Some of us have used the same cleansers, moisturizers, and serums since the day we first started a skincare routine, and others like to try every new product that makes its way onto the shelves. No matter which side of that spectrum you fall on, there’s one thing we all have in common: a desire for smooth, clear, radiant skin.
Unfortunately, our skin isn’t always craving the same combination of products, no matter how effective they’ve been in the past. Age, environment, lifestyle, and health can render your old routine more damaging than helpful, so knowing when to call it quits with a particular treatment or formula is key to providing your skin with exactly what it needs.
But how will you know when it’s time to start shopping around for a new regimen? Here are 5 signs your skincare products aren’t right for you:
Itchiness and Irritation
Skincare products can contain a wide range of ingredients, many of which can cause an allergic reaction. If you notice that your skin is red, itchy, and irritated after a particular step in your skincare routine, evaluate which product is causing the problem. Often, our skin is sensitive to fragrances, but there could be any number of other culprits. Once you root out the problem product, swap it out for something created for sensitive skin.
More Breakouts
Starting with a new skincare product can cause breakouts in anyone because it takes a bit of time for our skin to adjust. If you’re still dealing with breakouts two to three weeks after the introduction of a new product, though, it’s time to call it quits. It’s likely that the product you’re using contains comedogenic ingredients, which clog pores and cause acne. Instead, look for products that specify that they are non-comedogenic.
Your Skin Feels Tight After Cleansing
If your skin feels tight after you’ve cleansed your face, it’s a sign that the product is stripping your skin of its natural oils, which form a protective barrier against environmental toxins and moisture loss. Tightness indicates that your skin is dehydrated, leaving it vulnerable and prone to breakouts, flaking, and irritation. In fact, continuing to use the product can cause a whole host of problems, from production of excess oil (to make up for what’s being lost) to enlarged pores. Get a cleanser that is pH balanced and gentle, to give your skin the chance to rebalance.
Discoloration and Hyperpigmentation
Overexposure to UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation in the form of brown spots that crop up on areas of your body that are often in the sun. If you’re using an SPF, but still developing spots, it’s time to up your SPF. Be sure that the formula you’re using provides broad-spectrum protection (UVA/UVB) in 30 SPF or above, is not expired, and reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Your Products Aren’t Living Up to Their Promises
It’s hard to admit defeat when we’ve splurged on the latest, greatest “miracle” product that everyone is raving about, especially if it seems to be working for everybody but you. Sometimes, our skin just doesn’t agree with a formula or ingredient, even if it’s being touted as the latest breakthrough in anti-aging. Other times, skincare products are over hyped, making promises they can’t keep, and offering results that simply aren’t possible. In either case, don’t be too proud to call it quits with a product that just doesn’t seem to give you what you’re looking for.
If you’ve cleared out your medicine cabinet, vanity, and shower of all the skincare products that aren’t working for you, it’s the perfect time to chat with one of our skincare experts about what to try next. Stop by or give us a call! We can help you unlock the perfect combination to help you achieve happy, healthy, glowing skin.
