Reality TV shows eliminate contestants that don’t measure up. Do you do the same when your skincare products aren’t working? Before you vote off your cleanser or moisturizer, consider these reasons.
- Changing skin type.
As we age, our skin gradually becomes drier. Oil production and moisture retention decrease, writes dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., for Yahoo Health.
Young people have oilier skin, so if you’re in your 20’s or older, some cleansers designed for an ultra-oily youthful complexion can dry out your skin even more. Don’t use the same cleanser you did as a teen — it might be too strong for your skin now.
A better bet is a gentle cleanser, such as MD Formulations Facial Cleanser, to remove dirt, oil and makeup without stripping away your skin’s moisture.
Also, skin can change due to weather. With lower air moisture levels during cold weather, your skin turns drier. You’re unable to maintain hydration like you do in warmer weather. Use a creamy moisturizing cleanser, like NeoStrata Facial Cleanser — PHA 4, instead of a super-strong foaming wash on your face.
For body, try a cream to keep skin soft and smooth, because lotion won’t provide enough moisture during cold, dry weather.
Residue remains. Don’t you hate it when the dishwasher doesn’t thoroughly rinse your dishes? Loathe the yucky, greasy residue left behind on plates?
The same thing can happen to your face after you cleanse. Not rinsing well enough leaves behind residue from your cleanser. As a result, your skin can feel greasy or develop clogged pores and acne.
To make sure skin is completely clean, rinse your face thoroughly with several splashes of warm water. Another option is to use a toner after washing your face to ensure the cleanser has been removed. Apply toner, such as La Roche Hydraphase Toner, to a clean cotton ball or cotton pad and lightly rub it on your face.
Irritating extras. Sometimes extras are a good thing, like hot fudge and sprinkles on a sundae. Other times, extras can be a problem. As Jolene Edgar notes in Allure magazine, natural or organic products often contain extra essential oils that can trigger allergic reactions, make your skin oily and cause breakouts.
Despite their pleasant scents, extra fragrances or perfumes can also irritate skin. People with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema are typically affected by fragrances.
Look for fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers, like La Roche Toleriane Foaming Cleanser.
Great expectations. Whether you’ve got wrinkles, blemishes or age spots, they didn’t appear out of thin air — the damage occurred slowly over a period of time.
So, it’s unrealistic to expect immediate improvement. If you’re trying a new cleanser or moisturizer, give it about two weeks to see how it will affect your skin, writes Lisa Kovalovich for Ladies Home Journal.
Prescription products can take even longer to kick in, because they must “actually change the structure of the skin,” she adds. Use a prescription product for at least two months to notice the benefits.
Incompatible ingredients. You’ve probably heard the saying that too many cooks spoil the broth. The same is true when you pile too many products onto your skin — especially if the ingredients are similar to each other or have the same function: They don’t work well when combined.
Cosmetic dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D., tells Allure that mixing glycolic acid, salicylic acid and retinoids from different products can irritate your skin. Plus, some ingredients may be ill-suited if you have allergies, health problems or just undergone laser, chemical or surgical procedures. Check with a dermatologist or esthetician to be sure the ingredients you’re using are safe for you.
Poor product penetration. According to Dr. G. Todorov of Smart SkinCare, product penetration plays a major role in how well a product will work. Quite simply, if a product doesn’t penetrate deep down, then it won’t be of any help to you.
Dr. Todorov notes that our outer skin layer is made up of dry, dead skin cells. They clump together over time, creating a formidable barrier and preventing the penetration of beneficial ingredients from your products.
Take control and break down that barrier: By gently exfoliating your skin with a scrub, you break down those dead, dry cells, so your skincare products can actually penetrate deeper and work better.
Check out Michelle Copeland Honey Almond Scrub, and use it once a week.
Also, slather on moisturizing body lotion right after a shower or bath. Your skin will still be warm and damp, so the lotion is easily absorbed.
Diet and lifestyle. Even if you use the best products and apply them correctly, here’s some food for thought — your products won’t give you the best results possible if you eat a poor, unhealthy diet.
Consuming too much sugar — like soft drinks and ice cream — can actually accelerate aging, according to iVillage. “Research indicates that sugar may inhibit the effectiveness of collagen within skin cells, which can result in loss of elasticity,” explains the article.
It’s really as simple as following the USDA food pyramid, says dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, M.D. Fresh fruits and veggies, for instance, are fantastic for skin, because they contain lots of antioxidants and vitamins, dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D. tells Allure.
Certain foods can also worsen chronic conditions like rosacea and eczema. Spicy food, tea, coffee, dairy products and even certain fruits and veggies can trigger flare-ups in people with rosacea. Eggs, milk, soy and wheat can exacerbate eczema. Keep a journal to see which foods aggravate your skin and talk to your dermatologist.
Drinking alcohol and smoking can also counteract the benefits of your skincare products. The next time you feel like downing a drink or lighting up, remember you’re harming your skin and interfering with whatever good your skincare products are doing.
See also:
8 Must-Haves for Your Beauty Kit
Skin Care Products: How to Apply the Right Amount