What is a common effect of over-exfoliation?

Over-exfoliation can lead to skin irritation and increased sensitivity. This occurs when the skin's natural protective barrier is compromised due to the removal of too many dead skin cells or the use of aggressive exfoliating products. When the outer layer of the skin is stripped away excessively, it can result in redness, inflammation, and a heightened reaction to environmental factors or skincare products.

In contrast, increased blood circulation is not typically a direct result of over-exfoliating; instead, it may occur from other treatments or activities that stimulate blood flow. Enhanced skin barrier function and improved moisture retention are also outcomes that generally reflect healthy skin, not the result of over-exfoliation, which would lead to the opposite situation where the skin becomes weakened and less capable of retaining moisture effectively.