Here’s something new that I just came across while browsing a forum last week – that washing our face in the shower is bad for our skin, given the water pressure and the toxins in the water itself. Is this true?

I think the water pressure makes sense and a strong pressure is particularly bad for those with sensitive or acne skin as that might cause the bacteria to spread. But if the water stream is gentle, I really don’t see a problem. And I’m not sure if the water from the shower head is different from water from the tap. It’s from the same source and whatever toxins will be the same isn’t it?

I often get questions about exfoliation from those with sensitive skin. Because of their skin profile, they do not want to use mechancial exfoliation via a facial scrub or chemical exfoliation using AHAs, BHAS, retinoids, fruit enzymes, salicylic or glycolic acid as they find such products too harsh for their skin. So for these women, what are the options? 

Following are exfoliating tips for sensitive skin based on what I’ve read as well as from personal experience:

Sometime in June, I asked if it is normal for our skin to break out when using new products and from the various comments, it looks like many ladies have at one point or another, broke out when using new products.  In fact, some actually expressed that they feel nervous about trying new products because they’re worried about how their skin would behave.  However, we do have to use new products at one point or another – due to changes in skin condition or out of curiosity.  So what’s the best way to go about introducing new products into our skin care routine?