4 Signs You’re Overdoing Your Skincare—and How to Fix It, According to Dermatologists

The saying “too much of a good thing” applies to skincare too. “The prevalence of overuse is likely due to exposure to products on social media and elsewhere online without guidance from experts,” says dermatologist Stacey Tull, M.D., the owner of St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in St. Louis. This results in complex multistep regimens, constantly trying new products, and using formulas that don’t fit your skin needs, that are too strong or that contain ingredients that could be harmful together.

Signs That Skincare Has Gone Wrong

Whether or not you have sensitive skin, your complexion will sound the alarm when you’ve gone overboard. Here are telltale cues:

Irritation

“You may notice red patches—allergic contact dermatitis—or hives and may experience minor pain [such as a burning sensation],” says Trisha Khanna, M.D., a dermatologist in Orlando, FL.

Dryness

Signs that the skin’s natural protective barrier is damaged include dryness, peeling or flaking, itching and tightness, Dr. Khanna adds.

Flare-ups

Overusing skincare can exacerbate underlying skin issues such as eczema and rosacea, Dr. Khanna explains.

New breakouts

Layering on too many products or using formulas that are overly heavy or that contain pore-clogging ingredients can bring on or worsen blemishes.

infographic listing four signs you’re overdoing skincare—irritation, dryness, flare ups, and breakouts.

Good Housekeeping//Getty Images

4 ways to do damage control

You went too far, and it shows on your skin—it happens! Put out the fire (and prevent future flare-ups) with these pro tips.

1. Press pause

Give skin a reset: “Stop using your current products and switch to a basic regimen [see right],” Dr. Tull says. Look for the labels “hypoallergenic,” “fragrance-free,” “alcohol-free,” and “noncomedogenic” (non-pore-clogging).

2. Stay calm

For immediate relief of irritation, apply a cold compress and a moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and oatmeal to the area. (If symptoms persist, consult a dermatologist.)

3. Don’t mix actives

Going forward, avoid applying strong active ingredients like exfoliants, acids, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide on the same day to prevent stripping skin of its protective barrier, Dr. Tull advises.

4. Be cautious

Do a patch test before applying a new product all over your face, suggests Dr. Khanna. Dab the formula on a hidden area of skin (like the jawline), then remove it after the standard time period; if a reaction occurs, stop using it.

Streamline your routine

To maximize skin health—and minimize side effects—take a cue from the “skin streaming” trend, which involves simplifying a regimen to just the essentials. Adhere to these dermatologist-recommended steps to keep any skin type balanced: