According to Joanna Vargas, a famous facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care in New York and Los Angeles, it is important to switch up your skincare routine over time. Vargas suggests that you should only introduce one new product into your routine at a time, and give each product at least two weeks before introducing another one. If you think the product may irritate your skin, take a step back. It is important to note that some types of products, such as retinoids or AHAs, may cause irritation at first, but this does not necessarily mean that the product is doing something good for you.
Therefore, it is best to consult a dermatologist for guidance. Switching from a product with the same active ingredients, such as switching from one salicylic acid cleanser to another, is less likely to hinder your progress. In general, most people benefit from adding richer, creamier, or oil-containing products when it's cold and using lighter, water-based, fat-controlling products during warm seasons. You can keep the base of your skincare routine the same while adding or subtracting products for the season. When it comes to colder temperatures, it may be necessary to reevaluate summer tested products and see if they are appropriate for fall. For example, vitamin C inhibits the production of melanin which takes longer.
Additionally, if you are outdoors for extended periods of time, you need to be more aware of the products in your routine that can increase your sensitivity to the sun (such as retinoids). If you switch from one retinoid to other acne products on different days, you may not notice any changes for a longer time. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, there may be certain skin care products that you cannot use for safety reasons. Furthermore, if you switch products regularly and do not use them consistently at least once a day, you may not see any results. Using ineffective or simply the wrong products can cause irritation, dryness or breakouts. For instance, acne-prone people may use products that are too aggressive which strip moisture and lipids from the skin.
