By Debra Maslowski
If you have sensitive skin you need to use a gentle exfoliator. This list of 15 gentle exfoliation solutions is just what the doctor ordered!
We talk about exfoliants a lot here, those scrubby substances that help to rid your skin of dirt and grime. But what if you have sensitive skin? What can you use to gently exfoliate? Here are some things to help your skin feel clean, but not scrubbed too much.
Gentle Exfoliators
Anything that helps to remove the evidence of daily life, like make up, dirt, sweat, pollution or pollen, is considered an exfoliant. Some are harsh, like ground walnut shells or coffee grounds, and they certainly get the job done. But some skin, like that which is irritated or sensitive, needs something more gentle. Here are a few herbs and other ingredients that are better for those types of skin.
Soaked Oats
Soaked oats are much more gentle on the skin than whole or cut oats.
Calendula Petals
Calendula petals hold their beautiful yellow to orange color, are a gentle exfoliator and have some healing ability.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is much less harsh than most other additives.
Sugar
Sugar, like brown or white sugar, is softer on your skin than salt scrubs.
Clays
Clay, from kaolin to bentonite, provides gentle exfoliator scrubbing power.
Chamomile
Chamomile flower powder is gentle and calming.
Rice Flour
Rice flour is hypoallergenic for most people.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder provides antioxidants as well as gentle cleansing.
Green Tea
Green Tea leaves are a much more gentle exfoliator than other botanicals. And they provide antioxidants as well.
Rose Petals
Rose petals can help soften the skin as well as exfoliate.
Espresso Powder
Espresso powder has smaller particles than regular coffee grounds and can provide caffeine to the skin. It is thought that caffeine applied externally can help prevent premature skin sagging.
Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root gives a nice slippery feel that works as a gentle exfoliator and helps wash off grime without irritating the skin.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help to draw toxins out of the skin. Mix with sunflower or safflower oil to help with the cleansing process.
Flannel Fabric
Flannel fabric can help gently wipe away the rigors of the day. While it’s not an ingredient, cotton flannel is soft and works wonders on the skin. Soak in a bit of your favorite cleansing wash and rinse well after.
Coconut Shreds
Coconut shreds are fun and gentle exfoliators. Choose the shreds rather than the chips for ultimate comfort. I only found sweetened, but that bit of sugar won’t hurt your skin.
Exfoliate Gently with Warm Water
Remember to use lukewarm water and gentle pressure. If the water is too hot, you can burn your skin, making it very sensitive. And with anything you use, if too much pressure is applied, it can also make your skin more sensitive than it usually is.
These are just a few gentle exfoliators. What are your favorites?
*******
