ice in a plastic bag that is wrapped in a soft cloth and applying to your face 2 or 3 times every 20 minutes. If your skin hasn’t calmed down in 24 hours, you might want to see your dermatologist.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dinah Ihle grew up with terrible acne that carried on well into her adult years. She tried every over-the-counter remedy available at the time, without success.

She became obsessed with having good skin and how to care for it. In 2010 Dinah was introduced to Rodan+Fields skincare, and immediately saw the effects of utilizing good skincare products. Dinah then began working with them, and soon became an Executive Consultant.

Dinah is now pursuing her passion of sharing with everyone the benefits of having good skin and using healthy skincare products. She is also writing a book on this topic.

To contact Dinah:
RandFdinah@gmail.com
Dihle.myRandF.com

For suggestions of which skincare products would be best for you, visit:
Dihle.myRandF.com/solution-tool

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2021 issue of CHOICES Magazine