There’s no standard, one-size-fits-all skincare routine. Everyone’s skin is different, and everyone’s skin needs a personalised skincare routine that works for them. It can sometimes be hard to determine what your skin needs, and this will of course change frequently, especially when starting with a new skincare product. However, there are some common signs of an ineffective skincare routine that you can look for to determine whether your current products are giving your face what it needs to keep that skin looking and feeling healthy.

You have dry patches or your face feels tight

If you have dry patches, it’s a sign that your skin needs moisture. Dehydrated and dry skin means that your skin isn’t getting the hydration it needs, or that you are using either too many products that are irritating your skin barrier too much, or that you are using a single product that is too strong for your skin – most likely a retinol or an acid skincare product.

Try adding a moisturiser with ceramides in. I actually recommend the entire Dr Jart Ceramidin range. Ceramides fortify the skin barrier, allowing you to keep hold of the moisture in your skin/that you are putting on your skin. Also cut back on your use of acids and retinol until you discover the source of the dryness or dehydration. You could maybe switch to a more ‘skin-friendly’ acid such as lactic acid. It will still give you that exfoliation and glow, but is not as strong as glycolic acid.

Your cleanser could be the culprit too. Many believe that as long as your face feels clean after washing it, everything is fine, however many cleansers can strip your skin. Especially foaming ones. If you feel tightness or dryness after washing your face, this could be a sign that the cleansing product isn’t suitable for your skin type. Try one that’s designed to soothe sensitive skin and add moisture to the skin. Ceramides are another great ingredient in a cleanser.

You’re experiencing increased breakouts or worsened Rosacea

When you experience a breakout, many things may cause it. The most common causes are hormonal changes, stress, and allergies. However, there’s also the possibility that you’re using the wrong skincare products i.e. something your skin does not agree with. It may also be that you are using too much of a particular product. If you use to much of a really thick buttery moisturiser, for example, it may clog your pores and be too heavy on your skin; leading to breakouts. Check out my beginner’s guide to acne to find out more.

A poor diet can also cause breakouts and an increase in inflammation due to environmental factors like pollution. Fortunately, a change in your skincare routine or a visit to your dermatologist can help with breakouts. Similarly, you may want to see a Rosacea Treatment Specialist, if your rosacea is worsening even though you are using natural products designed for sensitive skin and to minimise redness. Something isn’t working for you and they can help to understand what and recommend the best skincare for your skin. The skin around your eyes is dehydrated and puffy.

Dry skin around the eyes is a common problem for many people, especially those over 30. In addition to making you look older, dryness can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. Many fine lines around the eyes can simply be plumped away with a hydrating under-eye patch. If you have dryness and fine lines, you definitely need more moisture in your eye skincare. Spend some time really patting in the product to help it absorb too.

To treat dry skin around your eyes: look for products that contain hyaluronic acid (HA), ceramides (a component of healthy skin), or glycerin in their ingredients list; you can also use a light eye gel to top up the moisture in this area over the course of the day – just a tiny amount patted into the skin. Also, if your under-eye area is very dry, try stopping taking your retinols etc right up to under your eye, as they might just be too strong for this area.

In addition, avoid rubbing your eyes too hard while washing them. Finally, avoid excessive touching or pulling on eyelids since this can stretch out skin prematurely, leading to sagging later in life!

Remember that your skin is unique—and that means you might have different needs from one season to the next. Keep in mind that these are just some general guidelines, and be sure to talk with a dermatologist if you have any concerns about what products will work best for your skin type.

Images – Karolina Grabowska via Pexels

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