I’m often asked what exfoliating products should be used on sensitive skin or should you exfoliate sensitive skin? And my answer is really simple – no. They quite literally scratch the surface of your skin, and when you have sensitive skin, this is the last thing you want.
Exfoliation is often hailed as a key step in any skincare routine, you will see people talking about it part of their routine, OK for some, it might be fine. But if you have sensitive skin, this step could do more harm than good.
I think you know that your sensitive skin is already prone to irritation, redness, and inflammation. Adding exfoliation, especially physical scrubs or strong chemical exfoliants, can strip away the skin’s protective barrier, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, and even micro-tears in the skin.
We need that skin barrier, it’s there for a reason. Let’s look after it, not scratch away at it.
While exfoliation is meant to remove dead skin cells, sensitive skin typically doesn’t accumulate them as quickly or as thickly as other skin types. So overdoing it can trigger flare-ups, burning sensations, or long-term damage to your skin barrier.
What should I do instead of exfoliating?
You should focus on gentle cleansing, deep hydration, and soothing ingredients using oils like organic Castor Oil (you will find this in both my Organic Deep Cleansing Balm and my Papaya Wash-Off Lighter Cleanser. Castor oil is amazing and gently drawing impurities from the skin whilst hydrating and protecting your skin’s barrier. And papaya oil is an incredible alternative to scratchy exfoliants as it rich in vitamins, fatty acids, and Papain, which is a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells and dissolve excess sebum. Papaya oil is also rich in antioxidants, and contains anti-inflammatory properties, So if you are using my cleansers, you are doing the right thing for your skin.
Listen to your skin, it’s telling you what it needs, gentleness and care, not abrasion. Honestly, trust me on this one. I hear so many nightmare stories from women who have over exfoliated and really damaged their already sensitive skin.
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