Can I overcare for my skin too?
March 1, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Nina Endres
Dear Dermatologist,
My name is Roberta Falk and I have been experiencing increased problems with my skin for some time. I have read that it is possible to overcare for the skin, leading to irritated skin or even skin diseases.
My skin is usually quite sensitive and prone to redness and dryness. Lately, however, I feel that my skincare routine is no longer sufficient and I am using more and more products to soothe and care for my skin. I use a variety of creams, serums, and masks to moisturize my skin and combat imperfections.
Despite my efforts, my skin still feels irritated and I have been dealing with more pimples and redness. I am concerned that I may be overcaring for my skin with all these products, thus exacerbating my skin problems.
Could you please tell me if it is indeed possible to overcare for the skin and what signs could indicate this? Are there specific ingredients I should be particularly mindful of to avoid overwhelming my skin? What steps can I take to optimize my skincare routine and soothe my skin?
I look forward to your expert assessment and thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Roberta Falk
Dear Roberta Falk,
Thank you for your message and trust in my expertise as a dermatologist. It is indeed possible to over-care for the skin and cause skin irritations or even skin diseases. This condition is also known as "Overcare" and can occur when too many products and/or too aggressive ingredients are used.
For sensitive skin like yours, which tends to redness and dryness, it is especially important to pay attention to the right care. Even though it may be tempting to use many different products to combat various skin issues, this can actually be counterproductive. Too many products can weaken the skin barrier and lead to irritations.
Some signs that you may be over-caring for your skin, in addition to the already mentioned pimples and redness, are a feeling of tightness, itching, burning, or increased dryness. If you feel that your skin is irritated and not responding to the usual care, this may be a sign that you should rethink your skincare routine.
To calm your skin and optimize your skincare routine, I recommend starting by simplifying. Reduce the number of products you use and focus on gentle, moisturizing, and soothing ingredients. Make sure the products are free of fragrances, alcohol, and potentially irritating chemicals.
Some recommended ingredients for sensitive skin are, for example, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, panthenol, and ceramides. These substances can moisturize the skin, soothe it, and strengthen the skin barrier.
It is also important not to excessively cleanse your skin. Use mild cleansing products and do not cleanse your face more than twice a day. Be careful not to rub or irritate your skin, but treat it gently.
If your skin problems persist despite an adapted skincare routine, I recommend that you personally visit a dermatologist so that an individual treatment recommendation can be made.
I hope this information helps you and that you can manage your skin problems. If you have any further questions, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Nina Endres
