Follow These 5 Tips to Safely and Gently Exfoliate Your Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, you probably already know that taking care of it is no easy task. Since sensitive skin is prone to redness and irritation, it’s better to understand which skincare products are suitable for your skin, especially when choosing facial exfoliants.

You’re probably wondering: is it safe to exfoliate sensitive skin? The answer is, yes! Even sensitive skin can benefit from a gentle exfoliation routine since it helps remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, prevent clogged pores, and increase cell regeneration.

Exfoliation for sensitive skin requires a careful selection of techniques and products. Gentle exfoliants and the right method are important to minimize the risks of skin exfoliation, such as redness, irritation, inflammation, and damage to the skin barrier.

For reference, here are some exfoliation tips for sensitive skin:

1. Choose the right exfoliation method

There are two exfoliation methods that you can try: physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation, also known as manual exfoliation, is done by scrubbing the skin surface directly with a scrub, while chemical exfoliation uses active ingredients to remove dead skin cells, such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA).

The good news is, both methods are safe for sensitive skin. However, if you prefer physical exfoliation, it’s recommended to use a finer-textured scrub that will not damage the skin's surface. Make sure to choose gentle exfoliants to avoid irritating sensitive skin.

2. Avoid over-exfoliating

While exfoliation is essential in keeping skin healthy, please do not overdo it as it can cause redness and irritation – exfoliating two to three times per week is usually recommended for sensitive skin. To make sure you’re exfoliating your skin safely, you can consult with a dermatologist first to determine how often exfoliation can be done on sensitive skin.

Read more: TONER VS CLEANSER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

3. Exfoliate gently

When trying chemical exfoliation for the first time, start slowly to avoid irritating your skin. Choose an exfoliating product with a low concentration of active ingredients and use it gradually, starting by exfoliating once per week. Chemical exfoliants, such as exfoliating toner, do not require rinsing off.

If you choose physical exfoliation, gently rub the skin in small circular motions. Do this for 30 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Avoid rinsing your face with hot water, as it can strip the skin of natural oils. Also, do not exfoliate if you have any wounds on your skin.

4. Use exfoliant that is safe for sensitive skin

Choosing the right exfoliating product that is safe for sensitive skin is important. If you want to use a chemical exfoliant, you can try ULTIMA II's Collagen Hydrating Resources (CHR) Exfoliating Toner.

This exfoliating toner from ULTIMA II contains skin-safe doses of AHA and BHA, which are essential in removing dead skin cells, clearing pores, and reducing excess oil for smoother, softer, and brighter skin.

In addition to removing dead skin cells, CHR Exfoliating Toner also contains Oat Kernel Extract, which plays a role in relieving acne while repairing skin from damage caused by environmental factors, and Sodium Hyaluronate, which can help strengthen the skin's barrier, smooth texture, and reduce signs of aging on the face.

Pour CHR Exfoliating Toner onto a cotton pad and gently wipe your face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip area. For optimal results, use at night, two to three times per week.

Meanwhile, if you want to exfoliate physically, you can use the Collagen Hydrating Resources (CHR) Refreshing Scrub from ULTIMA II. This product features a gentle exfoliator with Salicylic Acid and Hydrolyzed Soy to remove dead skin cells and dull skin and prevent clogged pores.

The CHR Refreshing Scrub is formulated with Witch Hazel Extract to soothe irritated and sensitive skin and Allantoin to hydrate and help prevent irritation.

It is also easy to use. You can apply the CHR Refreshing Scrub evenly to your face and neck. Gently massage in small circular motions to remove dead skin cells, then rinse with lukewarm water. Use once per week for maximum results.

5. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen

After exfoliation, don’t forget to use a moisturizer to keep your skin clean and healthy. Moisturizer will help maintain your skin barrier and hydrate your skin while minimizing the risk of irritation. Then, remember to apply sunscreen with SPF 50 to protect your skin from the sun.

Let's start taking care of your sensitive skin now!