Recall a dermatologist interview I heard on a podcast last month. She explained that physical scrubs, especially with jagged particles, create micro-tears that weaken the skin's protective layer. Chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs work by dissolving dead skin cells without abrasion, which is why they feel less immediate but offer gentler, more consistent results. Your experience mirrors exactly what she described, that raw feeling being a sign of damage rather than effectiveness. It took me years to unlearn the idea that skincare should feel harsh to be working. Now I prioritize barrier health over that squeaky-clean sensation, and my skin has never been better.