If you think your skin is too sensitive to exfoliate, it’s time we changed your tune. You see, ALL skin – no matter what the type or concern – needs to be exfoliated. It’s the most effective way to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and help those newer, brighter skin cells come through. But finding the right face scrub isn’t always a ‘one-size-fits-all’ process – especially if you’ve got sensitive skin.
To avoid exacerbating any redness or irritation, it’s best to steer clear of face scrubs with coarse granules. “[You need] to look for gentle exfoliating particles in a soothing base formulation,” advises Rita-Marie Hopfner, founder and owner of LA CLINICA FOR SKIN & BODY. “Ideally, the base should be rich in plant oils, emollients and extracts to soften the dead skin cells, facilitating the ‘lifting off’ and removal of these cells.”
Gentle enzymatic exfoliants, which work to dissolve dead skin cells as opposed to manually sloughing them away, are also a good option for those with sensitive skin as they are generally creamy or gel-like in formulation, so don’t require you to rub any coarse granules across your skin.
Have we convinced you yet, sensitive skin sufferers? Yes? Then try one of these top three great face scrubs for sensitive skin…
#1: LA CLINICA FOR SKIN & BODY Sensitive Skin Gentle Facial Exfoliating Scrub – this gentle scrub contains a special soothing complex as well as plant extracts to help deep cleanse your skin and remove dead skin cells, without causing irritation. $37, www.laclinica.com
#2: Uriage Gommage Integral – being soap-free, paraben-free and hypoallergenic, this scrub is the perfect product for anyone with sensitized skin. It’s also formulated with 30 per cent Uriage thermal water (which is known for its amazing skin soothing and healing properties), and can be used on your face and body to leave your skin looking and feeling radiant, soft and soothed.
#3: Ren Jojoba Microbead Facial Polish – if you have sensitive skin but still like the feel of ‘granules’ in your scrub, then this facial exfoliant is for you. Formulated with non-abrasive microbeads of jojoba oil, it gently removes dead skin cells and promotes healthy cell renewal without scratching your skin or exacerbating any redness. $40, www.meccacosmetica.com.au
Oh, and just one last thing…if your skin is prone to redness and irritation, make sure you don’t overdo it on the exfoliation. “Sensitive skin should be exfoliated once weekly,” recommends Rita-Marie. “During the rest of the week, a natural, fragrance-free cleansing oil can be applied over the skin, massaged in for a minute or so, then removed with a warm, moistened face towel.”
Do you avoid exfoliating your skin because you’re worried it’ll cause redness and irritation? Have you tried any of these brands?
