Gentle Exfoliants - Achieve Smooth and Radiant Skin

Gentle exfoliants are skincare products that help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote smoother and brighter skin without causing irritation.
Category
Cosmetic
Where to get
Available at beauty stores and online.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Gentle Exfoliants FAQ


Image credit: justmylook.com

What makes a good face exfoliator?

The best face exfoliators account for this by incorporating moisturizing ingredients to protect the skin barrier. If your exfoliation is too frequent or too intense for your skin type, you’ll see it in your skin. “Overexfoliated skin usually presents as red, irritated and inflamed, with increased sensitivity,” says Dr. Engelman.

What is a good exfoliator for sensitive skin?

Dr. Newsom suggests that people with sensitive skin try this creamy exfoliator, which features corn beads that gently smooth skin and remove dead skin cells without causing irritation. This chemical peel features AHAs and BHAs that may be a gentler exfoliation option for sensitive-skin types if physical scrubs feel too harsh.

Are face exfoliators good for sensitive skin?

These expert picks are super gentle. Face exfoliators often get a bad rap for causing redness and burning, which is enough to scare away anyone who has sensitive skin. The thing is, the best face exfoliators out there can do their job without causing flare-ups and irritation—even in people with reactive skin. Yes, you really can have it all.

What is a good exfoliating cleanser for Combination Skin?

For combination skin, Dr. Chang like's Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. “It provides gentle exfoliation with a combination of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids and contains biodegradable jojoba beads that help exfoliate while moisturizing the skin,” she says. Sodium PCA, a humectant, helps draw moisture into the outer layers of the skin.

Which exfoliator is best for sensitive skin?

Both Dr. Lain and Dr. Lal agree that gentle chemical exfoliators are generally the better choice for sensitive skin. "Chemical exfoliators and physical exfoliators, aka face scrubs, both remove dead skin cells, but in different ways," says Dr. Lal.

What is a good exfoliant?

Alpha-hydroxy acids (or AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid are most commonly used. Fruit enzymes are also popular. Meanwhile, physical (or mechanical) exfoliants physically buff off dead cells. If the particles are unevenly shaped and with jagged edges—think ground seeds or shells—they could cause damage to the skin.

What is a liquid exfoliator?

Liquid exfoliators are having a moment. Get in on the trend with this luxe option for sensitive skin from Soho Skin. It uses lactic and mandelic acids to gently exfoliate, succinic acid to balance oil levels and prevent whiteheads and blackheads, and glycogen to hydrate skin so it looks super dewy.

Why are exfoliators important?

Exfoliators play an important role in helping to slough away dirt and dead skin cells, which helps promote cell turnover (growth of new, fresh skin cells). Because of this, exfoliators help unclog pores and prevent breakouts, even out skin tone, and transform dull skin.

Gentle Exfoliants References

If you want to know more about Gentle Exfoliants, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

How can you minimize the side effects of antibiotics for skin infections?

Share strategies to minimize the side effects of antibiotics for skin infections, such as taking probiotics, staying hydrated, and following the prescribed dosage and duration.