How to Safely Introduce Skincare Actives in Your Routine 

Home » Lifestyle » How to Safely Introduce Skincare Actives in Your Routine 

Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by

Skincare actives are all the rage these days! You’ll see everyone raving about them on social media. And more and more brand are advertising skincare actives as the holy grail for skin issues. They’re not entirely misleading. Skincare actives like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, AHA, BHA etc are truly game changers. However, there are certain rules by which you need to abide if you want your skin to benefit from all these ingredients. If gone wrong, these actives can definitely do more harm than good for your skin. But fret not, we have just the solution for you. Here are our top tips to safely introduce skincare actives in your routine.

Tips to Introduce Skincare Actives in Your Routine 

Choose Your Actives Wisely

The first step to start including skincare actives in your routine is to identify your skin type and concerns. Once you figure out what you need working on, you can pick and choose the actives that you should be including in your routine. While there are many actives to choose from, using the wrong ones can actually do more harm than good. If your skin feels dehydrated, you need hyaluronic acid, if your skin feels dull, you need vitamin C and if acne is your problem, then you need niacinamide, and the list goes on. So make sure you identify your skin problem before you dive into the world of actives. And once your issue is resolved and your skin feels better, it’s best to gradually phase out the active from your routine. 

Try Samples Before Investing in a Product

Some skincare products can be quite expensive. And no product is a one stop solution for everyone. So make sure you invest in products that actually work for your skin. To judge properly, start by buying sample size products or minis. That way you can slowly introduce skincare actives for a few days and judge its effectiveness and also save on money. Once you’re sure the product works for you, you can opt for full sizes. Also, before you buy a product, make sure you read the reviews and the packaging for proper information about the ingredients and purpose of the product.

[Also Read: Questions to ask Your MUA Before Finalising a Bridal Makeup Booking]

Don’t Forget to do a Patch Test

Now that you’ve decided to buy a new product and you already have a sample, don’t go simply applying it on your whole face. If the product doesn’t suit your skin or if any ingredient reacts badly, you could be left with a red and swollen face. So make sure to do a patch test first. Apply the product on a small area, on your wrist or behind your ear and wait for 24 hours. If there isn’t any reaction, then that means you can start using the product. But if your skin reacts in any way, wash the product off immediately and simply throw it away. It just doesn’t agree with your skin and is not worth it at all, no matter how much it has been hailed on best social media ads.    

Start Slow and Gradually Introduce Skincare Actives

Don’t be in a rush to start using all the skincare actives at once. Since you’re new to them, you can’t be sure how your skin will react to it. So as a thumb rule, it is advised to gradually introduce each product in your routine. Generally, it takes about two to three weeks for your skin to get used to a product. So make sure you leave that buffer period in between two products. Also, not all products can be layered together. Be careful while layering and if need be, use different products on alternate days.

Don’t Forget to Wear SPF

Most skincare actives make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, at least for a while after applying. Specifically exfoliating actives like AHA, BHA and retinol. Since these actives promote cell turnover, the new skin cells can easily burn if they are left unprotected. So it is absolutely necessary to end your morning skincare routine with a good, broad spectrum SPF. Not only that, some products actually work much better when layered with sunscreen. For example, vitamin c serum becomes all the more effective when it is used with sunscreen. You don’t want all your efforts to go to waste, so always protect your skin from sun damage when you’re using actives. 

[Also Read: Trendy Bridal Mehendi Designs for Feet]

Learn how to Layer Safely

While it is okay to use multiple skincare actives in your routine, not all of them can be layered together. Some actives, when layered, can severely harm the skin and lead to serious problems. Make sure you research before you start applying any new skincare products. Keep an eye out for products that are advised not to be layered together. What you can do is, apply two contradicting products on alternate days. You can even use some of these products once a week, like chemical peels. On days when you’re using these products, make sure you skip all the other actives and keep your skincare routine simple.   

Do Your Pre and Post Care Diligently 

There are many things to keep in consideration when you’re using skincare actives. For example, how to care for your skin before and after applying a product. Our skin is extremely sensitive, so you have to be careful about the way you’re using these products. Before applying any serums or moisturizers, wash your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser. Don’t scrub, don’t use harsh chemicals and don’t wipe your face fully before applying an active. Most products absorb and work better on a damp face. If you have makeup on, make sure you double cleanse to get rid of any residual makeup. Similarly, after applying these products, make sure you don’t sleep on a dirty pillowcase, wear SPF diligently and drink plenty of water. 

[Also Read: Best Hollywood and Bollywood Celebrity Engagement Rings]

Look out for Skin Purging 

Sometimes, when you’re using new skincare products, they can lead to acne, whiteheads and blackheads. This could either be an allergic reaction or simply your skin’s way of getting used to the product. Some skincare actives promote skin cell turnover, which means your skin starts shedding dead skin cells. But before the new cells come to the surface, there are other things that must come to the surface and get purged out of your skin. These are excess sebum, oil, flakes and buildup that clog pores. This is what is known as skin purging. The best way to avoid this is to slowly let your skin get used to the product. Start with using a new product once a week and then gradually increase the usage as your skin gets used to it. Also, make sure you never start using a new product before an important occasion. 

Pro Tip: skin purging is different from a bad allergic reaction. If you think your skin is reacting badly to a product, discontinue usage immediately or visit a dermat for further clarity.

 

We hope you found these tips helpful. For more such tips on skincare and makeup, stay tuned to Styl Inc Blogs.

Keep’in it Styl’ ish,

Signing off,

Kashika