If you’ve got a big bag of different skin care products, chances are you’re overdoing it. We can’t blame you for loving all the refreshing products, but when your skin starts misbehaving and bright, youthful skin seems to be getting further and further out of reach, don’t despair. Your skin just needs a chance to breathe.
You know your skin best. The first way to know if your skin is reacting is simply going by feel. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. Another sign that things may turn into a reaction is if the products make your skin feel sticky or greasy after application. This is a sign that products are not working cohesively and might lead to bad outcomes.
Your skin is reacting if you experience any of the following:
- Breakouts
- Blocked pores
- Flaking
- Dryness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Uneven skin tone
- Inflammation
- Increased sensitivity
Lathering on products seems like the best way to protect skin and give it a nourishing environment, but a minimalist routine is best.
Over time too many products can break down your skin barrier and cause pH imbalance. You also increase your chances of developing eczema, rosacea, acne, and psoriasis.
If your skin is begging for a restart, like a glitch-y computer, it’s best to turn everything off. We know it can sound scary to stop all skin care suddenly, but stopping for a few days to let your skin take a break is the best thing to do.
Your skin barrier has been broken down and needs some time to heal and repair itself. Once you feel improvement, you can start introducing products one at a time until your skin is used to them.
But first think about what the products are really doing for you. Do you have products that are similar? Are there some products you can alternate? Are you able to find a product that addresses multiple concerns?
And most important, take a moment to consider the ingredients. You’ll want to make sure that the products you are using are clean and simple.
Once you answer these questions it’s easy to strip back on skin care products.
The skin care industry is loud with 10-step skin routines and hope found in glass jars, tubes and plastic bottles.
Skin care should be simple.
A minimalist routine includes only a handful of products.
First, a cleanser should always be included in your skin routine. Just as you wash your body, your face needs a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt and oil.
Next, is an antioxidant serum (such as vitamin C). Every day our skin is assaulted by environmental stressors. Antioxidant serums repair and protect against skin damage and signs of early aging.
Moisturizers are a must for healthy skin. Having well hydrated skin is essential for preventing irritation.
Last is a sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater. UV exposure builds up skin damage over your lifetime. Things like sitting in the car or checking the mail contribute to and invite premature aging and fine lines and wrinkles.