Exfoliation mistakes you can avoid – and how to do it smartly?

Exfoliation can be a fantastic tool for achieving a more even tone, diminishing fine lines, and removing dead skin cells, but only if used wisely. Otherwise, you may experience irritation, early redness, or damage to the skin's protective barrier.

Let's take a look at the most common mistakes and how to avoid them, plus we will recommend some Maruderm products that you can confidently incorporate into your routine.

When does exfoliation become harmful?

When you apply it too often or too aggressively on your skin. Your skin is not a competitor: it won't look better just because you "press" acids on it every day. Most skincare professionals recommend chemical exfoliation 1-2 times a week, and for sensitive skin, preferably once.

If you use too much:

• You may thin the skin surface

• You may stimulate redness and a burning sensation

• You may weaken the skin's natural protective barrier

• You may increase the likelihood of hyperpigmentation

In other words: it's not about strength, but consistency that matters.

The most common exfoliation mistakes and what you can do instead

1. Exfoliating too frequently

Even if your skin tolerates it well, don't make the mistake of thinking "I'll do another round tomorrow." Regeneration takes time.

2. Using an acid or intensity that doesn't match your skin type

If you have sensitive skin, avoid strong acids (for example, 15%+ glycolic acid). Gentler alternatives may be a better choice.

3.Physical and chemical exfoliation applied simultaneously

Do you scrub one day (with a coarse-grained facial scrub) and use acid the next day? That's too much stress for your skin.

4. You do not take care of protection afterwards

If you do not hydrate and do not use sunscreen, the new skin after exfoliation can be more easily damaged.

5. Too many active ingredients at once

If exfoliating acid, retinol, and other strong active ingredients work on the same day, the skin can easily become overloaded.

How to build a proper exfoliation routine?

1. Test on a small area – try it first on a small area of your face and observe the reactions.

2. Introduce gradually – start with once a week, then you can move to twice.

3. Use moisturizing and soothing products – panthenol, ceramides, aloe vera are good choices.

4. Always use sunscreen during the day – fresh skin is more sensitive to UV.

5. Avoid strong combinations – do not use acid + retinol in the same evening routine if your skin is not used to it yet.

6. Introduce only one new product into your routine at a time - trying to introduce too many things at once can lead to irritation.

Maruderm product recommendations that we are happy to suggest

The following products can be good starting points for an exfoliating routine, depending on how "strong" or gentle active ingredients you need: