Nowadays the supermarket shelves are busting with any number of colourful tubes and bottles of creams, serums, masks, tonics and everything else that is supposed to make our skin look better. Scrolling through the web or walking through the city, we see skincare brands promote their products as the ultimate problem solvers.
But do all of these products have the potential to make our skin shiny and young forever? Or is changing a necessity? And if yes, how often do we need to make that tough decision between this cream with a pretty label and that one that the friend recommended.
IT STOPPED WORKING!
Homo Sapiens have been learning to adapt to the environment for a long time now. This is how we survive and this is how our skin deals with the outside world too. So after all it should come as no surprise that it learns to adapt to your new cream too.
As soon as you put a new product on the surface of your skin, it experiences a shock. It reacts immediately and you can see some results shortly. But with time the “surprise” feelings fade, the skin learns to deal with the intruders and eventually comes to expect the new guests.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CHANGE
A skin cycle is a process during which a cell is born, matures slowly and then dies out. Its average duration is six weeks, so anything before that means that the cells haven’t had the chance to experience the whole range of effects from the skincare product.
If you just started using a product we suggest waiting for a full cycle to see the result before switching. It can also prove helpful to lead a journal. Writing down any changes in your skincare or nutrition or even moods can definitely prove helpful in identifying your personal skin reaction patterns.
PRODUCTS DO NOT ALWAYS MATCH
It can often be the case that your favourite cream is just not that into the new cleansing foam. Many products are aimed at changing the pH levels of the skin. That’s where the directions “for oily” or “for dry” skin are based on.
The pH of ‘normal’ skin is close to 5.5, while dry skin is more acid (pH < 5.5), and oily skin more alkaline (pH > 5.5).
Pay attention to the labels and pH levels of the product before choosing.
YOUR SKIN IS TOO THICK
Our body creates a natural protective layer of dead skin cells that shield us off the pollutants as well as the good creams we are trying to apply on it. Exfoliation is the key when it comes to skincare. A mechanical or chemical peeling once a month can assure all your expensive products get exactly where they are supposed to get.
PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS
Choosing truly YOUR skincare can be a headache, especially for dry or acne-prone skin. It is important to keep in mind that certain products can be too harsh and require you to take a break from them, while others might only start working after a couple of months of usage.
Consulting a cosmetologist or a beautician is always helpful in determining the right path for your skincare solutions. Even one session with a professional can redefine how you see your skincare routine.
OMG YES!