Why Does Acne Appear After Exfoliation
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells to make your face smoother and brighter. But sometimes, right after you scrub or use an exfoliating product, pimples pop up. This surprises many people who think exfoliating should clear acne. The main reason is over-exfoliation. When you exfoliate too much or too hard, it irritates your skin and damages its natural barrier.
Your skin has a protective layer called the skin barrier. It keeps out germs and holds in moisture. Exfoliants like scrubs, acids, or brushes strip away this layer if used too often. Without it, your skin gets dry, red, and sensitive. Bacteria and oil then sneak in easier, clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Over-exfoliation also sparks inflammation. This is your skin’s response to injury. The swelling stops old pimples from healing and starts new ones. You might notice redness, stinging, or tiny bumps soon after. In time, this can lead to worse acne and lasting damage.
Not everyone gets acne from exfoliating. It depends on your skin type, how often you do it, and the product strength. Oily or acne-prone skin might handle gentle exfoliation well. Dry or sensitive skin reacts faster with pimples.
To avoid this, exfoliate just two to three times a week. Start slow with mild products. Watch for signs like tightness or redness, and stop if they appear. Give your skin rest days to rebuild its barrier. Pair it with gentle cleansers and moisturizers to stay balanced.
Sources
https://featuringyouspa.com/blogs/news/over-ex
https://evanaturals.com/blogs/news/how-to-avoid-over-exfoliating-your-skin
https://www.thezendenbeauty.co.uk/skin-tips/the-complete-guide-to-exfoliating
