Any exfoliating washes that are good for sensitive skin?

Post Reply New Topic

I have really sensitive skin, and I am prone to ingrown hairs. Exfoliating tends to help this, but doesn't help the sensitive skin, so I have to trowel on the moisturiser, which in turn makes it uncomfortably moist (ew I hate that word).

Does anyone know a gentle exfoliator? Preferably something natural? I think I might be sensitive to that sodium lauryl sulphate thing. Simple homemade recipes are welcome too.

I know a great facial exfoliator - it's made by Guinot, and is quite expensive but lasts for ages. It's enzymatic and loosens dead skin from the epidermis, then you wash it away. It's far too expensive to use on the body though. I can't remember the name of it right now - but anywhere that sells Guinot, ask for the enzymatic exfoliator and they'll know the one.

I don't know of an equivalent body exfoliator - but have you tried using a "pouf"? They are those little puffy clusters of plastic netting that are usually sold for $1-2 in drugstores and dollar stores. They work soap and bodywash into tons of lather and so are actually economic for that, I think, too. I found they don't scrub as hard as brushes because they're soft plastic but they most definitely do the job of helping with ingrown hairs and just exfoliation in general. You also won't have to worry about any chemicals on your skin.

I prefer the wooden brushes with natural bristles to the plastic poufs. I also make my own scrubs from kitchen ingredients. I have experimented with a number of them, but go back to my old standby of olive oil and brown sugar! I stand in a steamy shower and get wet with hot water, then I get a big mixing bowl into the back of the shower away from the spray and use my hands and wooden spoon to glob on the oil and sugar mixure. Then, using my hand, a wash cloth or a natural bristle brush (depending on season and how my skin is doing, I tend to be dry) To scrub for awhile. When I am good and covered, and tingly all over then it is time for a rinse and a wash with all natural soap or just a hot rinse, then finish with cool water to close the pores and lock in moisture. My skin is so silky after this I may have to make time for it today!

I have a pouffe but they always fall apart after a while and it annoys me!

I think I might try the sugar and oil thing.. I have always been put off by the word oil though. But I do need some moisture in my skin - I tend to overly scrub. Think it's a slight OCD thing.

I've gotten great results with the Buf Puf Extra Gentle.

That, and those plastic poufs harbor bacteria :/
I just use a gentle antibacterial bristled brush to scrub my face with, and it really helps!

For a moisturizer, I would try something oil-free. DDF has a good oil-free dew. It doesn't feel greasy and absorbs really fast.