July 2006
Dear Paula,
I’m 40 with very greasy and highly sensitive skin that is prone to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. I follow your recommendations for my daily skin-care regimen but I still feel the need to use a facial scrub daily. I just can’t seem to get over the feeling that I’m not getting all the grime and dead stuff off without it. And, of course, the more “scrubby” the product is, the more I like it. I was using Origins Swept Away and didn’t think I was having a problem with it until I read your list of irritating ingredients and noticed that many of these irritants are in this scrub. What I’m also finding is that most other scrubs that are otherwise fine contain fragrance. I tried your recommendation of baking soda, but it made my skin burn. Detergent and bacteria issues make using washcloths problematic. Can you recommend other options for cutting through the top layer of grease and grime that won’t damage the skin?

Carol, via email

Dear Carol,
Believe me when I say I totally understand your need to feel squeaky clean, because I feel exactly the same way. Lots of women with our skin type do. I also appreciate your recognizing the need to avoid irritating skin-care products. I am tempted to recommend you start using the Origins product again, because you didn’t have any problems with it; however, just because you don’t feel or see irritation on the surface doesn’t mean there aren’t problems taking place (Sources: Archives of Dermatological Research, October 1996, pages 684–690; Contact Dermatitis, May 2004, page 265; and Microscopy Research and Technique, volume 37, issue 3, pages 193–199).

You mentioned in your letter that you were using an alpha hydroxy acid and a beta hydroxy acid topical exfoliant. Adding baking soda as part of the same routine with those topical exfoliants would certainly be too irritating. However, there are lots of gentle, but effective, scrubs I recommend that can provide the extra sensation of clean you’re looking for with minimal to no risk of irritation. Examples include Neutrogena’s At Home Microdermabrasion System ($37.99), Olay Daily Facials Clarity Scrub ($6.99 for 6 ounces), and pHisoderm pH2O Anytime Nurturing Scrub with Gentle Microbeads ($5.95 for 5 ounces).

You may want to consider just using a washcloth with your daily cleanser. It is my favorite way to make sure I’ve gotten all my makeup off every night and it gives me that extra feeling of clean I love. If you are worried about bacteria (a valid concern), use a fresh washcloth daily. As for the risk of transferring irritating laundry detergent to your skin from your washcloth, consider using All Free & Clear laundry soap, which has a low risk of problems for sensitive skin.