What is a common effect of over-exfoliating the skin?

Over-exfoliating the skin can lead to irritation and increased sensitivity, which is why this option is the correct answer. Exfoliating, whether through physical scrubs or chemical exfoliants, serves to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion. However, when done excessively, it can strip away too much of the skin's natural barrier, leading to redness, irritation, flakiness, and heightened sensitivity to environmental factors or skincare products.

Maintaining the skin's barrier is crucial for overall skin health. Over-exfoliation disrupts this balance, often resulting in adverse reactions rather than the desired effects. This condition can even exacerbate existing skin issues, such as acne or rosacea.

The other choices present outcomes that can be associated with healthy exfoliation when done correctly, but they don't apply to the consequences of over-exfoliation. While increased hydration and improved skin texture are positive results of appropriate exfoliation, these won't occur if the skin is damaged from too much exfoliating. Similarly, reducing oiliness is a potential benefit of regular exfoliation, but overdoing this process can lead to compensatory oil production due to skin being stripped of its natural oils.