How To Introduce New Skincare Products Into Your Routine

Do you want to see for yourself what that Holy Grail skincare set does for you? Or maybe your staple ingredients have been discontinued and you are looking for alternatives?

Whatever the case may be, changing your routine is intimidating - skincare is not like cosmetics where if a lipstick doesn’t suit you, you can easily wipe it out. It is our skin we are talking about here! One mistake and we might have reactions such as rashes or blemishes that we need to deal with for weeks, or even months.

Skincare may have always been ‘trial and error’ but with an informed decision on what you need to do, you can introduce a new skincare routine safely. Read on to learn how to introduce new skincare products into your routine!

When is the right time to introduce new skincare products? 

The right time to introduce new skincare products to your routine depends on how easily your skin adapts to change. Some people with normal skin types can easily adjust to a new addition in a few days, without trouble. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may need to be more cautious with what you put on your skin and avoid harsh ingredients that may increase your sensitivity. While for dry skin, we suggest steering away from skincare with these formulas.

As a rule of thumb, we suggest waiting for at least 2 weeks to observe how your skin will react to the new formula. By following this 2-week rule, you can manage your skin's reaction and stop immediately as soon as there is a severe reaction. 

Other practical tips for introducing new products safely are shown below:

1. Do a Patch Test Before Buying a Product

A patch test allows you to see if your skin will develop signs of irritation. To do this, apply a small amount on your neck or behind your ear as these areas are less noticeable should your skin become irritated.

Observe how the skin reacts within 24-72 hours. If your skin develops redness, bumps, or itching, this means an allergic reaction and we recommend you stop using it immediately.

2. Use One Product at a Time

Using one product at a time helps you determine which ingredients cause irritation on your skin. Avoid introducing two or more different ingredients at the same time because you won’t be able to see what a single formula is doing to your skin. We advise waiting for your skin to adjust at least a month before adding another new product.

3. Read Product Reviews

Reading product reviews can help you identify whether a specific skincare product is best for your skin type. Other people might have already tried it and shared their testimonials online. Make sure that you go to professional and credible skincare review platforms to get real and unbiased reviews such as Makeup Alley. You can filter reviews based on race, age, and skin type so you will have a better idea it can work for you, too.

Other sources of information may be YouTube vloggers, Facebook, or Instagram. Ensure that the reviews are based on the science of skincare and not just paid or sponsored posts.

4. Choose Skincare Products Following Your Skin Type

Choosing skincare based on your skin type can help you narrow down the list of what works and what doesn’t for your skin. Find out whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, or a mix, to determine what your skin needs.

Let's say you have dry skin and choose a formula that is oil-based to combat skin dryness. While this can address dry skin issues, it may not always be the case. Solvaderm’s clinically formulated Dermpura sets itself apart from other oil-based formulations in the market as it has the right amount of natural oils, vitamins, and antioxidants that effectively treat and prevent dryness to reveal moisturized and hydrated skin.

For oily skin, it's best to look for acid-based properties such as glycolic or salicylic acid, and lactic acid. These ingredients are good at controlling excess sebum production, which leads to blemishes. Solvaderm’s Rejuvoderm contains the powerhouse combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid -  gentle and effective in keeping your skin blemish-free, hydrated, and even-toned.

If you have sensitive skin, focus on products with good moisturizing and hydrating properties. Start with our best-selling moisturizer, Dermaxsol, as this creates a natural barrier on your skin to keep its optimal pH levels. In addition, its soothing properties make it a perfect staple for every sensitive skin type.

If you're unsure of your skin type, consult your dermatologist to find out what ingredients work best for you.

5. Be Consistent With The Product You Use

Consistency is key during your ‘trial and error’ phase with building a new routine. After a successful patch test and when you are ready to incorporate a new item into your skincare, make sure to use it as recommended for at least a month to see its full effect on your skin. 

6. Give Your Skin Some Time To Adjust

If you have a reaction to a skincare product, we recommend you stop using it for a while and give your skin some time to heal.

Additionally, slowly introduce new items in your routine. For example, use it once a week, and then gradually increase your frequency of use. As much as you want to see immediate results, allow your skin to adjust at a healthy pace.

7. Know the Ingredients of the Skincare Product

Knowing the ingredients that you use in your new skincare will help you test if they are suitable for your skin type. Do not be swayed by the product’s hype in the market and pick the ones with ingredients that are shown to work best for you.

Be aware of what products cannot blend in together. Good examples are retinoids and vitamin C. While these are great on their own, you should not use them at the same time as they may lead to over-exfoliation and extreme sun sensitivity.

8. Don't Try New Products Before an Event

Trying new skincare products before a big event like a wedding, graduation, or a date is not a good idea as you don’t want to deal with skin redness,  itching, and swelling on a special day. It's much safer to try them out for a few weeks (or even better, a month) before your most awaited event comes. So, if something unexpected happens, your skin will have time to heal.

9. Don’t use in excess of product recommendations

Slowing down means being gentle and patient with your skin as it adjusts to the new skincare ingredient. As much as we may want to hurry the process, results do not happen overnight. Using the product more frequently and excessively than the recommended use might do more harm than good. As a standard rule, it takes three to four months to see the improvements in your skin from the product.

10. Make Use of Product Samples

Before buying the new skincare product, you may want to take advantage of the samples first to see if your skin will react well to its ingredients. This is more efficient than buying ‘blind’ or committing yourself to a 150 ml bottle, especially if the item is not cheap. You don’t want to end up wasting your money buying something that doesn't work for your skin.

Introducing new skincare products into your routine can be tricky. Learning how to introduce these safely without harming your skin (and a financial burden to your wallet) will go a long way, especially if you want to create a complete and comprehensive skincare routine that goes beyond cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

While we understand that you want immediate and drastic results, remember that it takes time and more than one try to address your skin concerns. The best skincare advice is not to use products that are meant to target a problem that isn’t there in the first place or as they say, “do not fix what is broken”. Stick to what works for you and only switch things up when you are dealing with an actual skincare problem

Are you looking to introduce new skincare products into your new routine? Whether you need a new cleanser, toner, or moisturizer, Solvaderm’s dermatologically tested and clinically proven products take a gentle yet effective action that caters to all skin types.

FAQs

How long does it take for your skin to adjust to new products?

Your skin can adjust to new products anywhere between 2 to 8 weeks. Only then will you start to see results. If within the first 24-72 hours your skin shows signs like dryness, redness, and spots, stop using it as this indicates an allergic reaction.

Should you wait 2-3 days before switching to a new skincare product?

Yes, it is advisable to wait until 2-3 days before switching to a new skincare product. Though most reactions will happen within 24 hours, seeing the full effect could take a bit longer. You should look out for allergic reactions such as bumps, itching, or redness and throw them out once such events occur. 

How many new skincare products can you introduce at once?

Introduce one new skincare product at a time. That way, you can see what each ingredient is doing for your skin. Wait after a month between adding anything else.