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The change in the seasons is synonymous with changes in our wardrobes, food choices and, sadly, the amount of sunshine in our lives. It’s also a time when many of us start reassessing our daily skincare routine and see what could do with a little shake-up—for the benefit of our skin and our hip pocket.
There are a number of reasons to rethink your skincare routine, as our skin changes over time and seasons, and so do its daily needs. As we move from warm to cool temps and back again, and even as we age, our skin has different needs, a new season is a great opportunity to check in and ask what’s working and what could be switched up. It’s also an ideal time to do a little research to see if there are budget-friendly replacements for your daily products that perform just as well, if not better.
Before we dive into possible changes that could work for you, it’s helpful to identify what type of skin you’re working with. Most of us fall into four major categories when it comes to skin type: dry, oily, combination (oily with dry patches), or normal (a balanced combination of both). It’s worth noting that our skin type can also experience fluctuations in sensitivity, hydration, or texture as well. Once you figure out your skin type and its needs, you’ll be able to craft a fresh routine to help you along your skincare journey.
Read on and find out four signs that it might be time to switch up your skincare routine.
A Change In Hydration Or Texture
If you notice that your skin has become oily or dry, or if you are experiencing breakouts more frequently than usual, it may be time to adjust your routine. It can be easy to fall into a habit with your current products (because consistency is key right?), but they may not be servicing your skin the same way you need them to. Before you spend your coin on new products, experiment with the frequency with which you use existing products and consider other factors like drinking more water, improving the quality of your sleep, or managing stress, as these can play a huge part in supporting healthy skin. Head over here for some tips and tricks to tackle your stress.
A Lack Of Changes After Sustained Use
If you’re not seeing the desired effects of your current products or a recent addition to your routine, it might be time to move on to something new. Nabbing samples of products you’re keen to try is a great way to test the waters without laying down the cash for a product you might not gel with.
Feeling Weighed Down Or Congested
Another trap to look out for is the overuse of products. Because we’ve all been tempted by convincing recommendations (hello Instagram scroll hole) that aren’t actually right for our skin, we can often end up with products we don’t need. Plus, using a lot of different products can lead to irritation, dryness or breakouts if the combination isn’t harmonious. If you are using too many products your skin can be left feeling sensitive or uncomfortable—particularly if you use a lot of actives. You may want to try reducing the number of products you're putting on your face or give skin cycling a go to reduce your day-to-day products whilst still enjoying the benefits of a number of ingredients.
Noticeable Changes In Colour
If you are experiencing redness, irritation, or a reaction to your current products, you may have sensitive skin which doesn’t match well with what you’re putting on it. Sometimes we like to think of the tingle that some products such as Vitamin C and Retinol produce as the product working deep into our pores (no pain no gain, right?). But if that tingling is becoming a stinging sensation, it’s likely time to switch to something more gentle on your skin.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re noticing an increase in redness, hyperpigmentation or melasma during the warmer weather, it’s time to change up your SPF habits—and this extends to how to best slip, slop and slap to support your sunscreen. Check that you’re using an SPF50+ sunscreen daily, and be sure to reapply throughout the day and after spending time in the water or after exercise.
Skincare can be an intimidating and confusing world, but taking a few moments to assess your current routine can do wonders in sending your skin in the right direction. If you have concerns about the health of your skin, always talk to a professional.
For more information on how to take care of your skin under the Aussie sun, head over here.
This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.
This article is sponsored by HBF and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Urban List.