Are you a skin minimalist or do you love an extensive routine? Once upon a time, a skincare routine consisted of face wash and a moisturizer. In college (a long ago version of me), I was lucky if I remembered to wash my face at night. Now, the possibilities are endless, with morning and evening skincare routines consisting of a cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, spot treatment, hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, sunscreen, essence, masks\u2026 and more. <\/p>\n

Over the past few years, I\u2019ve tried to maintain a minimal routine but from time to time, I can\u2019t help but add a glossy and cleverly marketed product. There are so many ingredients and treatments I want to experiment with and subsequently go on about to you all in the form of a personal essay. In reality, due to a combination of time and money, I find it difficult and confusing to maintain an extensive routine.<\/p>\n

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet and every beauty company is trying to sell us something. Case in point, in 2020, the global anti-aging market alone was estimated to be worth about 58.5 billion US dollars<\/a>. We all want the holy grail product that will make us look younger, more beautiful, successful and in general solve all of our issues, but what does our skin really need? Are all the products in a fifteen step routine efficacious and\/or necessary? Are we causing more damage to our skin by using too many products?<\/p>\n

To find out how much beauty is too much beauty, we asked the experts \u2013 two board-certified dermatologists and a celebrity aesthetician, to answer all our questions. From product combinations to avoid to what to do if you\u2019re experiencing a skin reaction, we break it all down below. <\/p>\n

First things first, how do I know if I\u2019m using too many skincare products? <\/strong>
\nYou never want to throw your skin off balance, says board-certified dermatologist and surgeon, Dr. Dennis Gross<\/a>. How do you know if your skin is off balance? \u201cSkin that is out of balance appears inflamed, red and can sometimes have a rash or breakouts.\u201d According to celebrity esthetician and founder of her eponymous skincare brand, Shani Darden<\/a>, if you\u2019re experiencing irritation or even breakouts, it could be from using too many products at once. It could also be from products that are not right for your skin and do not work synergistically, says Dr. Gross. <\/p>\n

What do I do if I experience a reaction from a product or combination of products?<\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re noticing skin irritation, \u201creduce the frequency that you\u2019re using active treatments and focus on hydrating and soothing ingredients to help restore balance,\u201d says Darden. Using too many active products can also lead to a compromised skin barrier, meaning that \u201cthe skin might be red, irritated, or even painful,\u201d says Darden. \u201cIf products are stinging your face when you apply them, it may be that the barrier is compromised. Skin could feel tight or itchy as well.\u201d A common culprit? Overuse of exfoliants. If you notice a new product is causing redness and flaking or other unusual symptoms, stop using it and see your dermatologist if it doesn\u2019t resolve in a day or two, says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mudgil Dermatology<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Is it important to have a skincare routine every day or is skipping days a necessary break?<\/strong>
\nBoth Darden and Dr. Gross agree that consistency is the key to results. \u201cConsistency is truly important,\u201d says Darden, \u201chowever, it is important to listen to your skin. If your skin is feeling a little dry or irritated, skip your retinol or exfoliating product that evening, instead opting for a hydrating serum and moisturizer only.\u201d Skincare should be customized and doesn\u2019t fit a one size fits all approach.<\/p>\n

What is one product that you should never skip?<\/strong>
\nSunscreen! According to Dr. Mudgil, SPF is \u201cthe single most important skincare product. An SPF 30 with titanium or zinc oxide is ideal.\u201d Sunscreen use can help prevent skin cancer by protecting you from harmful ultraviolet rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology<\/a> (AAD), it is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, which is a terrifying statistic. The AAD recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun\u2019s UVB rays. Moral of the story \u2013 wear sunscreen daily, even if you\u2019re not going to the beach. <\/p>\n

How long should you use a product to truly understand if it\u2019s working?<\/strong>
\n\u201cIt takes about a month to see the effect of any product on the skin,\u201d says Dr. Mudgil. For skincare products, instant gratification isn\u2019t always a realistic possibility. So don\u2019t give up if you\u2019re not seeing results immediately. Take a scientific approach and observe the effect of one product before moving on to the next. <\/p>\n

Are there products that counteract each other?<\/strong>
\nAvoid mixing retinol with Vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid. One combination of products that should not be used directly together is Vitamin C and Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative. Individually, these are active ingredients that can benefit your skin but together, they can cause skin irritation, redness and sensitivity when layered on top of each other. This also depends on the concentration of each ingredient and your skin\u2019s tolerance, as in, are you just starting to dabble in actives or are you accustomed to multi-step skincare routines? <\/p>\n

Darden recommends using the products at different times of the day to get the full benefits of each ingredient, without the irritation that comes with a layered approach. \u201cVitamin C is best used during the day to get the full antioxidant benefits [since it] helps to offset environmental stressors such as pollution and UV exposure,\u201d says Darden. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, protects the skin against free radicals and repairs skin and helps with brightening dark spots (hyperpigmentation). <\/p>\n

\u201cRetinol is best used at night [since] it can cause some sensitivity to the sun [plus] you\u2019ll get the most benefit out of a retinol while using at night when your skin is in repair mode,\u201d she adds. Retinol promotes skin-cell turnover to help minimize the appearance of fine lines, reduces signs of aging, helps treat acne, and overall contributes to a refreshed appearance. It should also be introduced slowly and gently, depending on skin tolerance. If your skin becomes dry, hold back and decrease frequency of use. <\/p>\n

Another option Darden recommends when using multiple active products, such as a retinol and a chemical exfoliant, is to alternate nights to avoid causing any irritation to the skin. The key to any good skincare routine is to understand the purpose of each ingredient and use them at the right frequency to get the most benefit without side effects. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re on a prescription retinol, do not use benzoyl peroxide. This will lead to skin inflammation and could potentially cause damage to your moisture barrier, says Dr. Gross. If you are \u201cusing a chemical exfoliant with alpha and beta hydroxy acids in addition to a retinol, use the exfoliant in your morning routine and the retinol at night,\u201d he adds. Additionally, avoid using retinol with glycolic acid and salicylic acid as they can dry out and irritate the skin, adds Dr. Mudgil. <\/p>\n

Are there products that block absorption of another product when used together? <\/strong>
\nOne example of products that block absorption of each other is using a moisturizer before a retinol, however this can lead to a positive result. Using moisturizer before retinol can \u201cbuffer the effects of retinol,\u201d says Darden. She suggests using \u201ca little moisturizer beforehand, followed by retinol, to reduce irritation, dryness or redness.\u201d <\/p>\n

What are common mistakes consumers make with skincare?<\/strong>
\n\u201cOne of the most important things you can do for your skin is to figure out exactly which product works best for your skin,\u201d says Darden. In other words, tailor your skincare routine to what you specifically need. It can be tempting to see a skincare routine on social media and assume it can be directly correlated to your own skin type. I\u2019ve certainly been guilty of the same but \u201cwhat works for someone else, may not work great for your skin,\u201d both Darden and Dr. Gross agree. <\/p>\n

\u201cUsing too many products or too many of the wrong products for your skin type can cause a lot of irritation. If your skin is inconsistently oily and dry or breaking out, it could be because you\u2019re using the wrong products for your skin type,\u201d says Darden. You know you\u2019re using the right product types and number of products when your skin is \u201cbalanced, glowing and hydrated.\u201d It takes trial and error to figure out what works. <\/p>\n

What does it mean to be a smart consumer of skincare? <\/strong>
\n\u201cResearch the products you\u2019re using and figure out what is best for your skin,\u201d says Darden. Instead of using products because they\u2019re trendy or someone else is using them, \u201cuse what is best for your skin to get the best results,\u201d she adds. It\u2019s important to understand your skin type and what ingredients you actually need. Many online resources offer this education. Dr. Gross has free masterclasses in which he discusses assessing skin types and skin concerns such as aging, acne and hyperpigmentation. <\/p>\n

Can\u2019t I just use a moisturizer and be done with it? <\/strong>
\nMaybe not. In a single center clinical study<\/a> published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology comparing the use of a moisturizer plus hydrating serum versus a moisturizer alone, investigators found a statistically significant improvement in facial skin parameters such as reduction in dryness and increased skin softness after two weeks of combined use compared to the group who used moisturizer alone. Ah, data. <\/p>\n

I\u2019m new to skincare. Where should I start? <\/strong>
\nAn ideal skincare routine is based on your specific needs. \u201cStart with the basics, such as a cleanser, sunscreen, and a great moisturizer for your skin type and a treatment serum, [such as] a retinol or acne treatment,\u201d says Darden. Serums can be a splurge but they have \u201cthe highest concentration of actives,\u201d she adds. Serums contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients and are lightweight products that absorb quickly into your skin and can help target specific skin concerns. Whenever I\u2019ve done 10+ step routines in the past, I\u2019ve had trouble keeping up and essentially set myself up for failure. \u201cKeeping your regimen simple to start will make it easier to develop a daily morning and night routine habit,\u201d says Dr. Gross. \u201cOnce that is achieved, you can begin adding additional products like an eye cream or at-home LED device to give your skin an additional boost,\u201d he adds. <\/p>\n

Darden recommends adding a retinol, such as her product, Retinol Reform, which has \u201c2.2% encapsulated retinol and provides multiple anti-aging benefits without the dryness and irritation often experienced with other retinol products.\u201d Retinol should be used in the evening before bed as it can also cause photosensitivity. Retinol helps to \u201creduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone, dullness, blemishes and acne scars,\u201d says Darden. Retinol Reform also contains 2% lactic acid, which \u201chelps to brighten and smooth skin, so you get both immediate benefits and long-term results.\u201d If your skin is feeling on the dryer side, she recommends adding hyaluronic acid serum to \u201cplump up and hydrate the skin.\u201d Then, add a moisturizer.<\/p>\n

The last step in your routine should be sunscreen. Shani recommends wearing sunscreen every single day, no matter what and loves Supergoop\u2019s Play Everyday Sunscreen, \u201cwhich is lightly hydrating yet doesn\u2019t cause congestion.\u201d <\/p>\n

I\u2019m overloaded with skincare. What should I do? <\/strong>
\n\u201cReduce what you\u2019re using and stick to the basics, such as a great cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer, active treatment and an antioxidant serum,\u201d says Darden. Darden suggests adding in active products such as retinol, vitamin C or exfoliants \u201cvery slowly to pinpoint what actually works. It\u2019s the only way to narrow down products to determine what is best for your skin type specifically.\u201d <\/p>\n

Patch testing is also recommended when introducing active products to your skincare routine. Dr. Gross recommends looking at the active ingredients in the products you are using. \u201cThe key ingredient pillars are vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a physical SPF block. Look for products that use a cocktail of these ingredients to pare down your regimen.\u201d He recommends looking at clinical brands that combine these ingredients instead of trying to play chemist and mixing and matching yourself. <\/p>\n

My takeaway? The routine that truly works is the one you are able to do consistently. As for how much beauty is too much beauty? It\u2019s up to the individual to decide. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Are you a skin minimalist or do you love an extensive routine? Once upon a time, a skincare routine consisted of face wash and a moisturizer. In college (a long ago version of me), I was lucky if I remembered to wash my face at night. Now, the possibilities are endless, with morning and evening […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8,1385],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291346"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=291346"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291346\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":291360,"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/291346\/revisions\/291360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=291346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=291346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.wearedore.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=291346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}