In the world of skincare, more doesn’t always mean better. We get it, there’s a product for every problem, and it’s tempting to try them all. But here’s the truth dermatologists are sharing. Too many active ingredients can actually harm your skin, not help it.

From AHAs to retinol to vitamin C, powerful “actives” are everywhere. But when these are layered incorrectly or used too frequently, they can weaken your skin’s natural barrier, and that leads to irritation, dryness, redness, and even breakouts. Sound familiar? Mi’Ora built our formulas because the founder fell prey to this very situation.

Your Skin Barrier Is Your Best Friend

Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin, like a shield that keeps moisture in and bad stuff out. When it’s healthy, your skin looks smooth, plump, and glowing. But overloading on exfoliants, acids, or high-potency serums can strip this barrier. That’s when the problems start.

According to a 2023 study in Dermatology and Therapy, people who use multiple actives without professional guidance often experience barrier breakdown, leading to increased sensitivity and inflammation.

Sensitive Skin Is on the Rise and Social Media Is Fueling It

Dermatologists around the world are reporting a sharp rise in what’s now being called "cosmetic-induced sensitivity." The cause? Overuse of skincare products inspired by social media trends.

A 2024 analysis found that sensitive skin cases have spiked globally, often traced back to routines filled with exfoliating acids, retinoids, and harsh cleansers used without downtime or recovery.

Even worse, once the barrier is compromised, nearly everything starts to sting or react. A phenomenon some doctors now call cosmetic intolerance syndrome.

What Science Says About Skincare Overload

• Low pH actives, like glycolic and salicylic acid, lower your skin’s natural pH, causing irritation.
• Frequent exfoliation can thin the stratum corneum, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture.
• Mixing multiple actives (like retinol + acids + vitamin C) can lead to microinflammation and damage your skin’s lipid layers.

Dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos even calls this a “modern skincare mistake” in her 2022 review, warning against treating your bathroom like a lab bench.

Mi’Ora’s Advice: Simplify, Strengthen, Support

At Mi’Ora, we believe your skincare should support your skin’s natural function, not fight against it. That’s why we champion:

• Barrier-friendly ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and gentle plant oils.
• Smart minimalism: Use only what your skin needs. No more, no less.
• Skin cycling or “skincare rest days” to help your barrier recover and thrive.

Glowing skin doesn’t come from stress-testing your face, it comes from balance.

Ready to give your skin a breather? Let your barrier heal, and you’ll see the glow return naturally.

References

• Springer, 2023, A New Diagnostic Tool to Assess the Skin Barrier Status in Sensitive Skin, pages 112–119
• PubMed, 2024, The Rising Epidemic of Sensitive Skin: Behavioral and Cosmetic Triggers, pages 87–94
• PubMed, 2022, Skincare Errors in Over-the-Counter Routines, pages 33–39
• PubMed, 2024, Stratum Corneum Dysfunction: A Hidden Epidemic?, pages 145–150
• PubMed, 2022, Skin Surface pH and Overexfoliation, pages 54–60
• DOI, 2023, The Epidermal Barrier: What Disrupts It in Modern Skincare?, pages 21–28