One thing we need to remember, it takes time for skincare products to work. After all, there aren’t many miracle products that will deliver results overnight. Patience is the key. That said, every so often our routines require an overhaul. Let’s take a look at some of the instances when your routine needs to change.
When the seasons change
You switch out your wardrobe when the seasons change, and the same applies to your skincare routine. In the summer, lighter hydrating layers work for most of us. But come wintertime, and with central heating and cold air, most of us need to switch some of the products in our routines. Your routine might need an occlusive moisturiser, a cream cleanser, or even a facial oil to keep your skin well-hydrated and comfortable.
When your skin is sensitised
If your skin is getting flushed, products sting on contact, or you start breaking out, your skin barrier could be compromised. It is time to go back to the basics and restore and protect your moisture barrier. Consider switching your normal cleanser for a cream or a balm cleanser. Serums and moisturisers with ceramides, Urea, Niacinamide, Beta-Glucan, and Phospholipids soothe and provide comfort to sensitised skin.
As you get older
Let’s face it – what worked in our twenties, won’t be enough when we hit our thirties and beyond. Simple changes you can introduce into your routine would be to start using retinol and regular chemical exfoliation. If you are already doing these things and your skin appears dull and lacklustre, it might be time to up the frequency or the strength of the product. Likewise, as we get older, our skin tends to get drier. You’ll want to consider a richer, more nourishing moisturiser or even a facial oil. Alternatively, adult acne is on the rise, and you might start breaking out. Spot treatments and products with Salicylic or Mandelic acid can help keep it under control. You want to treat, not stress your skin further by over-drying it.
You want to treat discolouration
Discolouration can happen to us all. The reasons for discolouration are various. The cause can be sun damage (use sunscreen, people!), hormonal changes like pregnancy, or as an aftermath of a breakout (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Unfortunately (and even with prescription-strength products or lasers), improvement can’t be seen overnight. Depending on the cause, look for serums with vitamin C, retinol, Azelaic, Mandelic, or Tranexamic acid to include in your routine. Give it at least two months. If you are unhappy with the results, consider a visit to a dermatologist to investigate your options.
You want to try something new
Have a routine that works for you? That’s great! There is no reason to add products willy nilly. But it’s human nature to get bored with the same old after a while. If there is something you’ve been dying to try, by all means, do. Just be smart about it. Add one new product at the time to avoid any potential issues it might cause.
