The ANUA Heartleaf 77 Clear Pads utilize polyhydroxy acid (PHA) along with heartleaf and madecassoside, a compound derived from the Centella asiatica plant, to gently exfoliate and soothe sensitive skin. These pads offer a dual benefit: an embossed side for physical exfoliation for those who can tolerate it, and the option to use them like a mini sheet mask by placing them on trouble spots for a few minutes.
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Sensitive skin is often reactive to products or environmental factors, such as cold or wind, leading to symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and tightness, according to Dr. Watchmaker. The skin barrier plays a critical role in sensitivity; when it's compromised, the skin struggles to retain moisture and fend off irritants, increasing reactivity, as noted by R&D expert Alan Meyers.
Experts generally agree that gentle exfoliation can benefit individuals with sensitive skin, as it helps remove dead skin cells that may build up unevenly. Dr. Meyers explains that exfoliation can improve skin texture, radiance, and clarity. However, individuals with sensitive skin should approach exfoliation carefully, starting with mild options like PHA or low-concentration AHAs or BHAs, initially using them once a week and increasing frequency only if tolerated well.
There are two primary methods for exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators involve manual scrubbing, while chemical exfoliators use ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. Dr. Chang prefers chemical exfoliation for sensitive skin to avoid the potential irritation from physical scrubs.
Dr. Watchmaker also endorses gentle chemical exfoliants as they allow for better control without abrasive scrubbing. However, both experts emphasize the importance of considering the entire formulation, concentration, and frequency of use to avoid irritation.
Those with sensitive skin should refrain from exfoliating already irritated, sunburned, or peeling skin. Once the skin has healed, gradual incorporation of a gentle exfoliant is recommended, with caution against using multiple active ingredients simultaneously to reduce irritation risk. Additionally, products containing fragrance or high alcohol levels may be irritating to some individuals.
Recommendations from dermatologists include starting with one exfoliating product at a time, using it once or twice weekly initially, and adjusting based on the skin's response, while recommending replenishing moisture and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
In our testing, we consulted dermatologists and product formulation experts to identify the most effective exfoliators for sensitive skin. Our selection process involved evaluating product texture and exfoliating strength, as well as monitoring skin responses regarding dullness, uneven texture, clogged pores, dryness, and redness. Ultimately, we identified five effective exfoliators that provide benefits without causing irritation.
The experts consulted for this piece included Dr. Y. Claire Chang, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City; Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona; and Alan Meyers, an R&D and formulation expert with Dr. Althea.