Sensitive skin can easily get irritated; ingredients that most people consider gentle are not so kind to those with sensitive skin type *sigh*. Therefore, when it comes to something as important as exfoliation, you can’t trust just about any method or product to do the job. Does that mean women with sensitive skin should skip exfoliating their skin? Absolutely not! You just need to be extra cautious.

Here’s how to exfoliate sensitive skin without irritating it…

 

Oil exfoliation

Oil exfoliation

One of the most gentle and simple ways to exfoliate sensitive skin is by using a washcloth. Apply a non-comedogenic oil such as jojoba or sunflower on damp skin and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, take a soft washcloth or round cotton pads and gently move it over your face in circular motions. This mild exfoliation technique will help get rid of dead skin cells.

 

Scrub exfoliation

Scrub exfoliation

Sceptical about using readily available scrubs in the market? Don’t be! While most scrubs will irritate your skin, you need to pick ones that don’t contain harsh ingredients. Avoid anything that contains apricot or walnut granules as they are too harsh for your skin type. Instead, look for gentle alternatives such as jojoba beads, rice bran, powdered herbs or vanilla seeds. The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is infused with rice bran along with papain enzymes and phytic acid and is suitable for sensitive skin.

 

Chemical exfoliation

Chemical exfoliation

OK, I know the mention of chemicals sounds scary and it really isn’t, especially if performed by a certified dermatologist. We don’t recommend using chemical exfoliants at home, but you can definitely contact your dermatologist who will be able to decide which chemical exfoliation technique will work better for your skin type. AHA exfoliants are used for those with dry skin and BHA for oily and combination skin.