Skin Recovery After Over-Exfoliation

Based on your description and the advice from others, the dryness, tightness, peeling, and flaking you are experiencing are clear signs of a damaged skin barrier, likely caused by the high concentration of Encapsulated Salicylic Acid (BHA) in your homemade toner (6.6%) and potentially aggravated by manual acne extraction.

While BHA is effective for acne and clogged pores, using it at a high percentage can be too aggressive and disrupt the skin's natural protective barrier, leading to irritation, dryness, and peeling.

Immediate Steps for Skin Recovery:

1. Stop Using the BHA Toner: It is crucial to immediately discontinue using the toner with 6.6% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid. Your skin is showing signs of distress and needs a break from strong exfoliants.
2. Focus on Gentle Cleansing: Switch to a very mild, non-foaming facial cleanser. Avoid anything harsh or containing exfoliants. Look for cleansers designed for sensitive or damaged skin.
3. Intensive Hydration and Barrier Repair: This is the most important phase. Apply hydrating and soothing products generously. Look for ingredients that help repair the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. Beneficial ingredients include:
   • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness, and control oil.
   • Natural Betaine: Provides moisture and reduces irritation.
   • Bisabolol: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
   • Allantoin: Helps reduce irritation and supports skin healing.
   • L-Carnitine: Can help with moisture balance and gentle cell turnover without high acidity.
   • Ceramides: Essential lipids that help rebuild the skin barrier (often found in gentle cleansers and moisturizers).
4. Avoid Further Irritation: Refrain from manual acne extraction, using scrubs, or applying any other potentially irritating ingredients (like high-concentration AHAs, Vitamin C serums, or retinoids) until your skin has fully recovered.

Long-Term Acne Management (After Recovery):

Once your skin barrier is healthy again (no more dryness, peeling, or sensitivity), you can gradually reintroduce acne treatments, focusing on gentler options:

• Lower Concentration BHA: If you wish to use BHA again, start with a much lower concentration (e.g., 0.5% or 1%) in a wash-off product like a cleanser. Products like SA Smoothing Cleanser (0.5% Salicylic Acid) or Renewing SA Cleanser (2.0% Salicylic Acid) are examples of cleansers containing BHA that can be less irritating than leave-on toners, especially at lower percentages.
• Gentle Exfoliants: Consider using PHA (Natural PHA / Gluconolactone) as a gentler alternative to AHA/BHA for exfoliation.
• Oil Control and Anti-inflammatory Ingredients: Incorporate ingredients like Azelaic Acid (Liquid Azelaic™), Licorice Extract (Licochalcone A), Tea Tree Oil (Water Soluble - often used in cleansers), or EGCG (Green Tea Extract) into your routine. These can help control oil, reduce inflammation, and prevent clogged pores without being overly harsh.

It's essential to be patient during the recovery phase. Listen to your skin and introduce new acne treatments slowly and one at a time to see how your skin reacts. If your acne persists or is severe, consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options is always recommended.