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Article: Are You Over-Exfoliating? Here’s How to Know

Are You Over-Exfoliating? Here’s How to Know
Skincare

Are You Over-Exfoliating? Here’s How to Know

Your skin’s crying out for a break, are you listening?

I’ll be the first to admit that there was a time when I thought more exfoliation meant better skin. Smoother. Brighter. Glowier. And while that instant post-exfoliation glow can feel addictive, here’s the truth I’ve learnt over the years (and heard from so many of you): you can absolutely have too much of a good thing.

Over-exfoliating is one of the most common skin mistakes out there. It’s easy to do, especially when you’re juggling different products, excited about new serums, or just trying to fix a flare-up fast.

But here at Floragy, we believe in slowing things down and letting your skin find its natural balance. So let’s talk about the signs your skin might be asking for a little less, not more, and how to gently get back on track.

First things first: What does exfoliation actually do?

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can help reveal a fresher, more radiant complexion and improve the absorption of your products.

There are two main types:

  • Physical exfoliation (think scrubs or clay masks)
  • Chemical exfoliation (like AHAs and BHAs – usually found in toners, serums or peels)

Done correctly, exfoliation is a beautiful part of a balanced skincare routine. But done too often, or with products that are too strong, it can compromise your skin barrier.

5 Signs You Might Be Over-Exfoliating:

  1. Tight, shiny skin that feels squeaky-clean - It might look glowy at first, but that glassy sheen is often a sign your protective barrier has been worn down.
  2. Redness and sensitivity - Burning, tingling, or sudden stinging when you apply your products? Your skin may be in distress.
  3. Dryness and flakiness - Ironically, too much exfoliation can leave you with even more dry skin—because it’s struggling to hold onto moisture.
  4. Breakouts that just won’t go away - Stripping the skin can actually increase oil production and inflammation, leading to stubborn breakouts.
  5. Your usual products start to sting - That trusted toner or cream suddenly feels too strong? That’s your skin saying, “I need a breather.”
  6. Floragy’s Gentle Recovery Plan - If any of those signs sound familiar, don’t panic, we’ve got you covered.

Step 1: Pause on exfoliation

Give your skin 5–7 days (or more) to calm down. Use minimal, nourishing products and let your skin recover.

  • Try our Cleanse – Oil to Milk Cleanser – it gently cleanses without stripping
  • Follow with Harmony or Bloom Toner – calming and soothing

Step 2: Hydrate + Repair

Your skin barrier needs some TLC. Focus on hydration, moisture, and ingredients that support repair.

  • Our Rejuvenate Face Cream is packed with plant-based goodness to comfort and restore
  • For extra nourishment, add a few drops of Revive or Nurture Face Oil (especially at night)

Step 3: Reintroduce exfoliation... gently

Once your skin feels calm again, you can bring exfoliation back—but only once or twice a week, max. And always follow with hydration.

  • Our clay mask are a beautifully gentle way to exfoliate naturally, without harsh scrubs or acids

Our Floragy Philosophy: Glow Naturally

Your skin is smart. It doesn’t need to be scrubbed or stripped to shine. It needs balance, consistency, and care, and that’s exactly what we’re here to help with.

If you ever find yourself reaching for one more exfoliating treatment, ask yourself: Is my skin asking for more? Or is it asking for less? Spoiler alert: Less is often more.

Let Your Skin Reset With Us

If your skin’s been through a bit of exfoliation overload, treat it to a week of kindness with our Gentle Skin Set—perfect for restoring balance, hydration, and that naturally radiant Floragy glow.

If you have any questions or need help rebuilding your routine? I’m always available for a chat, drop me a message on Instagram or email me at hello@floragy.co.uk

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