Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin's surface. Thanks to this process, the skin will be smoother and more radiant. Exfoliating is recommended by experts due to the benefits this process brings. However, with special skin such as sensitive skin, should we do this process? Join Dermalogica to find out: Should sensitive skin exfoliate or not?
What are the characteristics of sensitive skin?
According to dermatologists, below are the 3 most common characteristics of sensitive skin:
- The skin surface has white-headed pustules and swelling.
- The skin is often very dry, flaky and less smooth.
- Red facial skin.
Sensitive skin is often prone to the above signs when encountering any change. Some factors can be mentioned such as: changes in weather, dirt, changes in skin care or cleansing products... In addition, there are many other factors that cause people with sensitive skin to face the condition of itchy and red facial skin.
Causes of sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is caused by irritation of nerve endings in the epidermis. At the same time, the skin's protective barrier is weakened, making the skin more sensitive to the effects of internal and external factors. Below are some common factors that cause skin redness and irritation:
Internal factors
- Sleep deprivation
- Endocrine disorders due to puberty, pregnancy or premenopause.
- Prolonged stress.
- Genetic factors
External factors
- Exposure to continuous sunlight for long periods of time
- Unpredictable weather changes.
- Use water with high minerality and alkalinity
- Use cleaning and skin care products that contain irritating ingredients.
Should sensitive skin exfoliate?
Exfoliating is a method that helps remove old skin cells, helping the skin to be deeply cleansed and smoother. This is a method recommended even for acne-prone skin. However, with "difficult" skin like sensitive skin, should we exfoliate?
With sensitive skin, you need to be very careful when using exfoliating products. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin on the skin's surface. But this process also makes the skin thinner, more sensitive and more vulnerable. Therefore, for those of you who have very sensitive skin, if you still wonder if sensitive skin should exfoliate? Be proactive in seeing a dermatologist to avoid possible risks.
Things to remember when exfoliating sensitive skin
Below are some notes when exfoliating Dermalogica sensitive skin want to send to you:
- Avoid using granular exfoliants. These particles, when massaged on the skin, can cause damage to the skin surface. Makes the skin red and sore.
- With chemical exfoliating products that use AHA and BHA, you should let your skin get used to the lowest concentration. Using low concentrations of AHA and BHA will reduce the risk of skin irritation.
- The appropriate exfoliation frequency for sensitive skin is once a week.
- After exfoliating, you should not use strong active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol... Moisturize your skin with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, B3, Niacinamide...
- Don't forget to use sunscreen after exfoliating. After exfoliation, the skin is often thinner and more sensitive. Therefore, using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 35 is something you should not ignore.
- But use immediately and rinse skin with water if you notice burning, redness and itching. These signs may indicate that this product is not suitable for your skin.
Should sensitive skin exfoliate? Surely with the information that Dermalogica provided in this article, you already have the answer, right?
You can read more about what mask should be used for sensitive thin skin? If you still need any answers, please let Dermalogica know. You can contact our Hotline or send a message to Dermalogica's media channels. We will answer your questions as soon as possible.