The Importance of Skincare Consistency

The Importance of Skincare Consistency
BY DANIELLE JOHNSON

During the pandemic, some may have noticed fewer breakouts while staying home and taking a rest from doing their makeup every day. Others may have noticed more breakouts caused by a lack of access to clean masks daily, an overabundance of stressors due to the pandemic, or losing daily skincare routines. I stick to a few major points when discussing acne-prone skin daily regimens:

1. Limit the number of products you are using

If you are beginning a skincare routine or don’t know if yours is working, I would start here. Using a few products on your skin to start is the key to understanding how your skin responds to certain products. But, if we dive in headfirst with 5-10 different products, how can we know for sure which product is helping our skin and which product is potentially doing the opposite? Acne-prone skin is highly sensitive, so we must treat it like such and carefully choose each product. Once you know what each product is doing for your skin, you can then add or eliminate it accordingly.

2. Limit the amount of product you are using

Believe it or not, the amount of product that you need to cover your entire face is that of a green pea or just slightly bigger. Not a quarter, not a half dollar, A GREEN PEA. Be careful not to over saturate with thick moisturizers. Saturating your skin with oils and moisturizers could be the reason you are taking steps backward or seeing no improvement at all. On the contrary, it may be okay to use a bit more cleanser since it will wash off anyway. A little bit goes a long way in most instances.

3. Be consistent

Consistency is critical in skincare. Most of us want instant gratification when trying new products. Your friends may swear by them, or you see ads for the product showing before and after photos. But how long did your friend use the product before seeing a result? Have you given your current product enough time to truly work before making a switch? Give each item 2-4 months to see any differences. It doesn’t mean all blemishes will disappear within this time frame, but there will be a reduction or a noticeable change from when you began. Take progress pictures. Compare day one to month four. Is there a change? Keep going. Is there no change? Maybe it is time to add or eliminate a product. As always, do your research and know what each product’s ingredients should do for your skin in the long run.

4. Wear an SPF

A daily SPF is always recommended. Although the sun provides our bodies with beneficial Vitamin D, prolonged sun exposure without the proper protection may damage the skin. SPF helps to protect against skin damage, it slows fine lines and wrinkles, and it also helps to decrease the noticeability of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne. Unfortunately, many underestimate the amount of sun exposure we receive daily- driving in our cars, walking our dogs, gardening, and playing with the kids outside. Adding this SPF to your morning routine can help prevent sun damage long-term. And, of course, don’t forget to reapply at least every 60-90 minutes if you are going to be sun-exposed for long hours.

Patience and consistency play prominent roles in starting and solidifying a skincare routine. Do your research and know what is being applied to the skin. If you are unsure if your skin will agree with a product, spot treat on an area away from the face first. And, if you cannot find the answer to your specific questions or see no change when you feel as if you have given a product ample amount of time to work, do not hesitate to reach out to your local Dermatology provider.