Exfoliating can be an important part of any skincare routine, but it can be a tricky process for those with dry, sensitive skin. While exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover and healthier-looking skin, it can also lead to irritation and dryness if not done properly. Thus, for people with dry, sensitive skin, exfoliating can be a challenging process that requires careful consideration and attention.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll go over the dos and don’ts of exfoliating dry, sensitive skin, so you can reap the benefits without any negative side effects.
Quick declaimer: as the owner of the website I have tracked down some of the products and services mentioned. Therefore, when using the links on this page to make a purchase I may get a small commission. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. See Full Disclosure.
We will start by looking at what you should be doing when considering exfoliating your skin.
Dos: 🙂
- Choose the right exfoliant: The first and most important step in exfoliating dry, sensitive skin is to choose the right exfoliant. Chemical exfoliants are usually better suited for dry, sensitive skin than physical exfoliants. AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) are two types of chemical exfoliants that work by dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together, so they can be easily removed without harsh scrubbing. These exfoliants are gentle yet effective and can help smooth out rough, dry skin. The one I personally use on my face every night is the Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%+ HA [will be reviewing the product soon 😉 ].
For more information about the difference between the two chemical exfoliants check the article here.
- Start slow: If you’re new to exfoliating or have particularly sensitive skin, it’s important to start slow. Begin by using a low-concentration exfoliant once a week and gradually work your way up to more frequent use as your skin adjusts. By doing this, irritation and dryness can be prevented.
- Moisturize afterwards: After exfoliating, it’s crucial to moisturize your skin to help restore hydration and maintain skin health. Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which can help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. A good moisturiser is the Cerave moisturising cream [you can check the review here].
- Be Gentle: When exfoliating, it’s important to be gentle. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can cause micro-tears in the skin and lead to irritation. Use light, circular motions and avoid tugging or pulling on the skin.
- Use Sunscreen: Exfoliating can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. Ensure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and make sure it has at least an SPF of 30. The one I personally use that I love is the La Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune spf50 [review here].
We will now be looking into what you should be trying to avoid when considering using an exfoliant.
Don’ts ;(
- Exfoliate too often: One of the biggest mistakes people make when exfoliating is doing it too often. Over-exfoliating can lead to dryness, redness, and irritation, which can be particularly problematic for those with dry, sensitive skin. Stick to exfoliating no more than two to three times a week, depending on how your skin reacts.
- Use harsh scrubs: Physical exfoliants like scrubs or brushes can be too abrasive for dry, sensitive skin. If you prefer a physical exfoliant, look for one with fine, gentle particles like jojoba beads or rice powder. Avoid exfoliants that contain large, rough particles that can cause micro-tears in the skin.
- Exfoliate sunburned or irritated skin: If your skin is already irritated or sunburned, exfoliating can make the problem worse. Wait until your skin has fully healed before exfoliating again.
- Use Hot Water: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. When exfoliating, use lukewarm water to avoid further damaging your skin.
Let’s now look into what are the other considerations that you should know with using an exfoliant on dry sensitive skin
Other Considerations:
- Patch Test: Whenever you’re trying out a new exfoliant, it’s crucial to patch-test it first. Apply a small amount of the product to a patch of skin on your inner arm and wait 24 hours to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction or negative side effects. If you do experience any adverse effects, discontinue use immediately.
- Be Aware of Other Products: Certain products, like retinol or benzoyl peroxide, can make your skin more sensitive to exfoliants. If you’re using these products, it’s best to avoid exfoliating on the same day or use a gentler exfoliant.
- Consult with a Dermatologist: If you’re not sure where to start or are struggling to find an exfoliant that works for you, consider seeing a dermatologist. They can recommend specific products or treatments based on your skin type and concerns.
Key Points
To summarise, here are some key points:
- Choose the Right Exfoliant: As mentioned earlier, chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs are usually better suited for dry, sensitive skin than physical exfoliants. However, even among chemical exfoliants, some may be too harsh for your skin. It’s important to do your research and choose an exfoliant that is specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin and contains gentle ingredients.
- Start Slow: When introducing a new exfoliant to your routine, start slow and gradually work your way up to more frequent use. This will allow your skin to adjust to the exfoliant and prevent irritation and dryness.
- Be Gentle: When exfoliating, it’s crucial to be gentle and avoid scrubbing too hard or using abrasive tools. Use light, circular motions and avoid tugging or pulling on the skin.
- Moisturize Afterwards: After exfoliating, it’s important to moisturize your skin to help restore hydration and maintain skin health. You should look for a moisturizer that contains components like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which can help lock in moisture to keep the skin hydrated.
- Use Sunscreen: Exfoliating can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun, so you should use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. You need to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning with an SPF of at least 30.
- Avoid Exfoliating Sunburned or Irritated Skin: If your skin is already irritated or sunburned, exfoliating can make the situation worse. Wait until your skin has fully healed before resuming exfoliation.
- Pay Attention to Your Skin’s Reaction: It’s important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to exfoliation. If you notice any redness, itching, or flaking, dial back on the frequency or concentration of your exfoliant. If the symptoms persist, stop using the exfoliant altogether and consult a dermatologist.
By being mindful of these considerations, you can safely and effectively exfoliate your dry, sensitive skin without causing further damage or irritation.
In conclusion, exfoliating can be a great way to improve the appearance and health of your skin, but it’s important to do it safely and effectively. In addition, exfoliating dry, sensitive skin requires a gentle approach and careful attention to the type of exfoliant you use and how often you use it.
By following the dos and don’ts we’ve outlined above, you can exfoliate your dry, sensitive skin without any negative side effects. Remember to start slow, choose the right exfoliant, and always moisturize afterwards to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. 🙂
