Exfoliator for sensitive skin

[Caroleanne]

I have always used Liz Earle`s exfoliator only once a week as I suffer with ultra dry flaky patches (Makes prepping the skin for make up difficult nothing looks worse than dry patches covered in make up ... Its a good job I don`t have to wear make up every day !! ) I have only just noticed yes call me thick that its not suitable for sensitive skin and mines ultra sensitive Is there any that does the same without the beads as it does aggravate the area`s on my face that were really bad so much so I needed to see a skin specialist at the hospital when the dry patches were so bad they bled ...Now i`m left with red patches and its these area`s that the beads seem to make worse and a lot more noticeable.

 

[maymorganlondon]

You will probably need to do a bit of research - but a good basis to start with is not to use "bitty" exfoliators. First though ask yourself why your skin is like it is. Diet, medication, lifestyle, environment, stressful situations can all make your skin sensitive and reactive.

In terms of what you could use in place of your Liz Earle... Perhaps, as a starting point, have a read of this Caroline Hirons' article: http://www.carolinehirons.com/2015/01/faqs-exfoliating.html

Once you've gone beyond that, if you still feel you need to exfoliate, you could try an enzyme-based exfoliator, rather than a mechanical (bitty) exfoliator.

Perhaps consider going for an acid toner? You can either get something which is for high-frequency use, or something to be used less frequently.

Neither of the below are for daily use... but may be gentle enough for your skin. With the Clarins one - go to a counter and ask for a sample... they do diddy bottle shapes of it.
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator.
Liquid Gold.

Alternatively, you could use an enzymatic exfoliator - Gatineau do a very nice one which is available from other outlets than QVC these days... https://www.gatineau.co.uk/skincare/all-products/Peeling-Expert-Radiance-Enhancing-Gommage

But honestly, first I would address what is underlying the flaky patches on your skin in case more exfoliation just makes it worse. Good luck!

 

[Vienna]

If you really feel the need to exfoliate then make your own. Something pure and simple such as olive oil and sugar or coconut oil and sugar. Put your sugar in a bowl and then add just enough oil to make a paste but not runny enough to dissolve the sugar. Massage into your skin and then rinse away.

 

[Loveinamist]

If your skincare is not to blame could it be your shampoo. The adverts that show shampoo streaming down the models faces makes me cringe. Shampoo with oils in I have to avoid. Could it be your hand cream? A particularly strong spray on a bathroom cleaner caused kick back onto my face :doh: Have you tried a food diary, might flag up some surprises.

For an exfoliator, a handful of dry milled porridge moistened on a scrupulously clean flannel and gently massaged into the skin is the gentlest.

 

[donna255]

They are starting to ban the beads in many exfoliating products as they are washed down into the drains and damage marine life. The US has already done this.

I don't exfoliate but do use my Clarisonic three times a week with the delicate head.

The Elemis Papaya Mask is just cream with enzymes with exfoliates. I cannot use it as my rosacea does not like enzymes, but many with sensitive skin do.

 

[Ani]

They are starting to ban the beads in many exfoliating products as they are washed down into the drains and damage marine life. The US has already done this.

Nope, sorry to correct you. What is banned are not the beads themselves because there are many exfoliaters with for example Jojoba beans in them, but the polyethylene which is also called "microplastic" and which can also be found in for example toothpaste, shampoo, bodylotion, etc. It is not about beads in exfoliaters, but about microplastics in almost every product.

 

[Ani]

I have always used Liz Earle`s exfoliator only once a week as I suffer with ultra dry flaky patches (Makes prepping the skin for make up difficult nothing looks worse than dry patches covered in make up ... Its a good job I don`t have to wear make up every day !! ) I have only just noticed yes call me thick that its not suitable for sensitive skin and mines ultra sensitive Is there any that does the same without the beads as it does aggravate the area`s on my face that were really bad so much so I needed to see a skin specialist at the hospital when the dry patches were so bad they bled ...Now i`m left with red patches and its these area`s that the beads seem to make worse and a lot more noticeable.

First of all I would got and see a doctor to see what can be done about the patches. Then, concerning exfoliating, have you considered using an enzyme peeling? There are good ones from e.g. Alpha-H, Indeed Labs, Kanebo, Dermalogica....all are powders which have to be mixed with water to build a foam and this foam you put on your face, massage and rinse it off. No beads or anything in there that could harm sensitive skin. The other possibility is to use acids (AHA and BHA), you can read about them on Caroline Hirons' page or on the one from Paula Begoun (Paula's Choice). A third option would be using a flannel to take off your daily cleanser because with the flannel, you also have a mild exfoliation and maybe that is sufficient for your sensitive skin?

 

[shopperholic]

I buy a lot of beauty from here http://www.naturisimo.com/searchresults.cfm There are absolutely no nasties at all in anything they sell, might be worth a look. :mysmilie_14:

 

[Ani]

If you really feel the need to exfoliate then make your own. Something pure and simple such as olive oil and sugar or coconut oil and sugar. Put your sugar in a bowl and then add just enough oil to make a paste but not runny enough to dissolve the sugar. Massage into your skin and then rinse away.

Have you used this kind of exfoliator on your face? I use it on the body and oh my God can sugar be harsh on skin! I would never use this on my face (sensitive, dry skin).

 

[Vienna]

Have you used this kind of exfoliator on your face? I use it on the body and oh my god can sugar be harsh on skin! I would never use this on my face (sensitive, dry skin).

Nope I don`t use an exfoliator, never have done. My skin is sensitive too and I think half the problem with today`s skincare is its too much of everything piled on, scrubbed off, brushed in or off, rubbed in etc etc, layer after layer of lotions, potions and treatments, acids, chemicals, additives, harsh ingredients. I keep mine simple, wash my face with a gentle face wash, wipe over with lavender hydrolat and then a plain inexpensive moisturiser. At night I use a gentle cleanser instead of face wash and olive squalene or an organic skin oil such as Angela Langford. That`s it, no masks, exfoliators, serums, brushes, treatments or whatever.
That`s why I said at the beginning of my last post to the OP , ... if you really feel the need to exfoliate.

 

[Ellaaa]

Most exfoliators will say not to use on sensitive skin because that is a 'get out' clause for them if a customer comes back to them and complains about skin damage from their product, they can just throw in the 'you shouldn't have used it on sensitive skin' line. In reality many exfoliators can be used on sensitive skin, it's just finding what suits you.

However, there is a lack of evidence around whether mechanical or chemical exfoliation is actually required. The most sensible thing to do is use a warm flannel to remove your cleanser, it will gently remove dry skin, and then always moisturise afterwards. Plus,I'd nip to see your GP to check whether there's an underlying cause for those dry patches given that they have bled in the past and have not cleared up.

 

[iloveshopping]

No exfoliators for me. I have even had to stop using anti aging moisturisers as they just strip my face. I too get dry patches mine move around. I have found that they clear up using the Alpha-h gold on a pad that has been moistened with water first. I can only do this occasionally. I have managed to use a REN flash rinse 1 minute facial which is a tiny bit grainy. I only got a 15ml sample but have used it about 5 times to give you an idea how lightly I use the product.
I am obviously doing something right because an old friend came to stay and she said my skin was flawless. I was wearing LG balance and brighten very lightly applied on my cheeks with some benefit Poreless underneath. Mind you she and I are in our 60s and she wasn't wearing her reading glasses so not sure what she saw really

 

[Caroleanne]

You will probably need to do a bit of research - but a good basis to start with is not to use "bitty" exfoliators. First though ask yourself why your skin is like it is. Diet, medication, lifestyle, environment, stressful situations can all make your skin sensitive and reactive.

In terms of what you could use in place of your Liz Earle... Perhaps, as a starting point, have a read of this Caroline Hirons' article: http://www.carolinehirons.com/2015/01/faqs-exfoliating.html

Once you've gone beyond that, if you still feel you need to exfoliate, you could try an enzyme-based exfoliator, rather than a mechanical (bitty) exfoliator.

Perhaps consider going for an acid toner? You can either get something which is for high-frequency use, or something to be used less frequently.

Neither of the below are for daily use... but may be gentle enough for your skin. With the Clarins one - go to a counter and ask for a sample... they do diddy bottle shapes of it.
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator.
Liquid Gold.

Alternatively, you could use an enzymatic exfoliator - Gatineau do a very nice one which is available from other outlets than QVC these days... https://www.gatineau.co.uk/skincare/all-products/Peeling-Expert-Radiance-Enhancing-Gommage

But honestly, first I would address what is underlying the flaky patches on your skin in case more exfoliation just makes it worse. Good luck!

Its a medical condition whose name escapes me for now `old timers disease ` lol All the treatment from the hospital was topical and the condition medically is under control but as you know putting make up on even on the mildest flakes is magnified and looks awful Thank goodness I don`t have to wear it every day !!

 

[Caroleanne]

Thanks to everyone
I`ve a lot to experiment with there ! I`ve had a diagnosis and I`m considered `cured` but still get annoying patches of dry skin that show up terribly when wearing any make up ..thats the need for wanting to find a gentle exfoliator ... but i`ll give some of your suggestions a go thank you again!!
lol @ iloveshopping being over 65 now and a specs wearer I know what you mean ...natures way of being thoughtful to our sensitivities of aging lol

 

[iloveshopping]

I am just starting to wear a clip on sun visor as my nose keeps peeling despite wearing factor 30 sun cream. I am about to retire so I will hopefully be spending more time outdoors.

 

[Bigbean]

I bought the recent Gatineau defi lift tsv....love it and the exfoliator is fab. No granules etc and seems to work....Gatineau says....

Radiance Enhancing Gommage (75ml) - a gentle pearlescent gel which turns to liquid once massaged onto your skin and helps to exfoliate and brighten your complexion. Contains active ingredients, enzymes and AHA

 

[Caroleanne]

I bought the recent Gatineau defi lift tsv....love it and the exfoliator is fab. No granules etc and seems to work....Gatineau says....

Radiance Enhancing Gommage (75ml) - a gentle pearlescent gel which turns to liquid once massaged onto your skin and helps to exfoliate and brighten your complexion. Contains active ingredients, enzymes and AHA

That sounds good and worth a try too... thanks

 

[jordie_tart]

I have always used Liz Earle`s exfoliator only once a week as I suffer with ultra dry flaky patches (Makes prepping the skin for make up difficult nothing looks worse than dry patches covered in make up ... Its a good job I don`t have to wear make up every day !! ) I have only just noticed yes call me thick that its not suitable for sensitive skin and mines ultra sensitive Is there any that does the same without the beads as it does aggravate the area`s on my face that were really bad so much so I needed to see a skin specialist at the hospital when the dry patches were so bad they bled ...Now i`m left with red patches and its these area`s that the beads seem to make worse and a lot more noticeable.

I'm guessing that because you mention Liz Earle that you already use her muslin cloths on a daily basis - I find they are all I need for exfoliating rather than adding / buying anything else ?

 

[iloveshopping]

I'm guessing that because you mention Liz Earle that you already use her muslin cloths on a daily basis - I find they are all I need for exfoliating rather than adding / buying anything else ?

I use a thin/fine microfibre cloth cloth. I also like them because they dry out really quickly

 

[Ani]

As those microfibres are also exfoliating each time you use them, maybe the cloth you are using is too much for your skin? Such a microfibre cloth exfoliates more than a flannel.