Exfoliating for a beginner

[claudian29]

I want to add an exfoliator to my skincare routine, but I don't really know where to start. I've read that chemical exfoliants are better than physical ones, and I've seen so many products from serums to rice polish cleansers and toners. How does one normally incorporate an exfoliator when just starting out? I have sensitive combination skin (oily t-zone with sensitive cheeks) and I want to start out slow before switching to stronger exfoliants. Thanks!

[acutler1243]

Hey! Because you have sensitive and oily skin, I tried to find some good products for your skin. To start, because you have sensitive skin, DO NOT use a physical exfoliator. This is because when you're scrubbing your face, you don't know when you've removed the dead skin cells and are starting to destroy the new ones. Additionally, you do not want to irritate the sensitive skin and stimulate redness or reactions that could further ruin your skin. I have a few products for you as chemical exfoliants. I did go on to websites and do a rough skin test based off of the skin details provided. Also remember that using just an exfoliant can/will dry out your skin, so always moisturize after use (and an SPF if using during the daytime).

1. Beta Hydroxy Acid ($10.99) by The Inkey List - You can use this in the morning or at night. It unclogs pores, fights blackheads, and reduces excess oils in the skin. This contains 2% Salicylic Acid (a.k.a. Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA) which allows it to clean inside your pores as well as on the surface. It also has 1% Hyaluronic Acid which hydrates the skin. However, you still need to moisturize after using.
2. Niacinamide Oil Control Serum ($6.99) by The Inkey List - You can use this in the morning or at night. It contains 10% Niacinamide which helps to control excess oil, target blemishes and tackle redness. Again, it has 1% Hyaluronic Acid which hydrates the skin [but you still need to moisturize after using].
3. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($5.90) by The Ordinary - It is meant for reducing oiliness and the appearance of skin blemishes. The 1% Zinc helps soothe the skin and is an antioxidant.

I suggest using these 2-4 times a week, but start with 1-2 times and build up to 3-4. Also, make sure to do a skin patch test on your wrist or the back of your hand before using to make sure you don’t have any severe reactions. Everything on this list, you can find on the Sephora website. I hope this helps!

[claudian29]

I love that these products are affordable. Thank you!

[sharonisnewhere]

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@claudian29 wrote:
I want to add an exfoliator to my skincare routine, but I don't really know where to start. I've read that chemical exfoliants are better than physical ones, and I've seen so many products from serums to rice polish cleansers and toners. How does one normally incorporate an exfoliator when just starting out? I have sensitive combination skin (oily t-zone with sensitive cheeks) and I want to start out slow before switching to stronger exfoliants. Thanks!

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Hehe, I also have sensitive combo skin as well. If you plan to use chemical exfoliants, you should use it 2-3 times a week(frequency depends on your skin's sensitivity and the strength of the exfoliant). Also if you begin using them make sure you start by using the exfoliant 1-2 times a week and then gradually move to a stronger acid or more frequent application to allow your skin to adjust to the chemical. If you plan to use a physical exfoliant, I suggest not using the abrasive ones but opt for something like a rice exfoliant with smaller granules. For me, I use mandelic acid which is a gentle AHA since I've tried glycolic acid and lactic acid which left my skin irritated and burning. I've also used peeling gels and those are nice as well.

[claudian29]

Thanks, I didn't think about mandelic acid. The two products I found on Sephora with mandelic acid are the Mandelic Acid 10% with HA serum from The Ordinary and the Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads from Dr. Dennis Gross. Have you tried either one of those products?