It’s finally here. Ripping open the box, marveling at the packaging, and envisioning the glowing results: you’re ready to try on your latest skincare product this very instant.
But hold that thought! Here’s a gentle reminder that how you get started can make all the difference. Adding some planning to your pampering can help you achieve the best results from new finds. So before diving 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 at a real fresh start.
The dos and don’ts of trying new skincare products
Do: Layer your products properly
Let’s start by getting your skincare layering down pat. Remember that products’ textures are intentional, allowing the skin to absorb what it needs each 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 formulated to penetrate the skin deeply. Then apply denser or creamier products later. This way, denser products won’t block lighter products from penetrating your skin and doing their job.
Take our customized 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 unbox. But, if you get started with a new serum and moisturizer, how do you know which is working? That’s why it’s ideal to introduce one new product at a time and get to know what your skin loves best.
It’s also a good idea to build in a cushion between new products. After introducing a newbie, wait another full month before trying something else to understand its full effects.
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) takes between 21-28 days. And while immediate results like hydration show up in a few days, youth-boosting and brightening effects typically take at least 30 days to appear. So make sure to give any new product at least a month before judging the results.
Got a big event coming up? Plan out a skincare calendar to help you dazzle the day of the occasion (and every day after).
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 following a holistic approach can get you closer to your skincare goals than one-off products.
Let’s look at an example. Say you’ve got a busy schedule with a long commute on public transportation — meaning your skin goes through a lot of daily wear and tear. Ideally, any new product should align with your needs: repairing and defending skin from environmental stress.
In this case, prioritizing a nightly antioxidant serum might make more sense than a once-a-week detoxifying mask.
Do: Start slow, especially when it comes to exfoliants
Think of exfoliants as personal trainers for your skin. Their job is to speed up cell renewal, remove dead skin cells, and reveal a brighter, more even complexion. But like any good workout, too much too fast can throw off the whole plan.
If you’re just getting started with chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid, less is more at first. Apply your product one or two nights a week and see how your skin reacts. Once your skin gets used to this renewal process, you can up the frequency.
Don’t: Mix ingredients without doing your research
When considering whether to mix or not to mix, retinal might come to mind. Although effective, retinal can cause some discomfort when combined with other ingredients.
Use caution when mixing it with vitamin C or chemical exfoliants. Although these combinations can be worthwhile, opt for a slow introduction to minimize irritation and acclimate the skin.
Meanwhile, other hard-working ingredients almost always play nice with others: such as restorative bakuchiol and moisturizing hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide is another easily-mixable component known for fighting skin discoloration.
Wondering whether it’s a match? Check out our full guide on how to combine key skincare ingredients.
Do: Consider your routine outside of skincare
Taking your dream vacation next week? Or have a stressful work presentation coming up instead? 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 skin-affecting factors are called the exposome and include things like temperature, stress, and pollution.
So, consider what you’ve got coming up on your schedule before throwing a new product in the mix. Or if your new products aren’t getting the results you’d hoped for, take a look at your daily agenda. Maybe what you really need isn’t another serum, but small changes to your daily routine that help restore balance. Because when you care for yourself on the inside, your skin reflects it on the outside.
Don’t: Skip the skin test
This is especially important when trying out a new brand or something out of your skin’s comfort zone. Apply your new product onto a less-sensitive and visible area of skin (like the side of your neck or inner forearm) to see if it reacts. Once 24 hours have passed with no reaction, you should be ready to give it a real go.
The ultimate do: Prioritize protection
There’s one skincare product that’s ready to go right out of the box. A high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen should be the last step of every morning routine. In fact, the best way to protect your skin and slow the signs of skin aging is to use sunscreen every day. So your skin will appreciate you getting started ASAP.
Ready. Set. Unbox!
Now that you know how to add new products to a skincare routine, it’s time to take them on a test run. Whether you’re still putting together the perfect ritual or have all of your products ready to open, remember that how you get started affects your end-game results.
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 https://bsj.berkeley.edu/skincare-how-much-should-we-really-care/ Revisiting the skin health and Beauty Pyramid: A ... (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.uniderma.info/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2020ENDOCARE_Zoe-Draelos_Skin-Health-Beauty-Pyramid_Paper_EN.pdf
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What’s in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
