When It’s Time to Change Up Your Skincare Regimen

A question I get asked frequently is…"Is it okay to combine different products from different regimens and brands?" The answer can be somewhat complex based on your individual skin type and concerns.

First think about why you might want to add a product from another regimen into your main routine. You can always gauge your skin's needs by how it looks and feels. Maybe at the end of summer you're noticing a few dark spots on your skin that weren't there before? Maybe your breakouts are under control but you still see some post-acne marks? Have those few annoying blemishes become more frequent? Maybe you got too much sun and your skin is blotchy or dull? Or maybe your skin is feeling more sensitive than usual with redness occurring more often? Then consider lifestyle reasons for adding in a new product. Are you changing climates drastically? Skiing in the winter or vacationing in the dry desert? Do you want to look fresh and young for a class reunion or wedding? Next, understand how your current skincare routine works so that you can address what you want to do, but not undo your hard-earned results that come from consistency.

Here are some simple tips from DermRF.com's aesthetic Registered Nurse Mary Radford:

If you have sensitive skin, use a regimen targeted towards sensitive skin such as SOOTHE consistently for at least 30 days before introducing anything new, and always try a patch test before you use it on your full face. For example, if you have a few lines and wrinkles, you can add in a baby step with an anti-aging moisturizer such as REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles. A slow transition to a new regimen is best. Start with just once every other day. If you switch to another regimen and notice increased sensitivity or have any flare-ups from a single product, don't worry. Return to SOOTHE or your sensitive skin regimen for a week or two and try again. You can always go back to just using your sensitive skin regimen.

If you are using an anti-acne regimen, wait until your skin is clear before trying something new. Once it is, you can add products for different skin concerns in the evening as directed, but make sure to use your acne regimen at least once a day because acne is not cured and still needs to be managed. If your skin breaks out due to a hormonal cycle or stress, simply return to your acne regimen twice a day for as long as needed.

Individuals that use a regimen targeted towards sun damage and dark spots such as the REVERSE Brightening regimen will see the fastest results in the shortest amount of time when using the regimen twice a day. So wait until you reach brighter, more even-toned skin before introducing any other product. If you break out, try using an acne cleanser once a day. Or if you're seeing fine lines and wrinkles, add in an anti-aging moisturizer over your regimen, but always continue with your regimen targeted towards sun damage and dark spots until you reach your goal. Use it at least once a day to keep discoloration at bay.

Individuals that use an anti-aging regimen such as the REDEFINE regimen can easily add in a derma roller system for visible firmness and micro-exfoliation. For occasional breakouts, use an acne cleanser once a day. Use a sensitive skin treatment if you have occasional sensitivity. And if you're seeing a few dark marks, try the REVERSE Brightening regimen once every other morning, and increase as directed. You can continue to layer REDEFINE creams morning and evening over REVERSE.  

Keep in mind that the best results come from using a full regimen consistently. Also, using safe and effective products with a multi-med therapy approach (the right ingredients in the right formulations applied in the right order for visible results) is so important too. Cherry-picking products to use can deliver less than optimal results in the long run. It is like going to the gym and just doing bicep curls or leg lifts only. Let your skin see all the benefits from a full regimen used consistently. Adding something from another regimen should do just that, add to it, not disrupt it.

If you are looking for skincare products targeted towards your individual skin type and concerns, take my simple skincare assessment here to find out what is best for your skincare goals.

Source:

https://www.dermrf.com/2019/07/be-a-regimen-mixologist-best-practice-tips/