Gentle Exfoliators

[YASM1N3E]

Hey, so I'm pretty new to skincare but I was wondering if there were any good exfoliators for combination/sensitive skin that gets red really easy. Also, how often should I exfoliate? I don't exfoliate right now and just use a CeraVe cleanser and bubble slam dunk moisturizer as well as a laneige water bank after showers. Please let me know if you have any recommendations.

[WinglessOne]

Hey @YASM1N3E ! I have mostly-dry combo skin that gets red very easily. My skin can usually handle a 10% AHA exfoliant, as long as it’s a mix of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic’s the strongest; lactic’s gentler; mandelic’s very gentle) or contains no glycolic acid. My favorite is Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA Serum, but sometimes I need a gentler option like Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL, or even The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 1 oz/ 30 mL. Even gentler is PHA (poly hydroxy acid): The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Gentle Exfoliating Toner 3.4 oz/ 100 mL is a great option. 

Exfoliate just 1-3 times a week, and never twice on the same day. If you’re a tween or younger, you don’t even need to exfoliate (unless your medical doctor says otherwise). And some folks do better with physical exfoliation: just using a wet washcloth or something like a FOREO LUNA™ Mini 3 (for very gentle exfoliation) 1-3x a week. The exception to all this is a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) like salicylic acid: some people can use BHA daily, or even twice a day. A good cult favorite is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliating Toner for Clear Skin.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@YASM1N3E choose products that disclose percentage of BHA and AHA.  AHA is considered to be most effective at 5-10%,  but I'm sure there are products with less.  BHA generally comes in 1% and 2%; PC makes a 9% that I love.

[Mel231]

@YASM1N3E 

Check out SEPHORA COLLECTION Resurfacing Peel Mask 

I do NOT have sensitive skin, but it seems really gentle.The directions say to start with one a week and move up to twice a week if needed, but I use it almost every day with no problems.

[CynthieLu]

Sensitive skin and exfoliating can be a bit tricky from personal experience. You may want to check in with your dermatologist before you dive in. I would caution if you are actively experiencing redness, don't try any actives until your skin is well recovered. And make sure you've got your SPF ready. ☀️ Exfoliating makes our skin more susceptible to damage from the sun.

Exfoliators I've enjoyed are

DIOR Capture Dreamskin 1-Minute Mask 2.5 oz / 75 mL 

#SEPHORA COLLECTION Gentle Exfoliating Peeling Serum with Niacinamide + Lactic Acid 1 oz / 30 mL 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Mini Alpha Beta® Ultra Gentle Daily Peel Pads for Sensitive Skin 5 Treatments 

I would also recommend starting slow, once per week.

[CorgiMommy]

@YASM1N3E i second the Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder Classic .  It is very gentle and effective on my skin 

[SportyGirly125]

@YASM1N3E Sephora employee here

Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder Gentle 

Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser 

Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Scrub Cleanser 5 oz/ 150 mL 

I would use it once a week at first to see how your skin reacts then you can slowy build to 2-3 times a week if needed.

[YASM1N3E]

Ok thank you!