Let me first confess, that I am the queen of changing up my skincare routine. It’s not always for a good reason, either. I am often lured by product launches or new technologies on the market and sadly these choices do not always do the nicest things to my skin.
There are however, lots of great reasons for making tweaks to your product regimen, most notably when your skin begins talking to you in the form of breakouts and other misbehaviors. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider updating the lineup on your vanity…
1. You relocated.
Have you recently moved? All environmental factors impact the way that your skin behaves. Whether it’s Denver’s altitude, Los Angeles’ pollution or the dryness of Arizona, these are all important considerations when making your skincare selections. Visiting a local esthetician is a great way to get acclimated to a new environment and to prevent any mishaps.
2. Seasonal change.
As a rule, it’s a good idea to maintain two primary skincare routines – Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer. You know your skin better than anyone, but in general you should opt for lighter weight products with higher SPF in the warmer months and thicker, more hydrating products in the cooler ones. I add in very gentle exfoliation in the summer and choose a hydrating serum in winter. Yet deeper exfoliating programs should not be introduced throughout summer. Other than that, my routine is pretty stable.
3. Diet and workout regimen.
For years, I could not figure out why my skin would break out around the start of the year, then a dermatologist pointed out to me that it was my more frequent workouts in January that were not agreeing with my sensitive skin. She quickly taught me that properly cleansing my face before hitting the treadmill would help to keep my acne under control. I also know that what I eat directly impacts how my skin behaves. A holistic nutritionist and esthetician can teach you more about diet solutions to benefit your skin.
4. It’s been awhile.
If you have been using the same products for years, it’s time to update. The technology in skincare is ever changing, meaning that your next best product could be out there – and you haven’t even tried it yet! Aside from that, there is a chance that your skin could build up an immunity or resistance to your go-to products, especially if you’re not seeing the same results that you once were. I recommend trying a mini facial with one (or more!) of the skincare products out there or order “Introductory Kits” to get introduced to a new regimen.
5. Listen carefully.
Your skin speaks to you – and the truth is that its specific needs vary depending on the time of the month (thank you, hormones), the weather, and even if you’re getting enough sleep.
Does your skin feel congested? Lighten up. Is it flaking off? Exfoliate gently and then seal in hydration. Are you always sensitive, no matter the day? Opt for chemical-free and fragrance-free formulas.
The bottom line is that smart to adjust your routine depending on a variety of factors. The important thing is to always keep your skin’s specific needs in mind and to select products carefully – try committing to a smaller version of the product before buying a full size bottle.
Have you changed up your routine recently? I would love to know why! Let me know in the comments below…
