It's both exciting and nerve-wracking to try new skincare products
On the one hand, trying new products is exciting, especially today that the market is flooded with new and inventive skincare products and we have all the time in the world to do so.
However, if you don't add new skincare products to your routine it might cause allergies, acne, and more.
Although we advise you to listen to your skin and remove any skincare from your routine that isn't working for you, many people are unaware that there is a right way and a wrong way to introduce new skincare products to our routine.
Follow these 4 steps the next time you try a new skincare product:
1. Patch test new products
This has been a hot topic in the skincare industry this year, and rightfully so.
Patch testing can help you avoid a significant allergic reaction and determine whether or not a product will cause you to break out.
Remember to only apply a minimal amount to the region you're patch testing for, no matter what you're patch testing for.
How to patch test for an allergic reaction:
You should patch test twice: once in a hidden location (in case of a reaction), and then once in a location close to where the product will be applied once it's been approved for use, such as the side of the neck.
How to patch test for breakouts:
Apply the product straight to your face on either your cheek or your chin to patch test for breakouts.
For a week, apply your new product daily (to the same region) to see how your skin reacts. Breakouts caused by products usually happen within a week.
2. Double-check that it fits in with the rest of your routine!
Keep in mind that many serums and treatment solutions include potent chemicals that, when combined with other powerful ingredients, might induce irritation.
For example, we don't recommend using more than one product containing fruit acids.
With a little knowledge you can streamline your routine to make sure all the components are working for you and getting you closer to your #skingoals.
Here's a list of ingredients that do not mix well together and why:
Alpha Hydroxy Acid with Retinoid or Retinol
A dermatologist's go-to for anti-aging include vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol and retinoids, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid, because they hasten skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen formation for glowing, fine-line-free skin.
However, in this case, more is not better.
Because they both exfoliate the skin's top layer. They can have annoying side effects, especially when used together. You're less likely to keep to the programme if your skin is inflamed (think red, stinging, flaking, and peeling).
Benzoyl Peroxide with Retinoid or Retinol
Retinoids are well-known for their anti-aging properties, but they can also help you get rid of acne by exfoliating your skin and preventing clogged pores. As a result, you could be tempted to use a retinoid and a benzoyl peroxide at the same time.
Think about it before you do it. The retinoid molecule may be deactivated by benzoyl peroxide.
Meaning: Your excellent intentions to fight acne are backfiring. Newer formulations of the retinoid tretinoin have been found to be stable with benzoyl peroxide, according to previous study.
Consider using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night instead.
Using two products with the same actives
Switch the bottles around: There’s little reason to use multiple forms of the same product. Using two benzoyl peroxide acne treatments is one example. Another example is using a glycolic acid mask followed by a mandelic acid-containing cream, as both are AHAs.
I'm concerned about doubling up on the same active ingredient because it irritates me. Increased irritation indicates that the skin barrier has been compromised, which increases the risk of side effects from active chemicals.
And if you mix and match skincare products, click here to find out what happens if you do.
3. Don't rush the transition
Start by incorporating new cleansers and moisturisers into your routine every other day, while continuing to use your other products in between.
This will assist to prevent purging, which can happen when your skin is exposed to a lot of different chemicals all at once.
4. Use the products correctly
When we find a product we like, especially one that is enjoyable to use, it can be tempting to use it more frequently than recommended, such as more than once or twice a day or more pumps than recommended.
Too much product can irritate the skin and trigger reactions that aren't expected.
Also, make sure you're following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Do you incorporate new skincare products into your routine correctly or are you guilty of these mistakes? Let us know in the comments below.