Clean Vegan Exfoliants Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin
I remember when I was younger and my T-Zone was oily, now my T-Zone is so dry! The current frigid temperatures are not helping with my dry and sensitive skin. My skin has been extra dry and congested this winter. I have always used an exfoliant, but was not always consistent. This winter I decided to try out a few different formulas of exfoliants and use them on a regular basis to see how my skin reacted.
IN THIS POST:
*Why do you need to exfoliate
*How often should you exfoliate
*Different kinds of exfoliants
Why you need to exfoliate -
It is so important to remove all the dead skin cells that are on the surface of your skin. Even though your outer layer of your skin (the epidermis) uses dead skin cells as protection, you don’t want them to build up over time. Exfoliating can also be beneficial for increasing blood circulation, brightening and improving your skin’s appearance.
What causes dead skin to accumulate?
Things like lifestyle, weather, age, dehydration and skin care products can all play a part in buildup of dead skin cells. Unless those cells are effectively sloughed away, your skin can start to appear dull, flaky and dry.
Exfoliating also prepares your skin to be able to absorb all the nourishing ingredients you put on your face, such as serums, oils and your moisturizer. Exfoliating also helps prep your skin for the application of your foundation. You don’t want your foundation to look cakey, which can make your skin look aged. You are not only removing all the dead skin cells, but all the dirt and oils that can turn into blackheads.
After exfoliating, your skin should feel soft and supple and prepped. Exfoliating helps to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of pores. Exfoliating will also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, and uneven skin tone. It will leave you with glowing skin!
How often should you exfoliate
I have found my best results with the various exfoliant formulas I’ve used is to start slowly and build up. I start exfoliating one day a week with a new product/formula and build up to what my skin can handle.
Typically for my sensitive skin, that is two times a week.
Different kinds of exfoliants:
AHA and BHA Exfoliants
AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid and BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid. AHAs are typically used for hyperpigmentation, scars, enlarged pores and fine lines. BHAs are typically used for sun damage as well as acne. These products go deeper to dry out excess oils and dead skin cells to unclog your pores.
Physical or Mechanical Exfoliants
These exfoliants involve using bead-like ingredients to remove dead skin cells. It is important to be extremely gentle on your skin when massaging your face with these types of exfoliants. If you are too aggressive you can cause tiny tears in your skin.
Enzyme Exfoliants
Are the mildest type of exfoliant. If you have sensitive skin this formula would be the one I would start with first. This formula uses enzymes from fruits to break down and dissolve the dead skin cells. These formulas also brighten, hydrate and improve the skin’s overall texture.
My Current top picks for exfoliants:
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub $11.99
This gentle facial scrub has sea kelp which helps your skin retain moisture. It can also promote collagen and improve skin elasticity. The French green clay in this formula gently sloughs off the dead skin cells. It also contains Madonna Lily which can help to increase cell renewal, which can contribute to a more uniform skin tone. I apply this to wet skin and gently scrub. Not only does this exfoliant make my skin feel amazing, but it also looks brighter!
Cocokind Turmeric Illuminating Solution $24/$21.36 with a subscription
The Cocokind Turmeric exfoliant is a leave-on formula. Turmeric helps to even out and soothe skin. You can smell the turmeric in this product. This formula also contains mandelic acid which aids in hydrating skin as well as reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The glycolic acid in this solution helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting collagen in your skin. You can pour a few drops into your palms and gently pat on until completely absorbed. I also use this on my chest as well as my hands.
This exfoliating gel formula feels amazing. It has a very pleasant subtle scent that is very soothing. It is formulated with aloe vera for moisturizing during exfoliation which feels amazing while softly massaging over your skin. It also contains blue yarrow that acts as an anti-inflammatory, organic polyphenols of green tea and orchid for skin firming. I love that this product exfoliates while soothing any irritation and is firming my skin. I take a nickel size amount and gently rub onto my dry skin. My skin feels soft and moisturized after using this formula. I find this product to be gentle enough to use several times a week.
Alpyn Huckleberry Polishing Peel $56
This one is a spendy one, but it is so worth it. I promise a little goes a long way. This was the first product I purchased from Alpyn that made me fall in love with this brand. This formula has eight natural acids as well as bamboo powder, and huckleberry that smooth and brighten the skin with a microdermabrasion-like effect. I love that it is getting rid of all the dead skin cells and leaving my skin protected from environmental damage. My skin feels so soft and supple after I use this product. I use this once a week. I only left it on for a couple of minutes to start and built my way up to the recommended five minutes. This product heals my skin all year long, but especially during the dry winter weather.
Laurel Skin Almond Rose Exfoliant $68
The almonds and oats in this formula gently slough off dead skin cells. The marshmallow root acts as a hydrator while the heirloom rose petals provide vitamin C and provide barrier supportive lipids. It also has chamomile to sooth the skin. This exfoliant has a double purpose it can also be used as a hydrating mask. I take about a 1/2 teaspoon size and add water or add it to my cleanser to exfoliate. For the mask you need to add water until you have a runny paste like consistency. Apply with fingers or a brush. You can leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
Making exfoliating a regular part of my skincare routine has been a game changer for my skin with the flaking and the congestion. It has also helped with my uneven skin tone.
You can’t go wrong with any of these exfoliants. All these products left my skin feeling smooth and soft as well as brighter.
And as always, they are all vegan, clean and cruelty free.
With Love,
Tracey
If you liked this post, check out my upcoming post on my current skin care routine that has saved my skin this winter. Coming out Monday, March 3, 2025