What is the effect of over-exfoliating the skin?

Over-exfoliating the skin has a significant impact, particularly leading to irritation and sensitivity. The skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, serves as a protective barrier. When this barrier is compromised due to excessive exfoliation, it can result in inflammation, redness, and heightened sensitivity. This irritation might manifest as flaking, peeling, or discomfort and can make the skin more vulnerable to environmental aggressors, such as UV radiation and pollution.

In contrast, the other outcomes presented do not occur with over-exfoliation. Improving skin texture is typically a benefit of appropriate exfoliation but not when it is done excessively, as that leads to damage rather than enhancement. Boosting collagen production is often a desired result of gentle treatments and proper skincare routines but does not correlate with the negative effects of over-exfoliation. Enhancing hydration usually happens with a well-maintained skin barrier; however, over-exfoliation disrupts this barrier, leading to dryness rather than hydration. Thus, excessive exfoliation is detrimental rather than beneficial to skin health.