5 Signs Your Skincare Routine Needs a Complete Overhaul
Getting your skin in shape is one of the best things you can do for your appearance and for your health. A good skincare routine keeps your skin in a hygienic, moisturized, and glowy state. But have you been using the same skincare products for years without a second thought, because they might not be giving you the results they once did? Skin that worked for your past is in the rearview mirror.
Now, if your skin is not responding in the positive, it`s probably time for you to change things up. This article highlights five distinct signs that your skincare routine is due for a revamp. And we’ll provide you with tips on how to remedy these situations and create a new routine that’s working for you.
1. Your Skin Feels Dry and Tight
Perhaps the greatest indication that your skin care regimen is not functioning is completely dry skin as well as tightness. If after cleansing your skin feels bumpy, dry, or uncomfortable, it means your products are too strong. A lot of people associate the tight feeling after cleansing with clean skin. What this really means is that your skin is losing excessive moisture.
Certain cleansers are loaded with harsh chemicals and alcohol which remove the oil on your skin. This leads to dry and irritated skin, and may even cause the skin to produce more oil than before as a compensatory mechanism. If you see that your skin is constantly dry, then you need to change your cleanser and opt for something super mild that maintains the moisture content of the skin.
How to Fix It:
Opt for hydrator-packed cleansers that include hygroscopic substances such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid or barrier-repair ingredients such as ceramides. Steer clear of alcohol, sulfates, or artificial fragrances, as these can further aggravate dryness. Use a good moisturizer after cleansing while skin is still damp. This allows you to retain moisture and makes your skin soft.
2. You Have More Breakouts Than Before
Acne can be a pain in the ass and having breakouts often leads to people slapping together an entire menagerie of products. However, occasionally layering on product after product or simply utilizing something that’s not appropriate for you can exacerbate acne. However, your skincare routine could be to blame if you have recently been experiencing increased pimples, blackheads or skin irritation than normal.
Harsh acne treatments can overload your skin and lead to oil depletion which can actually trigger your skin to overproduce oil. This means accordingly that clogged pores and new breakouts will occur. However, too many creams or oils will also clog your pores and cause a pimple.
How to Fix It:
Booming skin If you are experiencing more breakouts, simplify your skincare routine. A gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide on targeted areas. Do your best not to touch your face too much and wash your pillowcases often to avoid bacteria accumulation.
3. Your Skin Looks Dull and Tired
Fresh and Glowy Skin — Skin that is healthy should have a fresh look to it. If your skin is looking dull, dry, lifeless it can signal that your skin care routine is functioning. The surface of your face may be covered with dead skin cells hiding your natural glow. Exposure to things such as pollution, stress, and an unhealthy diet are also environmental factors that can cause your skin appearing tired too.
And dead skin cells that haven’t been sloughed off can lead to bumpy skin, clogged pores, and just overall dullness. So it might be time that you need an upgrade in your routine.
How to Fix It:
Regular exfoliation is one of the best things you can do to brighten up dull skin. However, not all exfoliators are skin friendly—so be careful here. Stay away from abrasives with large beads that leave small tears in the skin. Please opt for mild and effective chemical exfoliators which have ions like glycolic acid or lactic acid. These help to remove dead skin without harming your face.
And ensure that you are getting sufficient water and a nourishing vitamin-rich diet. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, and leafy greens present an easy way to restore the original luster of your skin.
4. Your Products Are No Longer Working
Are you using the SAME old skincare for months, if not years, but your skin, quite frankly, no longer looks or feels better? Your skin changes with time, age, hormone cycles, weather, pregnancy—everything really! What used to work on your skin may not work anymore on your skin as your skin may have different needs now.
Your past skin problems may not be your present skin problems, for instance if you previously had an oily skin type but are now feeling much drier, your old oil control products may cause irritation. Similarly, if your skin used to be clear and then it’s broken out, your skincare routine may not be addressing new issues.
How to Fix It:
Listen to your skin response to your products. Once you hit a plateau and are not getting any results, maybe it is time to change it. Think about your skin as it is today and what you are trying to improve, and seek products accordingly.
If you have no idea what to change, try switching just one product at a time instead of trading out the entire stash. That way, you can see what works for your skin and what doesn’t, without burdening your skin.
5. Your Skin Feels Irritated or Red
If your skin is frequently itchy, reddened, or sensitive, your skincare routine may be extreme. Expensive Chanel-like skincare items use harsh content within their formulations that literally weaken your skin barrier and increases its overall sensitivity overtime.
Excessive exfoliation, too many actives, or sensitivities to particular products can cause regular irritation. If your skin rebels against every new product you try, your regimen needs to be softer.
How to Fix It:
Use mild fragrance-free products for sensitive skin. Do not apply retinol, vitamin c, and exfoliating acids all at once. Instead, start with a single active and use it a few times a week.
Since a compromised skin barrier requires time to repair, prioritize hydration and ingredients that can help soothe the skin like aloe Vera, chamomile, and niacinamide. On top of that, use sunscreen at all times to prevent the skin from even more damage.
How to Build a Better Skincare Routine
If you notice that your skincare routine needs changing, do not be alarmed. This may help you to overcome its natural way and give your skin a healthy, glowing state with small helpful changes.
- Know Your Skin Type: Knowing if you have dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin will help you choose products appropriately.
- Use Gentle Cleansers: Do not use abrasive soaps and if possible avoid alcohol based cleanser. Select a gentle cleanser that does not deplete the skin of natural moisture.
- Moisturize Daily: Yes, even oily skin requires hydration. Moisturizer – Apply a non-comedogenic lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
- Exfoliate Smartly: Use an exfoliating product that’s gentle enough to use 1 or 2 times a week, and then stop.
- Protect Your Skin: Even when the sun isn’t out, never leave home without your sunscreen. Sun damage can lead to premature aging, dark spots and inflammation.
- Avoid Overloading Products: Active ingredients burden your skin too many. Keep it simple but effective for your routine.
- Listen to Your Skin: Immediately discontinue using any product that is irritating to the skin. Remember- your skin will always let you know what it needs.
Final Thoughts
Your skin is dynamic, and so your skincare needs are dynamic. While you might be doing great at the moment, if you notice any of the five signs in this article, take a look at your product lineup and adjust it.
Cramming your skincare routine does not have to be complex. So with the right products, a bit of simplicity, and some help from your skin, you can get the healthy glow you have been dreaming of. Feel free to break out and choose what works best for you. Your skin will thank you!
