It’s so easy to slip into a comfortable routine with everything, especially when it comes to skincare. Our skincare routines are normally slotted into the busy part of our mornings and the mindless parts of our evenings. This might mean getting stuck in a rut with a routine that’s familiar and easy – even if it’s not necessarily working for your skin. There are a few signs that might point to an outdated skincare routine that could use a little bit of a revamp.
1.You’re Not Seeing Results from Your Current Routine
Are you using a spectrum of products that promise clear, younger-looking skin and a lit-from-within glow but are finding that your skin is looking the same as always? It might be that your products aren’t suited to your skin type and concerns, or your skin has simply adjusted to the active ingredients in the products. It can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks to see results from products, but if you’ve been adequately patient with your serums and you still haven’t seen a change, then perhaps it’s time to switch it up.
2. Your Skin Is Too Dry
One of the most common reasons to switch up the products in your routine is if your current routine feels too intense, stripping moisture from your skin and leaving it feeling dry and irritated. We’ve all experienced that tight, dehydrated feeling when our skin isn’t properly moisturised, and not only does it feel uncomfortable, it’s also a sign that the skin’s natural barrier is damaged. Try switching out any exfoliating products that are made with skincare acids, such as AHAs, and BHAs, and substitute them with more gentle alternatives.
3. Your Products Are Causing Irritation
Redness, flaking, itchiness, and discolouration can all be signs that your skincare products are causing irritation. It may be from a particular ingredient that you’re having a bad reaction to, or the particular combination of the products you are using. Try the process of elimination to discover the culprit and then find a suitable alternative.
4. Your Skincare Routine Is Too Complex
These days we are bombarded in every direction with skincare advice. Whether it's classic posters and billboards or someone on TikTok convincing you to try the latest beauty trends, we’re all guilty of falling into the trap of piling trendy products or techniques onto our routines – even when they’re not necessarily right for us. If your skincare routine is very lengthy and complex, try a simpler approach. Stick to the basics of cleansing, moisturising, SPF, and a serum with key active ingredients to keep your routine modest yet effective.
5. You Want to Target a Specific Issue
Do you find yourself following a complex routine, which includes several active products, without actually targeting the issue that that matters to you the most? Instead of having a broad routine that tries to target lots of skincare concerns, decide which is your priority and base your product choices around that. Whether it’s acne, fine lines, or sun damage, familiarise yourself with the skincare actives which will help your skin most efficiently and prioritise them in your routine.
