What is a common effect of over-exfoliating the skin?

Over-exfoliating the skin can lead to skin irritation and redness due to the disruption of the skin's natural protective barrier. The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, serves as a shield against environmental aggressors and helps to retain moisture. When this layer is removed too aggressively or too frequently through exfoliation, it can result in inflammation, sensitivity, and redness as the skin reacts to the loss of its protective layer. This compromise can also lead to increased dryness or an imbalance in skin health, further exacerbating irritation.

In contrast, improved skin texture, increased oiliness, and enhanced hydration are not typical outcomes of over-exfoliation. While proper exfoliation can improve texture by removing dead skin cells, overdoing it can create the opposite effect. Likewise, over-exfoliating does not enhance hydration; instead, it may lead to a dehydrated skin barrier, causing further discomfort and irritation.