| Beauty
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💡 TLDR
Wait, because I used to think exfoliating was the holy grail for my acne-prone, sensitive skin. Like, duh, right? But holy cow, I’ve been doing it wrong for years. The moment I tried a harsh cleanser …
Wait, because I used to think exfoliating was the holy grail for my acne-prone, sensitive skin. Like, duh, right? But holy cow, I’ve been doing it wrong for years. The moment I tried a harsh cleanser or a BHA scrub, my skin would blow up in a fiery, red, inflamed mess. It was like trying to sandpaper a brand-new iPhone—messy, damaging, and so not worth it. Then I stumbled on Sofie Pavitt’s low-key, no-fuss approach: less is more. Her method? A minimalist routine with one gentle exfoliant. And let me tell you, my skin has never looked better.
So I started hunting for Korean exfoliating pads—because I’d heard they’re legendary for sensitive skin. Turns out, K-Beauty brands have mastered the art of being effective without being evil. PHAs like gluconolactone are the real MVPs here, way milder than salicylic acid. Plus, they throw in calming ingredients like heartleaf extract or panthenol to soothe the heck out of redness. My fave? Anua’s pads—they’re basically a miracle worker. My skin’s congestion? Gone. My blackheads? Vanished. I use them every night, and my face is smoother than a baby’s bottom.
Other winners? Aprilskin’s pads with calendula and allantoin for hydration, Medicube’s Mild version (skip the original, it’s too strong), and CosRx’s betaine salicylate formula for a gentler exfoliate. Oh, and Some By Mi’s cica essence pads? They’re a cult favorite for calming irritation. The key? Look for PHAs, betaine salicylate, and hydrating heroes like hyaluronic acid. Avoid anything with harsh AHAs or BHAs unless you’re super into pain.
KEY POINTS: Stick to PHAs and betaine salicylate for gentle exfoliation. Prioritize hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Avoid over-the-top AHAs or BHAs unless your skin is extremely resilient.
💫 Drop your fave in the comments—let’s get this glow game on lock.
Close: So what’s your go-to exfoliant for sensitive skin? Drop your fave in the comments—let’s get this glow game on lock!
❓ People Also Ask
Is glycolic acid good for acne-prone skin?
Glycolic acid can help clear acne by exfoliating dead skin. Use sparingly to avoid irritation. It’s effective but requires a gentle routine for sensitive skin.
How often should I use a chemical exfoliant?
Start with 1-2 times a week. Gradually increase frequency as skin tolerates. Overuse can cause redness and worsen acne in sensitive skin.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇