You’re following every skincare guru on Instagram’s advice, you’ve bought all the latest products and you’re dedicating more time to your skincare routine than you are your career and social life combined but your skin just isn’t playing ball.
If this sounds familiar then there’s a high chance it’s because you’re using the wrong products for your skin.
While it’s always a great idea to try new things and switch up your routine if you start to notice any of the following symptoms it’s time to stop what you’re doing and strip your skincare back to basics.
WRITTEN BY Louise Carleton
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1 More breakoutsBreakouts are a fact of life and can happen for a number of reasons. But, if your skin is usually pretty clear and you begin noticing more blemishes than normal, your skincare could be the culprit. The skin on our face is super sensitive and spots, bumps and lumps could be a reaction to harsh products it doesn’t like. Try swapping for a gentler product.
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2 Stinging skin
Some products, depending on their ingredients or the PH of our skin, can give us a tingly feeling when we use them; while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, a burning or stinging sensation is. If you notice that a few minutes after using a product your skin is still sore or red, wash it off and avoid using it again. If your skin is susceptible to sensitivity, test new products on a small patch of skin first.
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3 Dry skin
Dry skin isn’t just annoying, it can be pretty uncomfortable too. If your skin is peeling or feels dry or rough to the touch, you may be over-exfoliating. While acids and peels can work wonders at buffing away dead skin cells if they’re too harsh they’ll strip away the top layer of skin with it which can lead to flaky skin or dryness. Remember, you should only exfoliate a couple of times a week.
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4 Oilier-than-usual skin
Likewise, if your skin has suddenly become oilier than usual harsh products could be to blame. Sometimes when these products strip away the protective barrier our skin’s response is to produce more oil in an attempt to rehydrate itself. If this happens to you, remove or cut down on any oil-absorbing products you might be using and focus on hydration instead (seems counterproductive, but it works).
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5 Changes to your skin’s pigmentation
Freckles may be cute but if you’re noticing new dark spots or a change of pigmentation to your skin you probably need a stronger sunscreen. We should all be applying SPF daily – even in winter – after moisturiser, and reapplying after physical activity that gets you sweating. Look for a broad spectrum SPF with a high factor.
FAQs
What should you do if your skincare products cause stinging or burning?
If you feel a burning or stinging sensation after using a product, wash it off immediately and stop using it. This reaction may mean your skin is sensitive to the product’s ingredients or pH. For those with sensitive skin, it’s best to test new products on a small patch of skin first.
How often should you exfoliate to avoid dry or flaky skin?
You should exfoliate only a couple of times a week to prevent dryness or flakiness. Over-exfoliating can strip away the top layer of skin, leading to discomfort and peeling. Use gentler exfoliating products if your skin feels rough or irritated.
Why might your skin suddenly become oilier than usual?
Sudden oiliness can result from using harsh products that strip away your skin’s protective barrier. When the skin loses this barrier, it produces more oil in an attempt to rehydrate itself. Switching to more hydrating products and cutting down on oil-absorbing ones may help restore balance.
What does it mean if you notice more breakouts after changing skincare?
More breakouts could indicate your skin is reacting badly to new or harsh products. Even if your skin is usually clear, sensitivity to ingredients may cause spots, bumps or lumps. Try switching to gentler skincare to reduce irritation and improve clarity.
When should you use SPF if your skin shows new dark spots or pigmentation changes?
Apply SPF daily after moisturiser and reapply it after sweating or physical activity. New dark spots or pigmentation changes can be a sign you need a stronger sunscreen. Always look for a broad spectrum SPF with a high factor to protect your skin.