While a tried and true skincare routine can work wonders for your skin health and your self-esteem, even the best routine can’t last forever.
If your skin starts to break out, your skin starts drying out, or you stop seeing the results you want, it’s a sign that you need to switch up your skincare routine. Even if your current skincare routine is working fine, you also might want to make a change because you’re bored with your current routine or you want to try a new product that you heard about recently.
Regardless of the reason, there is going to be some point in time when you want to change your skincare routine.
Changing your routine and incorporating new skincare products is easier said than done. All products are not the same, and there are steps you need to take to make sure your skin is prepared to handle a change.
When you are ready to change your skincare routine, here are a few factors you should keep in mind:
Your skin type
Just because your best friend follows a specific skincare regimen or uses particular products, does not mean that this routine will work for you. Everyone’s skin is different!
Take note of how your skin acts when you don’t use your current routine. Is it oily? Dry? Sensitive? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends taking the time to understand your skin type so that you know where to start when looking for products.
If your skin is already oily, you don’t want to use any products that will exacerbate this situation, for example.
You can always double-check with a dermatologist if you aren’t sure about your skin type before switching to a new regimen.
Product ingredients
Many skincare products boast labels like “all-natural” or “toxin-free,” which can sound enticing to shoppers. However, it is important to realize that most skincare products are not regulated by the FDA, and companies can use terms like these however they would like.
Because every skincare product does not have the same ingredients and every skincare company does not use terms and definitions in the same way, you need to look carefully at the ingredient information for any new product you want to try and see how these ingredients will interact with your skin.
Some products that claim to be great for your skin can cause irritation or even make any skin problems you are facing worse.
You also need to be aware of the ingredients in the skincare products you want to try because of the way different ingredients will interact with your skin.
Some ingredients, like benzoyl, peroxide, and retinoids, can increase skin dryness. If you are trying to reduce skin dryness, it would be best to avoid products that have these active ingredients.
Even though retinoids can cause skin dryness, they are helpful for decreasing signs of aging. If your goal is to help yourself look younger and to decrease wrinkles, products that have retinoids, ceramides, and peptides will be helpful.
If you want to reduce acne, consider products with azelaic acid or benzoyl.
Think about what you want to change about your skin and make sure the active ingredients in your new skincare products will help you accomplish your skincare goals.
Remember that you can always ask a dermatologist if you are not sure about certain products and how their ingredients will influence your skin health.
Your skin’s reaction
If you try a new product, be mindful of how your skin reacts. Your skin has ways of communicating whether or not certain products are helpful.
If you notice redness, irritation, acne, or excessive dryness after trying a new product, it’s a sign that you need to find something new. If the issue persists even after you stop using the product, make sure to consult a dermatologist.
While switching from products that are causing irritation is important, you need to make sure you are patient with your skin. Depending on the products you use, you will likely need to complete a skin detox and wait for a little bit of time before switching products.
When you consider changing your skincare routine, make sure to consider these steps and consult with a dermatologist if you have any questions or before trying any prescription-strength skincare products.
Keeping these three steps in mind will help you find skincare products that are right for you and the specific goals you have for your skin. Whether your current skincare routine is producing lackluster results or you are simply just bored or unsatisfied with your current skincare regimen, using these steps will go a long way to helping you protect your skin health when you switch your products and your routine.