Should I Change My Skincare Routine?

Here at HIKOCO, we understand how much time and effort is put into researching your perfect skincare regime. But as we evolve, our skin does too, responding to changes in environment, lifestyle, and products. Consistency is important to see results, but sometimes we need to know when it’s time to listen to our skin, and tweak our routines. Read on for some signs and tricks to maintain your glow!

Unusual Breakouts

While occasional breakouts are normal, especially during periods of hormonal fluctuations or stress, persistent or unusual breakouts could be a sign of an underlying issue. If you're experiencing breakouts in new or unexpected areas of your face, it may be a sign of a reactive breakout triggered by a skincare product - so pay attention and be prepared to adjust accordingly!

For those experiencing breakouts, try incorporate barrier-strengthening into your routine - look for ingredients like Centella, Mugwort and Heartleaf 🌱 If you don’t want to swap out something you’re currently using, Rovectin has a Barrier Repair Oil specifically for this reason; one you can easily add to your routine.

Dryness

Dryness is especially common during winter, but could also be due to certain ingredients, or a change in skin’s natural moisture balance. If you find that you’re experiencing dry or flaky skin as soon as your skincare dries up, that may be a sign to swap out certain ingredients - think retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, salicylic acid, and fragrances. To prevent further damage, consider giving any products with these ingredients a break for a while. 

Alternatively, you can choose to combat their drying effects with moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and panthenol. Serums and essences are the best way to add extra moisture into your routine, but if you want additional care, this Round Lab Dokdo Sleeping Pack is a gentle option that will keep your skin moisturised through the night.

Excess Sebum Production

On the flip side, if your skin is feeling overly oily, it could be a sign of over-exfoliation or excessive cleansing. While it's important to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, stripping the skin of its natural oils can trigger a rebound effect, causing it to produce even more oil.

To restore this balance, opt for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser that won’t leave your skin feeling tight after cleansing. Something with a low pH like this Pyunkang Yul Cleanser is ideal. You might also consider scaling back on exfoliation to allow your skin's natural balance to restore itself. That means both physical and chemical, so give those AHAs and BHAs a break! But remember, even oily skin needs hydration, so don't skip the moisturiser altogether.

Redness 

Redness and uneven skin tones can be a sign of various underlying issues, including inflammation, irritation, or sun damage. External factors such as alcohol consumption, stress, or prolonged sun exposure can exacerbate these symptoms, altering the chemical makeup of your skin and affecting how it reacts to skincare products.

If you notice increased redness or irritation after using a particular product, it may be time to eliminate it from your routine and opt for gentler alternatives. Like mentioned above, consider swapping out harsh products for something gentler and soothing during this time. Look out for products with Centella, Aloe Vera, or Green Tea. Mild and low pH products will be your best friend too!

In the quest for flawless skin, it's crucial to remember that skincare routines should adapt alongside our ever-changing skin. Of course, there doesn’t need to be a problem for you to change your routine - maybe you just want a different look! So whether it's adjusting to changes in the seasons or your lifestyle, listening to our skin is key to keeping our glass-skin glow ✨  

Cover Photo: Getty Images