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How do you incorporate new products into your skincare routine?
I try to only add a new product every two weeks and leave everything else the same, though something like a facial cleanser might not need to be done on such a strict timing routine. I don’t find I breakout/react easily to products or product switches. That being said, I also do not like to switch something up every two weeks, especially for something like moisturizer (I tend to wait three or four weeks for those).
— Christine
Very, very carefully! My skin tends to be a bit on the sensitive side, so I will introduce new skincare products one by one. Give each one some time to see how my skin or eye area gets used to the new product before adding yet another shortly thereafter. Usually 10-12 days for milder skincare products, 2-3 weeks for peels or retinols, 1 month for eye cream or serum.
Following a bad reaction to a new product I always patch test new products to make sure I am not allergic. If the patch test is okay then I will go ahead and add the product. I don’t have particularly reactive skin in the sense that I don’t get breakouts or major changes if I am not allergic. I don’t change more than one product at a time and for skin care I feel like I need to use the product for awhile before I can say whether it is working or not. Most of my skin care is centered around anti-aging and those products don’t work overnight. The biggest exception to that is in the dryness of my skin. I have very dry skin and if a moisturizer doesn’t work within the first couple of days then I look for something else or go back to what I have been using while I search for something more effective. I wish I could say that I have a routine that works and I don’t mess with it but I am always looking for the next big thing or new thing that I hope will work better than what I am currently using, LOL.
I never switch more than one product at a time, two at max if they are completely different (cleanser and eye cream i.e.) and leave two weeks time between introducing the next one. After introducing them I use them around five weeks exclusively (unless I hate them of course). Oh, and I try to finish my products before I get a new one.
Timely; lately I’ve been exploring skincare more than makeup. I try each new product approximately weekly; for me that’s enough time to discern effect. Sometimes a product has negative effect more quickly — whether breakout, drying, irritation, etc.
I don’t give it much thought, honestly. I’ve never had particularly sensitive skin, have never really been prone to breakouts, and try to keep my skin care as clean & simple as possible. I use “soap-,free” cleansers & oils, which pretty much contain oils I’ve already tried over the years. I’m more concerned about trying a new foundation/sunscreen combo, as I tend to go with mainstream products/brands, and don’t always know how they’ll react together, or how the combination will hold up. As much as I enjoy playing with new combos (trying to find a “go-to”), I make sure to do it on days I’m just running errands, and it doesn’t really matter if my makeup doesn’t hold up for 10 hours.
I only ever try out one new product/main active ingredient at a time. That way I can narrow it down immediately if I get any negative reactions. My skin tolerates well-made actives very well but there’s no way I’d risk my routine and skin by trying more than one thing at once. I like to give it a full six weeks if there’s no irritation to make sure my skin has the chance to turnover before making a decision regarding whether it gets a permanent spot or not.
if it’s a new active ingredient, I use my gentlest version of my usual routines and make sure to do a patch test hours before putting it anywhere near my face. Usually I pick a spot on my arm or leg to test. Or both.
My skincare hasn’t changed for the past three years or so, and I’m currently well stocked with my favorites. I’ll work in a sample now and then to see if I like it, but that’s about it for me. If my skin changes, then I’ll rethink everything again — something I don’t like do unless forced. It was expensive and frustrating the last time I had to make changes.
I honestly just go for it. Thankfully, my skin isn’t very sensitive.
I have Oily, Acne prone skin. and I used to have, according to my Dermatologist, severe cystic acne!!
I used to not be able to lay on my side to sleep, because the cystic acne was SO painful!!!!
But now my skin is fully clear and blemish free!! And I intend to keep it that way!!!
So I always read skincare ingredients first. And I’ll usually do a patch test, and i only add in ONE thing a month and at a time!!
If it’s a chemical exfoliant (that’s what I started using back when I had the cystic acne instead of scrubs. and I’m never looking back!!) I start with a lower %% and work my way up higher!!
Hello! I have similar skin issues. Do you mind sharing what chemical exfoliant you use, and your skincare routine in general? Is that too much to ask? I can use all the tips and advice I can get! Thank you.
Not too much to ask AT ALL!! I’d love to help out!! 🙂
The chemical exfoliant I use is: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid exfoliant!
Morning skincare routine: In the morning, I’ll get up and head to the bathroom and I’ll wash my face with a NON LATHERING/FOAMING cleanser (I use Marcelle’s Ultra gentle cleansing gel! It’s perfume/fragrance free, alcohol free and dermatologist tested! But it is a Canadian brand. So if you’re not Canadian, I’d recommend Cetaphil!!! Or any non foaming cleanser!) to wash off lastnights skincare, and the oil on my skin.
Then I pat dry with a clean face towel (I wash my face towels every 3/4 days!! So I have a clean one almost every time!) I then use either Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing GEL, or Marcelle’s Revival Day care cream to moisturize.
Then I apply 3 layers (Yes. Three LOL) of Sunblock! I use a few different sunblocks, my favourites are: Neutragena Clear Skin SPF60, Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non greasy sunscreen SPF50, and Shiseido’s sunblocks are AMAZING!! And that’s it for my morning skincare!
Night time Skincare routine: For night, I’ll take a scoop of Ponds cold cream, and massage that all over my DRY face and eyes to remove my makeup. Then I’ll take a washcloth and wet it and remove the makeup. Then I follow up with The Face Shop’s (It’s a korean brand found here in Canada!!) Rice water Bright foaming cleanser, and I’ll cleanse my face with that. then rinse. And if I wore a FULL face of makeup that day, I’ll take my morning cleanser and I’ll wash my face with that to make sure my skin is fully clean!! I use these two cleansers because they leave my skin feeling soft. Not SQUEAKY clean. you know?
After cleansing, I’ll pour some of my Paula’s Choice 2% BHA into my palm, rub my hands together, then pat that all over my face. Focusing it on my cheeks where I have ache scarring.
After that’s set, I’ll take a pump of my prescription acne medication (I’m on Tactupump Forte, which is a ADAPA and Benz.Peroxide gel, that’s 2.5% in strength) and i’ll smooth that all over my face and my jaw.
Then I apply my eye cream next. I’m currently using a Clnique one, but I just need hydration, because I’m in my 20’s, so I’m just using it to prevent not correct!!
I’ll finish everything off with a sleep mask! I’m currently using Avon’s Rose sleep mask. I smooth it all over my face, focusing on my cheeks and forehead and I’ll massage it in until it’s not as wet feeling!!
as i’m canadian, and have very cold winters. I’ll add a drop or two of face oil to my sleep mask. But not in spring or summer!!
I also try and start my removing and cleansing my face an hour before bed. So everything has time to sink in before I hit the hay!!!
Thank you so much for all the helpful information. I have some very good ideas on what direction to take my skincare routine now. And I do use the Paula’s Choice so I’m delighted you do as well and can recommend it. Oh I so appreciate your time! You’ve no idea how much you’ve helped me! Aimee
I would greatly appreciate some advice or naming products which helped you also if you don’t mind Shannon. My son has issues with his skin has flare ups of acne right now his face is reddish sometimes it clears up but is an on and off thing.
I tend to wait two weeks for reactions on my face I think within two weeks I can tell whether something is working or not. I have used in the past Ceraphil very gentle cleanser. Now I’m finishing Cera Ve facial wash and the face miusteriser under my spf daily. I think it has helped in moisturizing lots! I have dry/combination skin. Great tip on trying products on arm/leg fir reactions/allergies I did have a reddish burned look on my cheeks when I tried Regenerist (red glass jar) that was years ago and I gave it away. Never used it again! Perhaps too strong for me. I have used Loreal Revitalift and liked. Also Eucerin Q-10 anti wrinkle. I think they are simple not costly and effective in moisturizing/clearing skin a but. Now I’m interest in retinol/vitamin C but afraid to try retinol as last time with Regenerist although non prescription didn’t go well. I’ve heard Vitamin C from skinceutucals is wonderful but pricey also! $160.00 ouchy! I got a sample to try. I do love Cera Ve products also. I’m pretty sure I have rather sensitive skin oily spf makes me breakout on bottom of face like Aveeno. Trader’ Joe’s one never has love it!
Hi Silvia!!! I’d love to help you and your son out!!!
For me, my cystic acne was caused by a hormonal condition (I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS for short!) And it made me break out so severely! So I went to my family doctor, and she sent me to a Dermatologist in my town. Who then sent me for blood work etc and prescribed the Tactu pump Forte, which is a topical anti acne medication. And I was on Anti-biotics for 5 days. Which helped as well!! So IF you can afford it, i’d TOTALLY recommend you take your son to a dermatologist or a family doctor!! (But I TOTALLY understand if you can’t! I know a lot of doctors are very expensive to go to!!!)
For me, what worked besides the doctor/prescription medication. Was Cera Ve/Cetaphil face wash, which was very gentle on my sore skin. And it didn’t strip my skins natural oils!!
I also used moisturizers that were OIL FREE, and Non-Comidegenic (I spelt that wrong Im pretty sure!! ahah) I was very partial to Simple (the drugstore brand simple!) Light oil free moisturizer. And it sinks in instantly, and doesn’t leave a sheen behind!!! So I’m sure your son would appreciate that!!
My best friend, has acne prone skin as well. And she uses the clean and clear benz peroxide gel. It’s at walmart!! Since it’s not presciption, it isn’t super strong, like my personal acne medication is. But It should still be helpful for your son!!
I also HIGHLY recommend your son wear SPF/sunblock while he uses that Benz Peroxide gel, or ANY anti acne topical gels. Because they make you more susceptible to sun damage, and sun burns!! I LOVE neutragena’s Clear Skin Oil Free sunblock!! Which is also cheap and available at walmart!!
I know getting some guys to do a skin care routine is difficult (I’m always reminding my lighter than I skinned brother to wear SPF!!!) But maybe see if he would like to try this!!!
I wish you both luck!! 🙂
Shoot I forgot!!
Also get your son to wash his pillow cases every 2/3 days!! Because bacteria and dead skin and oils get trapped in there and can cause acne as well!!
Also, if he has long hair, and its touching his face while he sleeps that can be causing acne as well!!
Forgot to add, my boy has short hair is a good thing! And I wish your skin continues to improve your heart is lovely already. Very thankful.
Omg! Thank you so much for your help Shannon! You are the same age as my son by the way, he’ll turn 21 on July 1rst. I have copied your wonderful recommendations and will tell him although you are right he is a boy and some can be very stubborn. I took him during senior year to a dermatologist and they gave him a prescription oral medicine which he hated he said it made his skin feel like burning and he did not follow through but most of it actually he did. He even puked once in high school he was supposed to take it with breakfast. I have mentioned all the creams and cleansers recommended by my dermatoligist I myself go for milia mostly on neck, few times also have had breakouts on my face. Cetaphil (I love it is very gentle!), Eucerin products are good also, Cera Vé is what I currently use and loving it the moisturizer and facial wash. Also Vanicream is supposed to be very good my doc. said but I have not try it VaniCream. I cannot thank you enough! Great information. Also, yes, clean pillow I change it once a week. Have also heard about Neutrogena, and Shiseido being awesome and Paula’s Choice. I will make note of all of this and get some for myself. I just ordered from my moms friend Avon lady their Vitamin C and Anew. Would like to try the Rose water too. Have never tried Avins skin products before hope they work well? Again, thanks so much for taking your time to help!
And sorry to others for the lengthy note wish I could have done it privately instead but we all learn also this way and can help each other.
Thank you!
I’m really, really careful about the skincare products I use and don’t change things around too much, especially since I have some skin issues with occasional breakouts, so I’m very careful.
I seldom change the cleansing products since I’ve found things that work for me but when I do, I use the new product only every other day until that product is fully incorporated into my skincare schedule when it’s been fully vetted.
One at a time. I introduce a new product when I have finished my old one. It’s rare that I finish, say a cleanser and a moisturiser at the same time, so I can introduce the new product carefully.
Very carefully and only one at a time. With all the meds (especially the high-dose NSAID stuff) my skin is hyper sensitive so I have to be uber careful. I also tend to do a patch test on my wrist first and wait for 24 hours to see if my skin freaks out.
I currently love the skincare I use, however if I did want to add something new to it, I would add it very slowly at first. Instead of say using about 10 small dots to and around my eye area, I would start off with two tinier drops and see what happens. Every 4 days each night I would keep going to what the directions say. While paying very close attention on how it feels and what my eye area looks also. Like any redness or swelling, burning or starting to peel. Just because something works well for somebody else, it doesn’t mean that it will work for you and vise versa. I’m allergic to penecillin, but it doesn’t mean everyone else is. Same as bee stings or peanut allergies.
I start gradually start with one product and use it for several weeks. If the product does an impressive job, l then select another from the line.
If it’s in a similar class with similar or familiar ingredients, I’ll just add it in and swap out whatever it’s replacing. If it’s got a lot of new to me ingredients or is stronger, I’ll put it in with my other long standing routines and if it’s really strong, only a few times a week.