Do not scrub too hard, warns Dr. Wechsler. If you have sensitive skin, you need a protective barrier between your epidermis and the environment. Stripping your face of that layer will leave you vulnerable to rashes and other issues.
“In the US, we’re bombarded with so many products that scrub and exfoliate as well as devices that do it for us,” Dr. Wechsler said. “And there’s also a sense that if your skin isn’t squeaky clean then it is not healthy. This is not true. If it’s squeaky clean then you’ve removed all the natural oils in addition to the dirt and grime and sweat.”
Her advice: you do not need to use a toner, an exfoliator, and an acid-based product every day. Cater your routine to your skin type and what works for you. A low dose of salicylic acid is usually fine for someone with sensitive skin, but you should test it out before slathering it on.
“You don’t have to also use something with painful seeds and then also use something that stings and makes your skin feel tight” Dr. Wechsler added. There’s that sense of if it doesn’t feel like something is happening, that it’s not doing anything, which is also not true.”
