Sensitive skin may be more delicate than other skin types and may need a little more TLC when it comes to exfoliating. Exfoliating should be part of any skincare regime but can cause redness, irritation, dryness and spots if not done correctly. Fortunately sensitive skin can be properly exfoliated to leave you bright and smooth.
In this guide we are going to discuss all that you need to know about exfoliating sensitive skin, from best techniques and ingredients to use through to my worst offenders to avoid.
Why Exfoliation Matters for Sensitive Skin
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Over time, these dead cells accumulate and can make your skin appear dull, rough, and uneven.
Regular exfoliation helps:
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Improve skin texture
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Promote cell turnover
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Unclog pores
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Enhance product absorption
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Reveal brighter, healthier-looking skin
However, for sensitive skin, exfoliation is as subtle as it can get. Heavy, hard scrubs and damaging acids damages skin barrier that produces inflammation and pain.
Understanding Sensitive Skin
Before choosing an exfoliation method, it's important to understand what sensitive skin needs. Sensitive skin often reacts quickly to environmental factors, skincare products, and even weather changes.
Common signs include:
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Redness
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Burning or stinging sensations
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Dryness and flaking
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Itchiness
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Frequent irritation
As the outer protection from the world for those with sensitive skin is such a lot more vulnerable, it is important to use the appropriate products at this stage.
Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation
There are two primary types of exfoliation:
Physical Exfoliation
Physical exfoliation, which involves manual method through scrubbing with small particles, brushes or other type of tools.
Examples include:
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Facial scrubs
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Cleansing brushes
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Exfoliating gloves
Physical exfoliation is effective but can be irritating for sensitive skin which is why it should be avoided if the products used are harsh and contain large or grainy particles.
Chemical Exfoliation
Chemical exfoliation accounts for existing ingredients that breaks down the connections present in between quality cells.
Common chemical exfoliants include:
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AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
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BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids)
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PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids)
In the case of sensitive skin, gentle chemical exfoliants are preferable because they do not require vigorous rubbing.
Why an Enzyme Exfoliator Is Ideal for Sensitive Skin
An Enzyme Exfoliator is one of the best and safest for sensitive skin.
Enzyme Exfoliator β Has the power of natural fruit enzymes, either papaya, pineapple, pumpkin, pomegranate etc., to gently dissolve dead skin cells. This method is far less irritating than acids or scrubs because it only tackles the dead skin lying on the surface.
Benefits of using an Enzyme Exfoliator include:
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Gentle exfoliation without friction
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Reduced risk of irritation
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Improved skin brightness
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Smoother skin texture
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Can be used as often as required for delicate skins
Due to its gentle nature, an Enzyme Exfoliator is most often suggested by the Therapist for people with more sensitive or reactive skin.
How Often Should Sensitive Skin Be Exfoliated?
Another common error is excess exfoliation. More is sometimes less.
For sensitive skin, experts generally recommend:
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Once a week for beginners
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Up to twice a week as tolerated by your skin
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Decreased use if redness or irritation takes place.
Let your skin be the judge of your exfoliation routine. If your skin starts to get sensitive, stop exfoliating and work on restoring your skin barrier.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exfoliating Sensitive Skin
Step 1: Cleanse Gently
Begin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser to thin, while tackling makeup oil and dirt.
Avoid:
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Harsh soaps
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Alcohol-based cleansers
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Strong foaming products
A clean surface allows your exfoliator to be more effective.
Step 2: Apply a Gentle Exfoliator
Select a product meant for sensitive skin.
Enzyme Exfoliator; Can be used (as always!) in accordance with product directions, most quite happily for a few mins before being rinsed away. Enzymes tend to gently loosen away dead skin cells without causing micro tears.
Step 3: Rinse with Lukewarm Water
Hot water can cause uncomfortable sensations on sensitive skin, as well as scaling and redness. Use only lukewarm water when rinsing your products.
Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel and do not rub.
Step 4: Hydrate Immediately
Your skin becomes more absorbent to hydrants after exfoliating.
Apply:
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A soothing serum
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A hydrating moisturizer
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Barrier-restoring ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid
This aids in retaining moisture and assists healing of the skin.
Step 5: Wear Sunscreen
Freshly shedded skin is rendered more susceptible to UV damage.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, particularly following an exfoliation.
Ingredients Sensitive Skin Should Look For
When shopping for exfoliating products, seek out soothing and skin-friendly ingredients such as:
Fruit Enzymes
Can be exfoliating without inflaming the skin.
Common sources include:
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Papaya enzymes
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Pineapple enzymes
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Pumpkin enzymes
A lot of the best Enzyme Exfoliator formulas will contain these ingredients as their main exfoliating agents.
PHAs
Polyhydroxy acids as mild exfoliant and as moisture binders.
Examples include:
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Gluconolactone
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Lactobionic acid
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera soothes redness and take down inflammation after exfoliation.
Chamomile
Chamomile has calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is suitable for sensitive skin.
Oat Extract
Oat ingredients can improve the function of the skin barrier, soothe irritation, andRestore TLC.
Ingredients to Avoid
Some ingredients in exfoliants may not work well on sensitive skin.
Avoid:
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Large abrasive scrub particles
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High concentrations of glycolic acid
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Excessive salicylic acid
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Artificial fragrances
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Alcohol-heavy formulations
Always do a patch test before introducing any new exfoliating product.
Common Exfoliation Mistakes to Avoid
Exfoliating Too Frequently
Can damage the skin barrier by over-exfoliating.
Using Multiple Exfoliants Together
A mixture of scrubs, acids and retinoids are too much for a sensitive skin.
(1) Use only one exfoliating exfoliator.
Ignoring Skin Reactions
If your skin is red, burning or persistently irritated, then it is time to take a softer approach.
Substituting to a gentle Enzyme Exfoliator may go a long way to minimizing these problems.
Skipping Moisturizer
It is vital to hydrate after exfoliation. Don't leave it out.
Signs Your Exfoliation Routine Is Working
A healthy exfoliation routine should leave your skin feeling:
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Smooth and soft
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More radiant
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Better hydrated
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Less congested
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More receptive to skincare products
You should not undergo too much peeling, burning or sustained redness.
Choosing the Right Enzyme Exfoliator
Not all exfoliators are created equal. When selecting an Enzyme Exfoliator, look for products that:
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Use naturally derived enzymes
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Are free from harsh chemicals
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Include soothing botanical extracts
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Are suitable for sensitive skin
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Support the skin barrier
Simply reading the ingredients labels, and using brands you trust, can have quite a dramatic effect.
Final Thoughts
Exfoliating sensitive skin is not as difficult or painful as it can seem. Just be sure to use effective but gentle techniques that will not be irritating. Say no to harsh scrubs, check the frequency, and go for the gentle Enzyme Exfoliator to maintain healthy skin that is silky smooth, glowing, and irritation-free.
Keep in mind that consistency and patience will bring the best results rather than the most aggressive treatments out there. Let your skin guide you, be flexible as you need and building and maintaining a healthy, strong skin barrier as your ultimate goal.
Discover Gentle Skincare with Evaa Organics
Searching for a Sensitive Skincare product? Evaa Organics has a range of specially formulated products that harness the power of nature and beneficial skin ingredients to give you healthier, glowing skin.
Feel the advantages of an Enzyme Exfoliator that works delicately and boost your skincare regime using products that restore, shield and maintain your skin in a natural way.