We’ve all been there—one too many pumps of retinol or a little overzealous with the acids, and suddenly your skin is crying for help. Whether you’re dealing with redness, irritation, or peeling, don’t panic! There’s a fix.

In this feature, Emma Wedgwood, Aesthetic Doctor and founder of Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics, will guide you through calming down your skin, restoring moisture, and bouncing back from taking your actives a bit too far. From how to soothe stressed out skin to the hydrating ingredients, here’s everything you need to know to heal your skin and prevent future flare-ups.

Avoid Active Ingredients

Steer clear of any additional active ingredients like vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs for a few days. These can exacerbate irritation and slow down the recovery process. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products until your skin has healed.

Use Sunscreen

Your skin may be extra sensitive to UV exposure after retinol or acid overuse, so it’s essential to protect it. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 or higher, and make sure to reapply throughout the day, especially if you’re outdoors.

Hydrate

When you’ve gone overboard with retinol or acids, your skin barrier can become compromised and dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate from within and use a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to restore moisture externally.

Moisturise

A rich, barrier-repairing moisturiser is key. Look for products with ceramides, shea butter, or squalane to help replenish your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Apply liberally and frequently to keep your skin hydrated and to promote healing.

Skip Exfoliation

Even if your skin is peeling or flaking, resist the urge to exfoliate. This can further damage your skin and prolong healing. Allow your skin to shed naturally and focus on keeping it hydrated instead.

Soothe

Reach for gentle, soothing products to calm irritation. Opt for a product with aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal to reduce inflammation. Ceramides are also an excellent ingredient for skin barrier repair. You can also apply a cool, damp compress to the skin for immediate relief, but avoid anything too cold, like ice, to prevent further irritation.

Let Your Skin Rest

Give your skin a break from all treatments. Avoid wearing heavy makeup and give your skin some time to repair itself. This rest period is essential for allowing your barrier to recover from the overuse of actives. Slowly and gradually reintroduce the actives after a break.

Monitor Your Skin

If you notice persistent redness, stinging, or peeling that doesn’t improve after a few days, it may be a sign of a compromised barrier or even a reaction. In this case, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist to ensure you’re on the right track to healing.