4 Signs You Need To Hit Refresh on Your Skincare Routine 

Everyone’s skin is different and there are a million products out there for every possible skin type and concern. So, it can be challenging to create a regimen to start with and a little daunting to switch up your routine when you’ve used it for a while, and your skin has stagnated. But there’s no need to fret. The best way to go about this is to get to know your skin better and address the signs your skin is trying to tell you. So, what can you look for to ensure your routine works best for you?

Is Your Skin Giving You Growing Concerns? 

When you look in the mirror, you might feel like your moisturizer isn’t doing the job it did when you first bought it, and your skin is drier than usual. You might notice that you’ve been breaking out more often or that your skin isn’t as smooth when applying makeup. If you’ve noticed some negative changes, then the best thing to do is reevaluate your products and gradually replace them with new products that suit your skin. 

Still Not Seeing Any Results? 

If you’ve bought a new product that promises clear skin and your breakouts have continued to surface, then there’s no use in continuing. This goes for any product. That moisturizer you got as a gift three years ago and have been repurchasing since has no place in your bathroom if your skin doesn’t feel moisturized and hydrated after using it.

 Sometimes, products are great when we first use them, but as we age, our skin changes, making it vital to monitor whether these same products are still working to the same capacity to fully understand your skin and ensure you’re treating it to what it needs.

 If products aren’t delivering their promised results, it also may be a sign that you have unaddressed skin issues, which suggests you may need to switch to specialized products, or see a dermatologist if your own research isn’t quite cutting it. 

Ask Yourself: How Long Have You Been Using This Routine? 

The thing about routines is that once you get them intertwined with daily life and habits, it’s hard to change anything about them. Like many of us, we’ve been using the same products since high school, and while it may have worked for us back then, our lives, as well as our skin, have changed. So we must account for that. With time, wear and tear, and overall stresses of life, it’s best to incorporate products that combat those stresses, perhaps a new moisturizer for added hydration or some skin brightening products to brighten a dull, lackluster complexion, or if you still want to use the same product, getting a gentler formula may yield better results. 

Is Your Routine the Same Through Summer and Winter? 

In the same way your wardrobe changes with the seasons, so too should your skin routine. Throughout the changing seasons, additional sun and colder temperatures must be considered to ensure the health of your skin. So what can you do? 

Summer Routine Additions 

Switch to Lightweight Formulas

Hot, humid weather may cause heavier formulas to clog pores and leave a greasy feeling. Switching to water-based or gel-based products will moisten your skin without the added oil. 

Increase Sun Protection

It is essential to incorporate SPF products, and for maximum effect, having a facial sunscreen and body sunscreen will yield the best results.

Control Excess Oil and Sweat

Using oil-free products and oil-absorbent powders to use throughout the day will keep unwanted oil and sweat, encouraging breakouts. 

Introduce a Cooldown Routine

Your skin can often get irritated from the heat of the day, so it can be useful to add calming mists and cooling creams to combat this and give yourself some relief at the end of a summer day. 

Winter Routine Additions 

Add Hydrating Serums

Combating dry air and dehydrated skin can maintain that summer glow if you incorporate hydrating serums before you add moisturizer. 

Maybe Invest in a Humidifier

Once you’re home and getting warm, in-door heating may be drying out your skin, so a nice humidifier will keep that healthy, needed moisture. 

Target Redness and Sensitivity

Because cold winds and temperature changes can irritate skin, soothing ingredients like aloe vera and oat extracts can calm irritated skin before it becomes a problem. 

Exfoliate Less Frequently

Because our skin is more sensitive and dry in the winter, it is important to protect it by not irritating it further. Keep this step in your routine, but lessening the amount of times per week will make a huge difference. 

Everyone deserves a carefree routine that maintains that healthy glow, so ensuring you use the right products is essential for a skin routine that works best for you.