Do my skincare products work? How many times has that question crossed your mind as you stared in the mirror? With so much emphasis on skincare routines, and thousands of products on the market, how can you tell if your hard-earned dollars are being well spent on the right skincare products?
This post will address common skincare questions and shed some light on how to know if your beloved products are doing what they should. By the end of this post, you’ll be a more informed skincare lover and consumer!
Let’s start with the most obvious question …
QUESTION #1: How do I know if a skincare product works for me?
ANSWER: The most obvious sign that a skincare product is working is that your skin feels comfortable and nourished – not dry, itchy or tight. Over time, you’ll notice your skin feels softer or smoother than usual. You might look in the mirror and notice that your complexion seems a bit brighter and more radiant.
There are three easy ways to gauge progress with a new skincare treatment:
1. Photos: take a “before” picture of your skin on the first day of use. Take another on day seven, then after two weeks, then after a month. These visual progress reports should reveal the subtle changes in your skin.
2. Monitor problem areas and note any changes as a result of a specific product.
3. Ask your facialist whether the products they recommended have made significant changes since the last time you visited (ideally, 6-8 weeks later)
QUESTION #2: Do I have to feel something to know the product is working?
ANSWER: Depending on the product and your skin’s sensitivity, you may or may not feel a slight reaction. Suppose you feel any itching, burning, or prickling sensations. In that case, it is time to discontinue use and wash the product off right away. Do not believe that discomfort equals results. When the skin itches or burns, it’s sending a message of barrier disruption. Your skin is naturally meant to protect you. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is fundamental to proper skincare, so you should always be mindful of product pH. The only time you should seek to disrupt your skin’s natural barrier is under supervised medical treatment.
QUESTION #3: How long does it take to see the results of a skincare product?
ANSWER: Julia always preaches preventative versus restorative skincare for the simple reason that it’s easier to maintain your skin than to fix it. That’s why quality products and regular professional cleanings are so important.
The idea of overnight transformation, while prevalent in beauty marketing, is not how skin functions.That said, cleansers and exfoliants will quickly provide visible and tactile results, whereas serums and moisturizes will show results after about a month because the skin cycle takes that long to replenish surface cells. After a full period of skin turnover, you’ll see if the skin that’s resurfacing looks and feels healthier.
You know your skin best. If you are unsatisfied with the product, stop using it. Most reputable skincare companies and purveyors will take slightly used product back due to customer dissatisfaction for any reason.
QUESTION #4: What are some tell-tale signs that a skincare product or treatment is not working for me?
ANSWER: Here is a list of danger signs to look out for and some general indicators that the product is not best suited to your skin:
• Redness, itching, irritation, burning – all signal a reaction.
• It doesn’t treat your concern – if you are using a moisturizer and continuing to see dry patches or experience tightness, it’s not working for you. Similarly, if you are using a night cream and breaking out in whiteheads, it is probably too rich for your skin.
• Most professional brands claim to be clinically or dermatologically tested. Even so, it doesn’t mean that the formulation is right for your skin. Everyone’s skin is different and changes during the seasons, so you must pay close attention to how it feels to know whether it’s worth your time and money.
Tip: Do a patch test on your neck or on your inner forearm for two days before applying to the face. Estheticians provide samples to save you from committing to the wrong product.
QUESTION #5: Is there anything I can do to make my new skincare products work more quickly or effectively?
ANSWER: You can stimulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores by exfoliating a few times a week with a scrub or daily with a rice-based exfoliator like Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. It’s important not to exfoliate too often because you will encourage oil production and strip the skin of its natural pH levels. It can also become sensitive and irritated.
Serums also prep the skin to better absorb the moisturizer that you layer on top.
Professional facials are the best way to ensure your skin is clean and primed to absorb the products you use.
In Summary
The best thing we can do for our skin is to consistently take care of it and pay attention to how it feels. There are a million products on the market – some of them will work for you and some won’t. If you know you have sensitive skin, start with products tailored to your skin type.
While it can be frustrating, informed trial and error is the best way to nail down the skincare products that work best.
Talk to Pauline about your skincare concerns and goals. She will guide you based on her extensive product knowledge and experience.