HOW AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU UPDATE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?
I am often asked about the value of regularly changing cosmetic brands in a beauty routine. Some people think it helps stimulate the skin and provide it with new active ingredients, while others worry that it may disrupt the balance of their skin barrier.
A well-adapted and consistent skincare routine is essential to achieve results, but you also need to change your routine from time to time. Wouldn’t the real question be: How and how often should you change your skincare routine?
WHY CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE?
First of all, it is important to remember that every skin is unique and has specific needs depending on its concerns. The answer will therefore be different for each person. It is always advisable to change your routine with each new season in order to adapt the texture and nature of your products to the climate. Indeed, differences in temperature and humidity affect our skin. Often, in winter for example, the skin may need extra hydration to fight against cold, dry air. In summer, we need lighter textures, such as a hydrating gel, to help your skin stay hydrated and balanced, even in the heat. This is the perfect time to incorporate new ingredients or a new brand.
DRYNESS, SENSITIVITY, ACNE…
If you have a skin concern that you cannot resolve — dryness, sensitivity, acne… — it means your routine is not suitable and that you need to change your protocol. This may be due to a poor product choice or incorrect application.
A skincare routine should be a moment of pleasure. If you are tired of your current routine, do not hesitate to change it so you can enjoy it again and feel more involved.
STIMULATE THE SKIN
The skin tends to get used to the products we use regularly. By changing brands from time to time, you can stimulate the skin and provide it with new active ingredients that will help it renew and regenerate itself. In addition, different active ingredients can deliver the same results. Why not alternate them to find the one that works best for your skin? Finally, it is also necessary to change your routine if you are not using the ingredients that are most important for the skin.
GOOD TO KNOW
Vitamin C, retinol, an SPF, and a lactic acid-based cleanser. They are the foundation of a well-built routine. If you are not using them, it is time to change your routine.
THE DRAWBACKS OF CHANGING COSMETIC BRANDS
Some products can work immediately, but I recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks to see real results. So give products time to prove themselves before deciding whether they suit you or not. In addition, changing your routine too often may disrupt your skin’s balance. Indeed, each brand has its own formulation and its own active ingredients, and it is important to give your skin time to get used to these new products. If you switch brands too often, you may trigger irritation, redness, or breakouts.
THE ART OF INTRODUCING NEW PRODUCTS INTO YOUR ROUTINE
Here are my tips for updating your beauty routine without causing irritation: Assess the current condition of your skin first, so you can choose products suited to your skin type and its specific needs. If you change cosmetic brands without taking these criteria into account, you risk using unsuitable products that may irritate your skin.
I recommend changing only one product at a time to give the skin time to get used to it. And above all, so you can see its effects immediately. If your skin improves, you can keep it; if you experience irritation, it is the culprit. If you are starting retinol for the first time, begin with a low concentration and space out the applications. You can then increase the frequency as your skin gradually becomes accustomed to this new ingredient.
EXTRA TIP
Use products from the same brand because they are designed to be layered without creating a harmful cocktail of active ingredients and to work in synergy.