It’s finally here. Open the box, admire the packaging and visualize the glowing results: you’re ready to try your latest skincare product right now.
But hold that thought! Here’s a gentle reminder how you can start can make a difference. Adding some planning to your grooming can help you get the best results from new findings. So before you dive in, pause to consider product layering, overall skincare goals, and ingredient interactions (easier said than done, we know).
Check out these top tips for adding new products to your skincare routine and give your skin a real chance for a real fresh start.
So should those not trying new skincare products
Do: Place your products correctly
Let’s start by getting yours layered skin care down pat. Remember that the texture of the products is intentional, allowing the skin to absorb what it needs at every step along the way.
When in doubt, follow this rule of thumb: layer from light to heavy. Apply your lightest products first as they are designed to penetrate deep into the skin. Then apply thicker or creamier products later. That way, thicker products won’t block lighter products from penetrating your skin and doing their job.
Take our custom skincare quiz to discover the ISDIN routine that’s right for you.
Don’t: Try everything at once
Excitement can get the best of anyone—especially when you’ve got a whole new beauty routine to crack. But, if you start with a new serum and moisturizer, how do you know which one is working? That’s why it’s ideal to introduce one new product at a time and find out what your skin loves best.
It’s also a good idea to build a cushion between new products. After introducing a beginner, wait another full month before trying anything else to fully understand its implications.
Do: Be patient and consistent
As with most great habits, consistency is key. And when it comes to results, patience is a virtue.
Here’s something to keep in mind: your skin’s regeneration cycle (or turnover) lasts between 21-28 days. And while immediate results like hydration appear in a few days, results that boost youth and radiance usually take at least 30 days to show. So be sure to give any new product at least a month before judging the results.
Got a big event coming up? Plan a grooming calendar to help you dazzle on the day of the occasion (and every day after that).
Don’t: Forget your overall skincare goals
Your skincare routine is like a long-term plan: if you want results, you need a strategy. That’s why taking a holistic approach can get you closer to your skincare goals than individual products.
Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you have a busy schedule with a long commute on public transportation — which means your skin suffers from a lot of daily wear and tear. ideally, every new product must be aligned with your needs: repairing and protecting the skin from environmental stress.
In this case, prioritizing a nightly antioxidant serum may make more sense than a detoxifying mask once a week.
Do: Start slow, especially when it comes to exfoliators
Think of exfoliants as personal trainers for your skin. Their job is to speed up cell turnover, remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, more even complexion. But like any good workout, going too fast can throw off the whole plan.
If you’re just starting out with chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, less is more in the beginning. Apply your product once or twice a week and see how your skin reacts. Once your skin gets used to this renewal process, you can increase the frequency.
Don’t: Mix ingredients without doing your research
When considering whether to mix or not to mixretina may come to mind. Although effective, retinal can cause some discomfort when combined with other ingredients.
Be careful when mixing it with vitamin C or chemical exfoliants. Although these combinations may be valuable, Choose a slow introduction to minimize irritation and acclimatize the skin.
Meanwhile, other tough ingredients almost always play nice with others: like restorative bakuchiol and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide is another easy-to-mix ingredient known for fighting skin discoloration.
Wondering if it’s a race? Check out our complete guide on how to combine skincare essentials.
Do: Think about your routine outside of skincare
Taking your dream vacation next week? Or maybe a stressful job presentation coming up? Your skin is a reflection of your overall well-being and your daily environment has a direct impact on how it looks and feels. These factors that affect the skin are called exposures and includes things like temperature, stress and pollution.
So, think about what you have in your schedule before you throw a new product into the mix. Or if your new products aren’t having the results you’d like, take a look at your daily schedule. Maybe what you really need is not another serum, but small changes in your daily life that help restore balance. Because when you take care of yourself from the inside, Your skin reflects it externally.
Don’t: Skip the skin test
This is especially important when trying a new brand or something out of your skin’s comfort zone. Apply your new product to a less sensitive and visible area of the skin (such as the side of the neck or inner forearm) to see if it reacts. Once 24 hours have passed without any reaction, you should be ready to give it a real go.
The ultimate do: Prioritize protection
There is a skin care product that is ready to go right out of the box. High SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen it should be the last step of every morning routine. In fact, the best way to protect your skin and slow down the signs of skin aging is to use sunscreen every day. That way, your skin will appreciate that you start as soon as possible.
Ready. Series. Unbox!
Now that you know how to add new products to a skin care routine, it’s time to try them out. Whether you’re still preparing the perfect ritual or have all your products ready to open, remember that how you start affects your results at the end of the game.
References:
Scientific, B., & Scientific, P. authorW. byB. (2020, July 21). Skincare: How much should we really care? Berkeley Scientific Journal. Retrieved December 14, 2021, from Revisiting the skin health and Beauty Pyramid: A ... (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2021, from
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time skincare obsession into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics in Washington DC and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
