Our skin is the first line of defense, which is why it is important to take proper care of our largest organ. Exfoliation and moisturization are key to keeping our skin healthy and happy. Here are a few tips on why over exfoliation is bad, what to do if you have over exfoliated and ways to exfoliate gently.
WHY IS OVER EXFOLIATION BAD
If you exfoliate your skin too much it can cause excess drying of the skin and sensitivity. Our skin on our feet is different from all the skin on our body. It can trigger the skin on your feet to say "hold up too much skin has come off, let's grow back more thick faster." Regardless if it's due to a potato peeler tool or a foot mask the makes t=your feet peel for several days, over exfoliation is not good for your feet.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE OVER EXFOLIATED
- Stop using the product.
- Immediately introduce hydration and moisture.
- Wait 3-7 days before resuming any exfoliation.
WAYS TO EXFOLIATE GENTLY
There are a few simple ways to exfoliate the skin on your feet. Depending on your preference and time constraints will dictate which method(s) best suits you. For those into rituals, soaking is a great gentle way to exfoliate feet. Simply use a soak specifically for feet soaking or add Dead Sea salt or Himalayan salt. A faster option is a simple foot scrub, preferably salt based for best results. If soaking is not your thing and you do not like scrubs, you can use a mask with an acid. Either a fruit acid, salicyclic acid or glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells.
At the end of the day remember this… your feet didn't get rough heels or dry skin overnight. Therefore, realistically why would you be able to reverse this gradual issue very night. A consistent simple regimen is key to health and happy feet.