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Exfoliation is good for the skin. Most experts recommend that you should exfoliate anywhere from two to three times a week. Those with dry or sensitive skin will need to be especially careful about the type of exfoliators that they use. Harsh exfoliators can easily irritate the skin and cause it to become even drier or sensitive.
When looking for an exfoliator, it’s always a good idea to find one that also contains moisturizing ingredients as well. In general, chemical exfoliants are better choices than physical exfoliants for those with sensitive skin; however, there are many different exfoliators that are available that can do the job.
If you’re not sure what type of exfoliator to use, speak with a dermatologist. A professional can analyze the type of skin that you have using various equipment and tools to figure out the type of exfoliator that will work best for you. They’ll also be able to help design a skincare routine that’s compatible with your skin. With that said, this article will look at 7 of the best exfoliating ingredients out there for sensitive skin.
#1. Jojoba Beads
Although physical exfoliants are not often recommended for sensitive skin, many dermatologists will not object if you choose an exfoliant that relies on jojoba beads. Jojoba beads are non-abrasive exfoliants that are especially useful for those with sensitive skin. They’re polished, round and smooth, so they’re very gentle on the skin. In fact, they’re so gentle that you can even use jojoba beads to exfoliate your lips. Best of all, jojoba beads are an environmentally-friendly choice!
#2. Pumice Crystals
Pumice crystals are another type of physical exfoliant. This type of physical exfoliant is a bit more abrasive than jojoba beads. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, exfoliants that rely on this ingredient may or may not be a good choice.
Pumice crystals are a stronger exfoliant and a good choice for more resistive skin types. They’re a natural ingredient that can get rid of fine lines and dead skin with ease. With that said, those with sensitive skin should always be careful when using any products that contain this ingredient. Speak with a dermatologist first!
#3. Lactic Acid
Derived from milk and plants, lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid. When diluted in an exfoliant, this ingredient is a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It can also be used for under-the-eye areas. Some dermatologists in Southlake, TX may even use chemical peels that contain lactic acid to help those with sensitive skin get a good exfoliation while under their care. This acid is gentler than glycolic acid and is extremely versatile.
#4. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is another alpha hydroxy acid. It’s much stronger than lactic acid. When diluted, it’s also a great everyday exfoliant. Depending on the concentration of glycolic acid that’s found in the exfoliant, it may or may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin. This is why you should only use a product that’s recommended by your doctor, as he or she will have a good idea of what your skin can tolerate.
#5. BHA Exfoliant
If you have sensitive skin and acne, then you should consider choosing an exfoliant that contains beta hydroxy acid, otherwise known as salicylic acid. Salicylic acid does a great job of removing dirt, dead skin cells and other impurities from your skin. It’ll also unclog your pores and remove excess sebum and oil. It’s a great ingredient to use and can have many different applications.
#6. Citric and Malic Acids
It can often be difficult to find exfoliators with citric and malic acids in them, as this is one of the least common exfoliants out there. This is still a chemical exfoliant, so it’s a good choice for those with sensitive skin. These two acids are able to gently dissolve the topmost layer of skin to reveal the smoother layers underneath. As these acids do remove some of the skin, it’s important that you take great caution when using them. In fact, many dermatologists may only recommend using these two acids under their care, they care about your best skin health.
#7. Rice Powder
Many dermatologists in Southlake, TX recommend rice powder, as it is a very gentle physical exfoliant that will not irritate the skin at all, so you can use this physical exfoliant several times a week. The texture of the rice powder will help scrub off flaky, dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking a lot more radiant. It’ll also feel significantly smoother. The powdered rice also absorbs sebum on the skin to make it look cleaner and more energized.
To get the best results possible from exfoliants that rely on rice powder, gently massage the product onto your skin. Take your time, as the massage will improve circulation to give you a beautiful glow!
Exfoliate for Smoother, Flawless Skin
To get beautiful, flawless skin, you’ll need to somehow incorporate exfoliation into your skincare routine. Finding the right type of exfoliant, however, may not be easy. If you’re not familiar with the different types of ingredients and their benefits, you run the risk of choosing the wrong product. Luckily, you can always ask a dermatologist for help.
The dermatologists at Cosmetic Dermatology can offer you advice on the type of products that are best fitted for your skin once they’ve completed a complete skin evaluation. The goal of the evaluation is to identify whether there are any medical issues that need to be addressed. During the evaluation, our dermatologists will evaluate moles, pigment changes, inflammation and other skin issues. They’ll also be able to address any cosmetic or aesthetic concerns that you may have to design a treatment plan that will help you meet your goals.
To learn more about how you can get beautiful, flawless skin, give Compassion Dermatology a call at 817-380-5911. You can also request an appointment online. We serve many areas in Texas.
