If you have sensitive skin, it can be like looking for a needle in the haystack to find the perfect exfoliator for you. But fear not! The Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator might be the gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin has been looking for.
Navigating sensitive skin can be a tricky terrain. With so many on the market, it can start to feel — well, sort of overwhelming. You need something that definitely works, but isn’t going to rough up your face and leave it red. (Until now that is) And then along came the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator. This product is supposed to be a game changer for those of us with sensitive skin.
If you’ve ever wondered how to pick the right skin exfoliator for sensitive skin types, you need to know about polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). Did you know polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are celebrated for their exfoliating prowess? Whereas traditional exfoliants work by sloughing off dead skin cells by penetrating the skin, PHAs are larger molecules and penetrate the skin only to a certain degree, so they’re less irritating. This is what makes the Aveeno PHA Exfoliator such a great choice for sensitive skin.
We’ll dig deep and explain all the good things to know and hear about the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator Review in our latest product review. By the end, you’ll know whether or not this gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin is right for you!
Did You Know?
PHAs are not just good for exfoliation, but they also hydrate the skin. They are safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The Aveeno PHA Exfoliator is fragrance-free exfoliator so it’s great for people that are sensitive to fragrances.
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredient | Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) |
| Skin Type | Sensitive Skin |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free exfoliator |
| Texture | Creamy, lightweight |
| Exfoliation Type | Gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin |
| Price | Budget-friendly |
| Availability | Drugstores and online |
A Closer Look: Aveeno’s PHA Exfoliator
The Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator is a mild exfoliator focused on providing soothing and its specially designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.
The Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator is widely lauded for offering a combination of gentle and effective exfoliation, and is a solid choice for those with sensitive skin who want to smooth and brighten their complexions sans irritation. Here’s what it is:
- A mild, unscented facial scrub.
- Contains a non-abrasive exfoliant, PHA (polyhydroxy acid).
- Enriched with nourishing oat oil to keep the moisture in skin.
- Safe for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
- Free from parabens, sulfates, alcohols, dyes and phthalates.
Ready to treat your skin to the gentle exfoliation it craves? Get here.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
The ingredients in the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator are worth knowing for sensitive skin. Here are the key elements:
- PHA Polyhydroxy Acid: The hero component that exfoliates skin while keeping it moisturized.
- Glycerin: A humectant that attracts water to the skin, keeping it moisturized.
- Oat Extract: Soothing oat extract helps to relieve puffy and starved skin.
- Ceramides: Ceramides are used in supporting the skin barrier, ceramides lock in moisture and shield your skin from environmental aggressors.
First Look: My Thoughts on the Packaging
The first thing I noticed when I received the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator was the packaging: it’s clean and classy. You can squeeze out just the amount you need without making a mess using the squeezable tub.
The design is clean and minimalistic, with a clear dedication to Aveeno’s mild skincare imperatives which is great for sensitive skin. The soothing, soft blues and whites bring a calming vibe, so it feels like a calming complement to your routine.
And the mini tube is travel-friendly, it can be put into bag or skin care bag. Whether travelling or daily use, the packaging combines style with practicality, complementing the overall user experience without making the most of your skincare routine a chore.
Who Should Try this PHA Exfoliator?
The Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator is perfect for sensitive skin. If you have redness, irritation and discomfort after using traditional exfoliating products, this is the perfect fit for you. It’s also great if you like a fragrance-free exfoliator and want to avoid potential allergens and irritants often added to scented products.
Whether your redness is related to rosacea or just sensitive skin, this gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin leaves skin looking and feeling smoother without disturbing delicate skin’s natural balance.
How I Use It for Best Results
Here’s how you can use the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator:
- Apply: Take a quarter-size amount of liquid foundation in the palm of your hand, then use your fingertips to apply one drop of foundation to each cheek, the forehead, and the chin.
- Massage: Apply with exfoliator massage into the skin, even to dry skin. Gently, in a circular motion, help exfoliate dirt and dead skin cell.
- Wiped Away or Rinsed Off: After massaging, the innovative formula transforms into a milky emulsion and can be wiped away with a soft, damp cloth or rinsed off with lukewarm water.
- Frequency: The exfoliator is mild enough to be used daily. But if you have sensitive skin, you may want to begin by using it 2-3 times a week and working your way up, depending on how your skin responds.
- Follow Up: Once you exfoliate, proceed on to the rest of your skin care routine, this could be a serum and moisturizer to help hydrate and protect your skin.
Pair It With
For optimal results, use this gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin with Aveeno Calm + Restore Hydrating Cream to seal in moisture and calm and a Sunscreen, to shield your newly exfoliated skin from sun damage.
Real User Reviews: What People Are Saying
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator It’s been receiving rave reviews from users. Common compliments include how nice of an exfoliator this is, how hydrated skin feels afterwards, and how less red and irritated skin becomes. Sensitive, reactive skin types are especially fans of the scent-free exfoliator.
At the same time, some users wanted more of an immediate visible effect, but mentioned that you need to be patient with gentle exfoliation.
Editor’s Note: My Skin Type & Experience
With my sensitive combination skin that tends to get red so easily, I was both wary and excited to try the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator. After using for a month straight, I could certainly see less texture and calm skin. The polyhydroxy acid exfoliator was indeed gentle and effective.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Exfoliators
There are so many good gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin on the market. Here’s how the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator compares with a few other popular options:
| Product | Exfoliant Type | Fragrance-Free | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveeno Calm + Restore PHA Exfoliator | Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) | Yes | Sensitive & Dry Skin |
| Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel | Alpha Hydroxy Acid | Yes | Normal to Sensitive Skin |
| La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Scrub | Physical Exfoliant | No | Oily, Less Sensitive Skin |
| CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser | Salicylic Acid (BHA) | Yes | Acne-Prone, Moderate Skin |
Mini Exfoliator Face-Off
If you need a no-fuss exfoliator that won’t irritate and is gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin, the Aveeno PHA Exfoliator is a good start. Not like harsher AHA or BHA exfoliants, it gained strip or irritate the pores and skin.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Soft, delicate exfoliating for sensitive skin types
- Moisture inducing, Hydrating formula with glycerin and ceramides
- fragrance-free exfoliator, minimizing irritation potential
- Calming oat extract to leave skin soothed
- Economical and available broadly
Cons
- Results may take time to become visible
- Not great if you are looking for a really strong exfoliation straight away
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?
If you have trouble finding an exfoliator that’s a gentle exfoliator for sensitive skin, the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator is a hydrating and efficacious option. Its fragrance-free exfoliating formula in combination with the calming and moisturizing benefits of PHA will make it one of your favorite skin care products.
Have you or do you use this gentle exfoliator or any other ones from the Aveeno Calm + Restore line? What are your favorite products for sensitive skin? Tell us about it in the comments, with your tips! Let’s all help each other out to find the best products for our skin. Got a friend with delicate skin on the hunt for a gentle exfoliator? Pass it on so your friends can read it too!
FAQs
Is the Aveeno Calm + Restore PHA Exfoliator safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, sensitive skin is the skin type it’s designed for ! It’s formulated with Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), a milder alternative to AHAs and BHAs that exfoliates dead skin cells without causing irritation. The formula is also fragrance free, noncomedogenic and enriched with soothing oat extract, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
How frequently should I use the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator?
You can use it 2–3 times a week, if your skin can tolerate it. Because it is a gentle exfoliator, you can use it regularly, but of course heed your skin — if you’re getting dry or red, do it less often.
Can I use this exfoliator in conjunction with other actives, such as retinol or vitamin C?
Though PHAs are gentle, my rule of thumb is to never layer powerful actives, such as retinol or high-potency vitamin C, directly on top of an exfoliation. If you are also used to these ingredients in your routine, consider alternating days of use or perhaps using the exfoliator in the morning and actives in the evening to minimize the chances of irritation.