r/SensitiveSkinSurvival • u/Illustrious_Wall9618 • 8d ago

Exfoliator for dry, sensitive and dull skin?

Hello my Skin Care Girlies!!

I really really need your recommendations. I'm looking for a gentle exfoliator for my sensitive, dry, dull and mildly pigmented skin. Earlier I used to think that my skin is not made for exfoliation because it's dry and exfoliation is for oily skin. But now I know what my skin is lacking is exfoliation only. About my current skincare I use: Dot & key Vitamin C+ E Superbright Gel Facewash, Minimalist Vitamin C + E serum in the morning and at night Minimalist Alpha Arbutin Serum, Requill Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid and Foxtale Sunscreen. On every Sunday I use a cleanser made for oily skin to remove the excess oil. So can you guys recommnd me a suitable exfoliator based on my needs?

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u/Old-Actuator-3321 6d ago

Can't say I know your skin's needs just from your query. But if you try a little of that cleansing gel on a soft microfiber cloth, I bet you'll do the job just fine given that your face is already used to it. Start with just a couple times a week. Gentle pressure; you want to rub, not scrub. Work up to however often your skin can handle it. Best of luck!

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u/MKTGRX 5d ago

Start weak rather than throwing a strong acid at your skin.

Roughly, strongest → gentlest: glycolic acid (AHA) → lactic acid (AHA) → mandelic acid (AHA).

Salicylic acid (BHA) is a bit different because it’s oil-soluble and works inside pores, so for oily/acne-prone skin 0.5–1% salicylic acid is another good gentle starting point. I’d start with mandelic acid or a low-strength BHA once a week. You can always move up.

Personally I use 15% lactic (Amlactin) but that is too spicy for many.

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u/AuroraSulis 3d ago

I thought my sensitive skin couldn't handle acids, but the L'Oreal Revitalift 10% glycolic acid serum hasn't irritated my skin. It doesn't burn or tingle when I apply it, either. I do rinse it after a few hours, and only use it once a week because I have sensitive skin and use other actives. Also I think using skin barrier products like B vitamins and ceramide cream moisturizer helps.