How to Exfoliate Sensitive Skin
Once you know how to exfoliate sensitive skin the right way, you can look forward to clearer, brighter, smoother skin without redness or irritation.
While the benefits of exfoliation for sensitive skin outweigh the cons, you do need to be careful not to irritate your skin with harsh scrubs that can cause redness, flaking, and sensitivities. The good news is, you can still exfoliate even with sensitive skin. You just need to make sure you’re doing it properly—and with the best exfoliator for sensitive skin.
Ahead, you’ll learn how to exfoliate sensitive skin at home, and the best skincare products for doing it with so you can enjoy all the benefits without uncomfortable flareups.
Should I Exfoliate if My Skin is Sensitive?
Yes, you should still exfoliate even if you have sensitive skin. Exfoliating removes the buildup of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. When dead cells combined with excess oil and impurities, build up on the surface of your skin, it can lead to dullness, roughness, clogged pores, and breakouts. For that reason, all skin types can benefit from regular exfoliation, including sensitive skin.
And do you want to know something super interesting? Your skincare products won’t work as efficiently when you’re not exfoliating often. That layer of dead cells creates a barrier on your skin’s surface, making it hard for other products to penetrate and absorb properly.
How to Exfoliate Sensitive Skin
How can I exfoliate my sensitive skin at home? Here are some helpful tips for exfoliating sensitive skin the correct way to avoid any unpleasant side effects.
#1: Choose the Right Exfoliation Method
There are two types of exfoliation: physical exfoliation and chemical exfoliation. Physical exfoliation (also known as mechanical exfoliation) involves manually scrubbing your face with a scrub, dry brush, or washcloth to slough away dead cells.
Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses acids or enzymes to chemically dissolve dead cells and surface buildup. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are both types of chemical exfoliators that dissolve the bonds between dead cells to reveal brighter, clearer skin.
According to dermatologists, sensitive skin types will respond best to chemical exfoliants. So look for cleansers or toners formulated with exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid.
#2: Lactic Acid is One of the Gentlest Options
For sensitive skin types, lactic acid is a great choice because it’s gentler than other AHAs and BHAs. Because it has a larger molecule size in comparison to other AHAs like glycolic, lactic acid does not penetrate the skin as deeply. It provides gentle exfoliation without causing redness, dryness, or irritation.
#3: Exfoliate Once a Week
When it comes to how to exfoliate sensitive skin correctly, you don’t want to overdo it. Over-exfoliating your skin can leave skin feeling sore, tight, and even more sensitive. Plus, it can damage the skin barrier.
Exfoliate once a week with a gentle exfoliating cleanser, toner, or serum. If your skin feels happy with that frequency, you could try exfoliating twice a week—the maximum frequency dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin.
On the other hand, if you skin feels irritated after exfoliating once a week, reduce to once every two weeks. Pay attention to how your skin responds, and use that as your guideline for exfoliating sensitive skin.
#4: Stick to a Wash Off Formula
If you’re exfoliating very sensitive skin you want to use a product that doesn’t hang around on the skin, like a face wash. With serums and toners, those active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs stay on your skin for an extended time, leaving your skin exposed to potential irritation.
If you have severely sensitive skin, you’re better off using an exfoliating product that washes off and doesn’t stay on the skin. This way, you get the exfoliating benefits without any potential side effects.
#5: Always Finish With a Soothing Moisturizer
Round out your skincare routine with a gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly moisturizer. Exfoliating can dry out the skin so it’s essential to replenish moisture with a hydrating face cream or serum. Look for a product that contains ingredients like jojoba oil, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
Moisturizing is a fundamental step for all skin types, but especially dry skin and sensitive skin. It keeps your skin’s protective barrier strong, preventing external irritants from aggravating your skin.
#6: Never Skip Sunscreen
Always apply a generous layer of SPF 30 before leaving the house to ensure your skin’s protected against harmful UV rays. In addition to protecting against skin cancer, sunscreen prevents premature signs of skin aging in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
What’s more, sensitive skin types are more likely to burn in the sun so wearing SPF is an easy step to ward off any further irritation.
Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin
Which exfoliant is best for sensitive skin? Now you know how to exfoliate sensitive skin at home, here are the best formulas for brightening, smoothing, and clearing your skin.
Truly's 24K Gold Black Soap Luxury Butter Impurity Cleanser
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This sensitive-skin-friendly cleanser provides both physical and chemical exfoliation with a blend of sugar and salicylic acid. It’s perfect for acne-prone skin as it also contains charcoal and African black soap which absorb impurities and excess oil for clear, blemish-free skin.
Truly's Cherry Jelly Anti-Bacne Body Cleanser
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Lather away pore-clogging dead cells and buildup with this award-winning bacne body wash. It works to dissolve dead cells and impurities while increasing cell turnover to combat acne. Formulated with mandelic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide, it helps clear acne while fading hyperpigmentation for improved skin tone and texture.
Truly’s Smooth Legend Pre-Shave Scrub
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The best exfoliator for sensitive skin on body? That’s gotta be our Smooth Legend Scrub. While it is a physical exfoliant thanks to its sugary base, it’s an extra fine formula enriched with coconut, lavender, and vitamin E. It replenishes dry skin while gently buffing away dull cells for an instantly brighter appearance.
Truly's Dragon Milk Anti-Blemish Body Lotion
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An ultra-hydrating, exfoliating body lotion that’s perfect for sensitive skin. It’s made with resurfacing glycolic acid and smoothing lactic acid to unclog pores, refine skin texture, and ease inflammation. Apply to skin using circular motions after showering.
Our Recommended Routine for Sensitive Skin
Truly’s Glass Skin Set
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Why You’ll Love it: This sensitive-skin friendly routine promises poreless, plump, gleaming skin that lasts all day. It’s infused with nature’s gentlest ingredients that nourish and renew for skin that feels deeply soothed and hydrated. Plus, it’s fragrance-free!
Key Ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Niacinamide, Aloe, Probiotics
Review: “I love this collection! It gives you hydration and a natural glow/glass like look.” — Kris G.
@trulybeauty brb going to watch this all day ✨ #satisfying #asmr #oddlysatisfying #skincare #bodycare #trulybeauty ♬ good days - charlie.gaz
Knowing how to exfoliate sensitive skin lets you enjoy brightening, smoothing, and acne-clearing benefits without ending up red and irritated. All skin types benefit from regular exfoliation, even sensitive skin. You just need to make sure you’re using the right exfoliating products—in the right way.
Still need help finding the best products for your skin? Take the Truly Quiz and let us match you with your ideal routine in minutes.
