While a skincare routine is often best when consistent, sometimes you just need a change. Maybe you’ve used the same products for years and still haven’t achieved your skincare goals. Or maybe your skin concerns have changed, and you need products to address those changes. Regardless of the reason, there’s nothing wrong with introducing some new products and eliminating some old ones.
That said, it’s important to remember that skin is sensitive. Rather than switching up your entire skincare routine overnight, introduce products one at a time. And don’t forget to do your research before trying a new product. Contrary to popular belief, not every skincare product does what it’s marketed to do. Be mindful, and follow the tips below so you can transition your skincare routine with ease.
1. Review Your Skin
It’s important to assess your current skin before making any changes. What are your concerns? What type of skin do you have? Which products have worked for your skin, and which ones haven’t? You want to know the answers to these questions to ensure you introduce the right products.
For example, let’s say you suffer from melasma. You want to find products that are designed to treat this condition, like tretinoin, hydroquinone, and azelaic acid. The same goes if you have other skin conditions, like acne. Rather than buying any old cleanser, you’d use a cleanser for acne-prone skin.
You also want to consider whether the environment can play a role in your skin’s health. For example, the cold weather during the winter months could exacerbate dry skin. If this is something you’ve experienced, consider incorporating winter-friendly products, like hydrating cleansers or moisturize. You can visit website to find the best skincare products for your routine.
2. Go Slow
It’s important to go slow when introducing new skincare products. Regardless if you’re familiar with the brand or not, you don’t want to completely change your routine overnight. Doing so could slow down any potential progress. Not to mention, the wrong skincare product could have negative side effects. Rather than swapping your cleanser, toner, and moisturizer simultaneously, introduce each product one at a time.
For example, let’s say you change your cleanser this week. You should give it at least a couple of weeks before changing your toner. This is especially true if you’re using products with an active ingredient like hyaluronic acid. These need time to acclimate to your skin, and you want to make sure you don’t experience any adverse reactions.
Keep in mind, it can take several weeks — or even months — to see results. Make sure you’re giving new products a chance to work for your skin.
3. Read the Label
You likely already read the back label of products you buy at the grocery store to ensure you’re putting healthy options in your body. Well, this is something you should do before buying a new skincare product too. The label on each product highlights the ingredients. By reviewing the label, you can determine whether a product is right for your skin type and skin concern.
For example, if you suffer from acne, you want to see ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids. You don’t want to see ingredients like sulfate, paraben, or fragrance, as they can exacerbate the condition.
In addition to checking the label of new products, review the products you currently use (and plan to continue using). You may find a few have harmful ingredients that you shouldn’t be using. There are even some apps that can check your skincare and cosmetics for harmful ingredients.
While you’re checking your own products, don’t forget to double-check the expiration date. A common misconception is that skincare products don’t expire — but they do. Most products last two to three years max, and some others only last a few months.
4. Don’t Forget to Patch Test
Have you heard of a skin patch test? It’s a great way to see if your skin will have an adverse reaction to a product, without using it on your face. While you probably don’t need a patch test for products you’ve used before, it’s crucial for new products.
To perform a skin patch test, apply a small amount of the product to an accessible area. That could be your wrist, forearm, etc. Make sure it’s an area that’s not hidden (like your back), so you can easily see whether or not you’re reacting.
Once you apply the product, leave it for at least 24 hours. If you don’t experience irritation or discomfort, that most likely means the product is safe to use on your face. That said, some people continue the patch test areas closer to their face, like their neck or jaw, just to be more confident. While that may seem excessive, it’s a good way to avoid negative side effects (especially if you have sensitive skin).
5. Be Patient
Patience is key. It’s true with everything, whether you’re trying to get a promotion or achieve flawless skin. Nothing happens overnight. Unfortunately, many people forget this when dealing with their skin. If a product doesn’t work immediately, it’s tossed and exchanged for something else. Sound familiar?
So often products are advertised saying they go to work “instantly.” The truth is, that’s impossible. Regardless of the product, it takes time for ingredients to penetrate your skin and go to work. It’s important to remember this when transitioning your skincare routine.
Rather than give up on new products after a week, make sure you’re being patient. It can take one to three months of consistent use to see changes in your skin. Meaning, you should use products for at least that long before throwing in the towel. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should keep using products that irritate your skin. If you experience negative side effects, that’s a sign the product isn’t for you.
If you’re unhappy with your skin, you should consider making some changes to how you care for it. Chances are, you’re not using the right products for your skin or maybe you just need some additional help. Either way, the tips above can help you safely transition your skincare routine.
