How to Introduce a New Product to Your Skincare Routine

With so many skincare products coming out left and right, it’s important to find the ones that actually work well with your skin, its type and with the results you want to achieve. Integrating a new product is not an immediate process, it’s actually harder than it looks. However, you can narrow down the steps into just three important ones. Here is how you can introduce a new product to your routine:

• Initial Testing – The most common way to do this is to do a patch test. A patch test is exactly what it means – taking a small patch of your skin and trying the product you want to use on it. This test can determine whether or not you are allergic to the mixture of ingredients the product has. Doing a patch test first lessens the risk of irritation you might encounter compared to just straight-up using the product immediately. If after 24 hours the product makes your skin itchy, burn, or produce flakes, then you should contact your dermatologist before proceeding with its use. A good example of a product that you should be patch testing is any new retinoid you want to try out. Retinoids can initially cause a burning sensation and mild irritation, so its best you let your dermatologist know first thing.
• Constant Observation – The magic number is THREE. After the product passes your patch test after 24 hours, but after three weeks your skin becomes inflamed, irritated or itchy then you might want get in touch with your dermatologist and tell them what happened. Some products can cause delayed reactions from your skin. The signs can be very subtle at the start – small bumps, roughness, or your skin might start to look dull. In contrast, a positive interaction between the product and your skin results in a balanced complexion, moisturized feeling, and soft to the touch.
• Product Consistency – After passing the three-week period, you need to be consistent with the use of your product to further integrate it into your routine. You actually don’t start to see GOOD results until after three to four months. Don’t be discouraged if after a month you still don’t see any brilliant results, as it does take quite a while for the results you want to appear. Keep in mind that it takes a good four to five weeks for the skin’s epidermis to completely change into a younger layer, so going through three to four changes of your skin’s topmost layer is the optimal time to be evaluating whether your new product is working. You should also follow the product’s instructions and/or your dermatologist’s instructions. Skipping applications will most likely result in the failure of the product and pegs you back to square one.