When a package of new skincare products arrives at your door, it can be tempting to try everything right away. But introducing too many new products at once can lead to irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Our advice: take it easy. Here are 6 steps you can follow to add new products and build a skincare routine for sensitive skin.
- Determine how your new product supports your goals and fits into your routine.
Skincare goals are personal: you might want to hydrate your skin, restore a healthy pH, balance your skin microbiome, or address common skin concerns. Remember that building healthy skin takes time, so it's important to have realistic expectations. It's also helpful to consider how best to integrate the new product into your existing skincare routine. Skincare routines are generally built around cleansing, toning, hydrating, moisturizing, and sun protection. How does your product fit into these? How often do you plan to use it? Is it part of your morning or evening routine? Following the recommended usage instructions can help you get the most out of your product.
- Get to know the ingredients of your product.
Check the ingredients in your new product and determine if there's anything you're allergic to or that might irritate your skin. Fragrances and drying alcohols can be irritating to sensitive skin, and active ingredients like retinoids and chemical exfoliants can be harsh and drying. When using products with active ingredients, you can balance your routine with a nourishing moisturizer and a gentle cleanser formulated for sensitive skin. If you have any questions about the ingredients in your product, you can always consult your dermatologist, doctor, or a skincare expert such as an esthetician.
- Introduce one product at a time.
Adding multiple products at once makes it difficult to determine whether they're working or not. That's why skincare experts recommend introducing one product at a time. Try using your new product consistently for two or three weeks before adding anything else. This way, you can monitor any changes and give your skin time to adjust. If you experience any adverse reactions, contact your healthcare provider and discontinue use if necessary.
- Test new products on a small area of skin before applying them to your face.
Ready to smooth your new product across your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks? Wait! Some products can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, especially in people with sensitive skin. To reduce the risk of a negative reaction, test new products on your body before applying them to your face. Apply a small amount of product to the skin on the inside of your wrist or behind your ear, then wait 24 hours and see if your skin reacts. If your skin remains comfortable, you can try the product on your face.
- Pay attention to any changes in your skin or reactions.
Pay attention to changes in your skin in the days and weeks after introducing a new product. If you experience itching, burning, irritation, flaking, a rash, or any other adverse skin reaction, contact your healthcare provider. They can diagnose your skin's condition and help you determine if you have an allergy or sensitivity to any of the ingredients in your products.
- Stay consistent
Healthy skin doesn't happen overnight—it takes time for products to work and for your skin to react. That's why consistency is key. Stick to a consistent routine, be patient, and pay attention to how your skin develops over time.
Add Gladskin to your routine.
Interested in microbiome-friendly skincare essentials? Looking for the right cleanser or moisturizer for sensitive skin? Gladskin products promote healthy skin and are formulated with minimal ingredients. Learn more.
