If you have sensitive skin, the word "exfoliation" might sound like a red flag. Visions of redness, irritation, or that tight, uncomfortable feeling may come to mind. But here's the truth: exfoliating is essential for all skin types—yes, even sensitive skin. The key is doing it gently and strategically.
Let’s break down how to exfoliate sensitive skin without drama.
Why Exfoliation Matters
Exfoliation is a key step in any skincare routine, even for sensitive skin. It helps remove dead skin cells that can cause dullness, rough texture, and clogged pores. This not only prevents breakouts but also allows your serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively.
Gentle exfoliation encourages healthy cell turnover, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even skin. For sensitive skin types, it can help reduce flakiness and support a healthier, more balanced skin barrier—when done with the right products and care.
1. Choose the Right Exfoliant
Sensitive skin needs a gentle touch. That means:
- Avoid harsh scrubs with large, jagged particles (think walnut shells—yikes).
- Opt for chemical exfoliants that work on a cellular level without physical abrasion.
Here’s a breakdown of some exfoliating acids that can work even for sensitive skin:
- AHAs (like lactic or mandelic acid): Great for smoothing texture and brightening. Lactic acid is especially gentle and hydrating.
- BHAs (like salicylic acid): Oil-soluble, helps unclog pores and calm inflammation—ideal if you’re acne-prone and sensitive.
- PHAs: The gentlest of the group. These have larger molecules, so they exfoliate on the surface without penetrating too deeply, potentially irritating sensitive skin.
- Enzymes (like papaya or pumpkin): Natural and mild, they dissolve dead skin cells without upsetting your skin barrier.
Here are some Ohlolly-approved exfoliators that are gentle and effective:
- Heimish RX AHA + BHA Enzyme Scrub – A soft gommage-style exfoliator that uses enzymes, AHA, and BHA to lift dead skin cells and unclog pores without stripping moisture.
- Heimish RX AHA BHA Peeling Serum – A multitasking serum perfect for acne-prone or dull skin, gently resurfacing for a clearer glow.
- Haruharu Wonder Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum – A sensitive skin-friendly liquid exfoliant that refreshes and refines without irritation.
- Urang Clarifying Blue Mask – A nourishing clay mask with jojoba beads and white kaolin clay to exfoliate, clarify, and brighten.
- Dr. Ceuracle Pro Balance Morning Enzyme Cleanser – A low pH, powder-to-foam cleanser that gently exfoliates using enzymes and probiotics while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier and microbiome.
– A super gentle exfoliator with betaine salicylate and allantoin that lifts dead skin and adds hydration—perfect for dry, irritated, or blemish-prone skin.
2. Start Slow
Less is more! Begin with exfoliating once a week and see how your skin reacts. You can slowly increase to 2x per week if your skin can handle it—but never more. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and make sensitivity worse.
3. Use Soothing, Hydrating Products Afterward
After exfoliating, your skin needs extra care to stay balanced. Hydrate with a nourishing toner or essence, followed by a soothing serum with calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, or green tea. Finish with a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin smooth.
Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner Plus – A moisture-locking toner with five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and absorb quickly without any stickiness.
- Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner – Calms sensitive skin with 77% Korean-grown Heartleaf extract while hydrating and balancing the skin’s pH.
- Urang Cica Soothing Ampoule – Featuring Centella asiatica, this ampoule soothes and repairs the skin, eliminating dryness and irritation while restoring deep hydration.
- The Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum – A soothing serum that uses green tea, mugwort, and panthenol to hydrate, nourish, and protect skin stressed by UV rays and external factors.
- Sioris Calm Me Down Cream – A rich moisturizer made with organic ingredients like Omija fruit, calendula extract, and squalane to nourish, repair, and soothe the skin.
- Pyunkang Yul Nutrition Cream – A luxuriously thick moisturizer that delivers intense hydration, improves elasticity, and boosts skin with youthful radiance, perfect for parched or dull skin.
Pro tip: Avoid using retinoids or strong actives such as extra acid product on the same night you exfoliate.
4. Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, even on cloudy days. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against irritation, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. Reapply throughout the day to keep your skin protected.
Here are two gentle, hydrating sunscreens we love for sensitive skin:
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel – A mild SPF 30 sunscreen that hydrates and soothes with 10 types of hyaluronic acid, Ectoine, and Beta-Glucan. Lightweight and non-irritating, it leaves no white cast and even defends against blue light and fine dust.
- Isntree Onion Newpair Sunscreen – A broad-spectrum SPF 40 with red onion extract and allantoin to calm blemishes while delivering smooth, radiant hydration. Great for acne-prone skin and leaves zero white cast.
5. Listen to Your Skin
Redness, stinging, or flaking are signs you may be over-exfoliating. Everyone’s skin is different, so adjust your routine if irritation occurs. Sometimes, less is more.
Sensitive skin doesn't have to miss out on the glow-up that comes with exfoliation. With the right products, tools, and approach, you can enjoy smoother, brighter skin—without the burn.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at hello@ohlolly.com, and follow us on Instagram for more skincare tips: @ohlollybeauty
written by Keilah @ Ohlolly
