Face Peels For Sensitive Skin
10 Gentle Face Peels For Ladies (and Gentlemen!) With Sensitive Skin
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Ever since I scrubbed my face raw thinking that I could vanquish acne with an exfoliant, I've been very wary of the products I use on my skin. (I was 13 at the time, but the concern is still relevant nearly 15 years later.) I love the feeling of a fresh, clean face, but not only do I have combination skin — it also happens to be sensitive. This means it can be hard to determine which products out there won't make my skin flare up in anger.
That's why I began a search for a product heavy-duty enough to really draw out my impurities, but gentle enough to leave me feeling cleansed . . . instead of a sensation like a priest had come and exorcised demons out of my pores. After a brief internet search, I stumbled upon a formula that made dead skin cells literally roll off my face in tiny balls (see slide 10) and ever since then, I've been obsessed with peels.
No matter what type of peel you're looking for to cater to your sensitive skin (dual-phase, organic, daily, and more), you'll find one that suits your needs when you read on. I should know — I tried them all!
1 Ole Henriksen Lemon Strip Flash Peel
I did not expect this to be as potent as it is! For some reason, I'm programmed to think anything with fruit must be inherently gentle, but this formula started tingling almost immediately after I applied it. Not in a bad way, mind you, but in a way that definitely indicated it was doing its thing. The label says to leave it on for 10 minutes, but I washed it off after eight and my complexion was still silky smooth, if not a bit pink. For those with tougher skin, I would recommend the Power Peel pack ($50), which comes with single servings of their face polish, peel, and mask.
2 Olay ProX Nightly Purifying Micro-Peel
Anyone who knnows me knows how much I love the pharmacy, and this is a great buy if you also happen to love strolling those fluorescent aisles. This product uses alpha hydroxy acid and vitamin B5 to cleanse your skin, and it's gentle enough for nightly use. Of course, depending on how sensitive your skin is, you can use it every other night, or even just a couple times per week.
3 La Prairie Cellular 3-Minute Peel
First of all, this is by far the classiest, most beautiful product that anyone has ever applied to a face — and the price tag will confirm it. It even comes with a tiny brush and its own built-in stand! How could you say no to that? The peel itself is gentle yet effective, and you really do feel like you're renewing your skin without stripping it. It's packed with salicylic acid as well as fruit acids, so if you have the means, this is definitely one to spring for.
4 StriVectin LABS 5-Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel
This is another two-step product that I love. First, you put on a detoxifying primer to prep your skin, then you smooth on an activator formulated with alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids. It may sound scary, but you're going to look like you made a deal with the devil for youthful skin.
5 Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Care Alpha Beta Peel Gentle Daily Peel
This product comes with two small towelettes for each day: one exfoliates, and the other firms. Your face will feel very clean, but this is a daily product, so just know that it's going to take the place of your other exfoliants. If you are looking for a gentle all-in-one, this is where you're going to get the most bang for your buck.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Care Alpha Beta Peel Gentle Daily Peel ($88)
6 Juice Beauty Green Apple Blemish Clearing Peel
If you're looking for a supergentle product, look no further than Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel. Gwyneth Paltrow is the line's creative director, and I don't know if you've seen her skin lately, but the woman glows. This particular product is organic (as is the rest of the skin care line) and it'll leave you feeling fresh. It also has blemish-fighting alpha hydroxy glycolic acids, making it perfect for those who are acne-prone but also sensitive. Just be careful when you're opening it. The formula is more of a liquid than a cream, which I didn't expect, and I spilled my jar all over my counter.
7 Philosophy Resurface Microdelivery Dual-Phase Peel
Philosophy has long been a friend to those with sensitive skin. This dual-phase peel will leave you smooth without feeling like you've been attacked with sandpaper. After exfoliating with yellow crystals, you massage in some gel. Once the mixture gets warm and foamy, wash it off. Your skin will be packed with vitamin C and peptides! If you want something a little more hardcore, try the brand's Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel ($70) — it boasts a trio of mandelic, phytic, and azelaic acids to refine skin.
8 BareMinerals 7-Day Skin Detox Brightening Peel
This seven-day treatment is a commitment, but it's worth it. Each dose comes in a tiny vial, and BareMinerals even supplies the cotton pad you saturate with it. You don't have to moisturize afterwards, but I did. Full disclosure: I broke out around day three, which made me panic, but by the time the treatment was over, the breakout had passed and my skin was clear and radiant.
9 Dr. Jart Pore Medic Derma @ home peeling
There's something about a two-phase beauty product that really makes you feel like it's doing its job, but in this case, it really is. First, you massage in a luxe, grainy formula all over your face. It gets warm when it hits your skin, but in a good way. After two minutes, you put a gel on top and gently massage them together. Your complexion will feel seriously soft and supple . . . like it did before acne plagued you in eighth grade.
10 O.R.G Skincare Mineral Face Peel
This is the most unusual product I've used in awhile, and by far the most surprising. You spray an ample amount on your clean face, then after three seconds, you massage your face with your hands or a washcloth. At this point, dead skin basically forms into little balls and falls off your face. It's weird, strangely satisfying, and supergentle.
