Is it time to refresh your skincare routine? 6 signs you should try new products

We know that many are loyal to their skincare favourites. Whether it’s a toner you’ve been using since your blemish-prone teenage years or a serum that you apply religiously every evening, it’s still important to remember that your skin will change over time. And with that knowledge, your products must change with it.

If you’ve recently refined and optimised your skincare products and routine, then you probably won’t need to try out anything new for a while. What’s most important is that you’re seeing the results you want and that your skin is reacting well to your skincare products. However, if you find that your skin isn’t achieving the glow or the result that you desire, it may be time to consider a change-up of products.

The skin is an extremely sensitive organ. With this being said, our skin is most healthy with a consistent and predictable day & nighttime routine — as long as it works well for you. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t change the individual skincare products within your routine.

For instance, you may already be aware of the concept of skin purging. It may sound like something negative, but it’s a tell-tale sign of an effective skincare product. Skin purging is a common, temporary reaction to the active ingredients in certain skincare products, and it can occur when your skin is getting accustomed to new products.

You may notice more blemishes during the purge period, but this is the skin’s way of exfoliating and eliminating any unwanted material, pushing everything harmful or blemish-inducing to the surface. This reaction occurs as the new product may speed up your skin’s cell turnover rate (which is ultimately a good thing), resulting in the effects of a skin purge.

You may already be aware that there are a whole variety of reasons why your skin may be yearning for a change. We’ve put together a list of potential signs, so you can determine when it’s time to try out some new skincare products.

The seasons have changed

As the seasons turn, so might your skin's needs. If you find your skin feeling unusually dry or perhaps a tad more sensitive with the onset of a new season, see this as a nudge from nature to reassess your skincare essentials.

Your skin feels drier

When your skin starts to feel more like sandpaper than silky smooth, it’s trying to tell you something. Dryness can be a sign that your skincare regimen needs a bit more hydration — possibly the addition of a hydrating serum or moisturiser. It’s not just about quenching your skin’s thirst, but about balancing your skin’s needs.

Blemishes become a common occurrence

If you're noticing more blemishes than usual, consider it a gentle hint from your skin. It could be asking for a change, perhaps for skincare products designed to aid blemish-prone skin. If this occurs, we suggest that you search for a product that's as effective as it is nurturing.

Your skin has stopped responding to certain products

Has your faithful moisturiser stopped being the hero it once was? Sometimes, long-term use can lead to your skin craving something new. Remember, this is not your skin being disloyal. It’s simply asking you to adapt to its changing needs.

Your skin feels more irritable

Consistent discomfort, tightness, or irritation post-skincare routine is your skin kindly asking you to reassess. The foundation of effective skincare lies in comfort, harmony and balance. If your routine is leaving your skin feeling unsettled, it's crucial to re-evaluate and introduce products that are soothing and compatible with your skin type.

You’ve experienced big life changes

Changes in your daily life — be it stress, diet, or a new job — can manifest as changes in your skin. It is an extremely reactive organ, after all, and it can reflect a lot that’s going on on the inside. If these changes bring about dryness or unexpected blemishes, it’s an indication to reassess and realign your skincare choices with your current lifestyle.

Changing your skincare routine all at once is a topic worth considering with care. While the allure of a completely fresh start is understandable, particularly when embarking on a new skincare journey or when facing specific skin concerns, it's crucial to approach this change thoughtfully.

Opt for more gradual transitions

As we’ve already discussed, the skin is a complex and sensitive organ, and it often prefers gradual transitions. A sudden overhaul of your skincare routine can be overwhelming for your skin, potentially leading to blemishes or other adverse reactions.

This is particularly true if you're introducing multiple new products, each with its unique formulation and active ingredients. The skin needs time to adjust and acclimate to new products, just as we need time to adapt to new environments or routines.

Give your skin time to adjust

If a reaction does occur, it can be challenging to pinpoint the cause when several new products are introduced simultaneously. By integrating products one at a time, you allow your skin to get accustomed to each change and also allow yourself to monitor how your skin responds to each product individually.

This gradual approach is not only gentler on the skin but also more informative, helping you understand which products work best for you.

Be strategic when adding new products to your routine

However, if you are eager for a change and feel your current routine isn't meeting your skin needs, start by replacing products that are the most fundamental to your skin concerns. For instance, if hydration is your primary concern, begin by introducing a new hydrating moisturiser.

If you're dealing with blemishes, consider starting with a targeted blemish treatment. Allow each new product a trial period of several weeks, as this is generally how long the skin takes to show signs of adjustment.

How long does it take for skin to adjust to a new skincare routine?

The time it takes for your skin to adjust to a new routine can vary, largely depending on several factors including the new skincare products you’re introducing, your skin type, and the specific concerns you're addressing.

Generally, it takes about a month or one full skin cycle for your skin to adjust to a new skincare routine. A skin cycle is the process by which skin cells are formed and travel up to the surface of the skin, and then are shed off. This cycle typically lasts around 28 days, though it can vary with age and other environmental factors.

Practice patience

During this period, patience is key. It's not uncommon to experience some initial reactions (such as skin purging) as your skin acclimates to new ingredients. This is often a normal part of the skin’s adaptation process.

Keep an eye out for negative reactions

However, not all skin reactions are a sign of healthy adaptation. If you feel discomfort, it could be a signal from your skin that a product may not be suitable for you. Listening to your skin is critical when changing your routine.

It’s easier than ever to find skincare products that are tailored to your unique skincare concerns. Simply search our skincare collection by concern, by benefit, or by category to find exactly what you’re looking for. For a more direct approach, our skincare kits are designed to give you the results you need — all in one simple, easy-to-buy skincare kit. 

Most importantly, remember to pay attention to your skin, and listen to its unique and changing needs — it will thank you in the future.