Apparently, skin burnout is now a thing in beauty circles. Celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas explains skin burnout as having dry, dull, and overly sensitive skin. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Kaveri Karhade explains it further to Instyle. As the body's largest organ, skin can be stressed out by many factors - pollution, UV light, and aggressive skincare routines, harsh products, and procedures. The symptoms of skin burnout are redness or dullness, irritation, and hypersensitivity. Dr. Karhade adds that using too many chemical topicals like retinol, AHAs and BHAs also increase skin's sensitivity. Using physical scrubs and manual exfoliation tools like cleansing brushes often also contribute to skin burnout.

How to Combat Skin Burnout

Both Vargas and Dr. Karhade agree that retinoids and acids are often overused or misused. Tone down your multi-step routine and go back to the basics. As Popsugar reports, one of the major skincare trends for 2021 will be "Skinimalism." It's the practice of using minimal products and celebrating a more natural look where pores, blemishes, discoloration, and the like, are allowed to shine through. This means taking a break from obsessing over products that are supposed to achieve perfect skin.

Dr. Karhade points out that many people have complex skincare routines but still struggle with breakouts and other skin concerns. She shares that those blemishes, redness, and cracked skin may well result from irritation from too many products and procedures that the skin simply needs a break. Instead of doing a twelve-step routine, just stick to a few simple products so that skin will soon feel better, says Vargas. Dr. Kharhade recommends products that calm and hydrate the skin.

Also read: Why Polyhydroxy Acid Is the Best Chemical Exfoliant for Sensitive Skin

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu from The Derm Institute tells Prevention that some of the best ingredients to soothe skin are ceramides, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, licorice extract and colloidal oatmeal. Avoid ingredients like alcohol and synthetic fragrances, including essential oils, if your skin is experiencing hypersensitivity.

Skin Care Routine for Burnout Skin

Use a gentle facial cleanser.

While skin is in a sensitive state, switch from a gel cleanser to a creamy one. Hyaluronic acid is your friend and so are soy and aloe vera. Prevention recommends CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash, Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.

Wash your face only once a day.

It would be best to wash your face in the evening to remove grime, oil, and makeup from the day. In the morning, stick to micellar water or cleansing toner to keep skin calm and hydrated.

Don't forget to moisturize.

Moisturizing helps repair the skin barrier, something that strong chemical exfoliants compromise when used too often. While you're taking a break from all your usual exfoliating skincare products, make sure to moisturize at least twice a day, especially during the winter. Allure recommends Aveeno Ultra-Calming Nourishing Night Cream, Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, or Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream.

Related article: Dermatologists Teach You How To Adjust Your Skin Care Routine For Winter