Silvia We have been interested for a long time in the reason why people are changing their skincare products, and we have understood that one of the main reasons is that they don’t feel like their products are working, or when they have a bad user experience. Some people could just be curious about other brands, had supply issues, price concerns, etcetera.
In this article, we want you to understand what to expect when changing a skincare routine and how to do it more effectively.
How fast can I see results from my products?
Depending on the product, ingredients and person, results will come in very different times. In average, you will not see all the effect of your product before 8 weeks of constant use. There are some products like growth factors or peptides that take several months to work since their action mechanism is more complex.
So, if you feel like your product is not working after only a couple of weeks of usage, it is totally normal, before changing your skincare products, give it some time for your skin to adapt.
Choose the best from the beginning
Our skin likes routine, so it’s important to stick to one. It might take time to adapt to certain products but once you find those that work well for you, stick to them and give them time to give you their fullest set of benefits. Some people use the same routine for years and it continues as effectively as in the beginning. If your skin changes its needs because of age, weather, hormones, etc, look for something else that best addresses your new skin profile. This is the reason why it is so important to choose a personalized skincare routine that is more likely to work for you from the beginning and spend a good time using it. Customize your routine here.
When should I change my skincare products?
Generally, when your products irritate you, feel itchy and it is causing redness, stop using them and move to other products. The same happens if you experience allergies which might be shown as dry or itchy patches, rashes, dermatitis. If you are in this situation, you can change to those products that have worked better for you recently. Another option is to use products formulated for sensitive skin. Use them until your skin feels restored before you try new products again. There are some dermatological brands that specifically address sensitive skin like La Roche-Posay.
However, be conscious that if the intention of the product is abrasive, like exfoliators, well, you might experience redness and irritation as part of the product function, and it should take just a few days. If it is causing so much trouble, you might consider lower the concentration, or using a calming moisturizer afterward.
If the product is right for you, irritation will stop after a few days as your skin adjusts to it, it is not that it is not working anymore, just be consistent.
Changing skincare to a minimum
Every new product causes stress to the skin. Be gentle and try your new products one by one. If you add a bunch of products at once, you can cause serious irritation, allergies, and you wouldn’t know which specific products were right or wrong for you. After at least a couple of weeks using a new product, and with the least changing variables possible, you can add another one.
Same happens when you increase concentration or frequency of your products. The key is to give your skin time to adjust.
My products used to work fine
As we grow up, our bodies can develop some allergies to certain ingredients. It might occur that a product that used to work miracles for you, suddenly is irritating you. That could be a new allergy. Stop using that product and try those formulated for sensitive skin.
Acne or purging
Chemical exfoliants, retinoids and some other abrasive products, cause what dermatologists call “purge”, which can be perceived as acne. This is a consequence of removing the top layer of the skin and speeding the cell turnover. If that has happened when introducing a new abrasive product, it is normal, and in fact, it is a good sign that your product is working. This stage will last just a few days and you will get back to normal. As you continue using these products, purging will decrease until it is completely gone and you can see the benefits of the products.
We know that it is exciting to try new products, but do it carefully and patiently. Your skin will thank you! =)
