5 Signs Your Skincare Routine Needs a Reset
Sometimes a skincare routine stops working because your skin has changed. Other times, the routine itself has simply become too complicated.
If you have been adding products every time you see a new recommendation online, it can become difficult to tell what is helping, what is doing nothing and what may actually be contributing to irritation.
Here are five signs I look for when it may be time to reassess.
1. Products that used to feel comfortable suddenly sting
A little sensation from certain products can be expected, but routine products such as cleanser and moisturizer should not suddenly become uncomfortable without a reason. New stinging, burning or persistent sensitivity can be a sign that the skin is stressed and needs a gentler approach.
2. Your skin feels tight immediately after cleansing
Clean does not need to mean squeaky. If your face consistently feels tight or stripped after washing, your cleanser or cleansing habits may be working against your barrier.
3. You are exfoliating because your skin looks dull, but it keeps looking worse
This is one of the easiest cycles to fall into. Skin looks textured, so you exfoliate. It looks drier or rougher, so you exfoliate again. Sometimes what looks like a need for more exfoliation is actually a need for more support.
4. You cannot tell which product is doing what
If you are using multiple serums, acids, masks and treatments but cannot explain why each one is in your routine, simplifying can be useful. A good routine does not need to be impressive. It needs to be appropriate and consistent.
5. Your skin has changed but your routine has not
Weather, stress, hormones, medications, travel and changes with age can all affect how skin behaves. The routine that worked perfectly two years ago may not be the routine your skin needs today.
How I approach a skincare reset
I usually start with the foundation: cleanser, moisturizer and daily sun protection. Then we look at what your skin actually needs before deciding which targeted products deserve a place in the routine.
This is also part of why I value customized facials. The treatment room gives me an opportunity to see the skin, talk through what you are using and make recommendations in context rather than guessing from a trend.
If you would like professional guidance, learn more about my customized facial approach in Canton, Ohio.