Start with a vigorous scrubbing with a fragrance-filled, exfoliate-heavy bar soap, slather with astringent and maybe some rubbing alcohol for that deep-burning clean, add on heavy chemical SPF, then finish with a thick layer of synthetic cosmetics.

If you haven’t already figured it out, the above is the perfect recipe to have a swollen, burning face in 30 minutes or less if you have sensitive skin. If you have any of the above in your morning routine, then you might benefit from learning some of these do’s and don’ts of sensitive skin.

Do’s

Don’ts

Do use a light, cream-based exfoliate, but only once a week (with no extra scrubbing!)

Do always use lukewarm water when washing or rinsing your face. (Cold water closes pores and can close dirt and product inside while hot water can irritate.)

Do keep hydrated. (Hydrated skin is healthy skin, whether it has sensitivities or not.)

Do always go for good quality, fragrance and preservative-free skincare products.

Do figure out your common irritants and an avoid them. (Some people don’t have any allergies or irritants, which is nice, but even then you need to watch for triggers like scrubbing your skin to hard.)

Do moisturize with a fragrance-free moisturizer even if you have oily skin. (There are moisturizers out there for every skin type.)

Do perform a patch test before using a new product and leave 48 hours for side effects to appear.

Do keep your products simple. (The less ingredients there are, the less of a chance there is for irritation.)

Do always consult a dermatologist if side effects from skincare products do not clear up within a few days to prevent permanent skin damage. You can also see a licensed skin specialist.

Don’t take overly long showers or baths. (The longer you soak, the more essential oils you are stripping away and the more the hot water will irritate your skin.)

Don’t use scrubbing tools while washing. (Just add loofahs to your long list of “Nope” products. Fingers only, but no raking with your nails.)

Don’t use cleansers every day. (Unless you have found one that is super mellow, non-exfoliating, and doesn’t irritate your skin. You can also try alternating days with use using milk instead.)

Don’t use skincare products packed with alcohol, citrus extracts, fragrances, and/or synthetic colors. (They are all common ouchies.)

Don’t use sunscreen with and SPF value above 30. (You can use one, technically, but to get that higher SPF value, they pack it full of chemicals that will irritate your skin as well as clog your pores all to hell.)

Don’t use too many products at one time. (Aside form the fact that some products might not play well together, it just gives you more detective work to do if something starts to irritate.)

Don’t constantly switch to new products. (You know the old rule: If it works, why change?)

Don’t share or use expired skincare products.

Don’t forget to change your makeup brushes monthly. (Bacteria… Irritated skin… You get the picture, right?)