We all know that gentle exfoliation is one of the key steps to healthy, glowing, youthful-looking skin. Harsh or aggressive exfoliation, on the other hand, can damage your skin’s microbiome and lead to irritation, inflammation and “inflammaging.” In this post, we’re going to tell you why it’ so important to maintain a healthy microbiome, how to recognize signs of damage, and how to use sonic technology to exfoliate safely and gently.
What is your skin's microbiome?
Your skin’s microbiome is an invisible “ecosystem” of beneficial bacteria that live on the surface of your skin. It’s made up of literally trillions of microorganisms, which work together to keep your skin healthy and resilient. These microbes help maintain a balanced pH level, protect your skin against harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and support your skin’s moisture barrier—which is crucial to overall skin health.
When this “ecosystem” is working properly, all is well. But when it’s damaged or disrupted, you’ll start to notice signs of irritation—and one of the biggest culprits behind a damaged or weakened microbiome is over-exfoliation.
Why does over-exfoliation damage your skin’s microbiome?
When you use exfoliating methods that are too harsh—or when you exfoliate too frequently—you run the risk of stripping away too many of the beneficial microbes that live on your skin’s surface. This throws your skin’s protective “ecosystem” off balance and leaves your skin vulnerable to irritation, inflammation and damage.
How do I know if my skin barrier is damaged?
Your skin will “tell” you when its protective microbiome is damaged. Typically, these are the signs you’ll notice:
Redness and inflammation: A damaged barrier makes skin more sensitive to any potential irritants.
Burning or stinging: Skincare products you normally use may cause discomfort.
Increased breakouts: Without a healthy microbiome, your skin is more vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria.
Flaky, peeling or scaly skin: Your skin can’t retain the moisture it needs, leading to dehydration and dry patches.
Skin that’s “oily but dry”: If your skin is shiny but still feels tight and dry, it means it’s over-producing oil to compensate for a damaged barrier.
Microbiome friendly exfoliation: Your easy guide
First, let your skin “reset”
If your skin barrier is damaged, it’s best to hold off on any exfoliating until it’s restored. Instead, switch to a super-simple, basic routine: Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, moisturize with barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids, and wear a daily SPF. When your skin isn’t showing signs of irritation, you can introduce gentle exfoliation into your routine.
Choose a gentle method of exfoliation
With so many exfoliating products on the market, it can be tough to figure out what will give you the results you want without irritating your skin. In general, you want to avoid harsh acid peels, grainy scrubs, or facial brushes with rough bristles—all of which can strip away the beneficial microbes living on your skin’s surface.
A sonic dermaplaning device like LUXE+ is a smart pick, because the sonic waves help remove built-up dead skin cells without damaging your skin’s barrier. “You’re gently ‘shaving’ off the most superficial layer of dead skin cells, along with peach fuzz,” explains licensed master esthetician Bille Jo Bond. “This is going to give your skin added radiance and help kickstart collagen production without causing irritation.”
Remember, less is more!
“One of the most common mistakes I see is when clients love the glowing results they get from exfoliating, so they decide to do it more often. But too much exfoliation can actually have the opposite effect and leave your skin barrier damaged,” says Bond.
One of the advantages of LUXE+ sonic dermaplaning is that you only need to do it once a week. “I recommend using your device on the same day each week. You can choose a day and designate it as your self-care day—this helps remove the temptation to over-exfoliate.”
Follow with barrier-boosting skincare
After exfoliating, experts recommend following with a serum and/or moisturizer that’s formulated with ingredients that help hydrate your skin and strengthen your skin barrier. Here’s what to look for:
Hyaluronic acid or glycerin: Attract moisture to the skin
Ceramides or squalane: Lock-in hydration and prevent trans epidermal water loss
Prebiotics and probiotics: Support a healthy and balanced microbiome
Niacinamide: Boosts natural ceramide production
There you have it—an easy plan to exfoliate without damaging your skin barrier. Follow these tips, and remember, always listen to your skin. If your skin is “telling” you it’s irritated, take a break, reset, and resume your exfoliating routine when you no longer see signs of irritation.
