Pulled back on actives and my skin looks better—anyone else?

In my early 30s I realized my skin wasn’t bouncing back from exfoliation the way it used to. Even products that used to work started causing redness and sensitivity.

I scaled way back and switched to gentler exfoliation with a raw silk cloth a couple times a week instead of acids. It’s subtle, but it keeps my skin from looking dull without disrupting my barrier.

My skin feels calmer overall, which honestly matters more to me now than chasing instant results.

Has anyone else noticed their skin tolerates less exfoliation as they age? How did you adjust your routine?