How to Tell Whether Your Skincare Products Are Doing Their Job

You know your skin better than anyone else. This is especially true if you have a history of troublesome skin. You might experience acne, hyperpigmentation, redness, dryness, or a combination of all the above. While you may be frustrated with your skin at times, there are products available to help with your skin woes. 

Finding products you love — and that truly work for you — can be hard to do. You may be tempted to switch up your products every other week, but that’s likely not the best approach. It takes time for your skin to adapt to a new routine. Being consistent is also important. Having a regular morning and night skin care ritual keeps your face clean and fresh.

That said, how do you know if your skincare products are working? Well we’re here to help answer that question! Keep reading to learn some for-sure signs that the products you’re buying are doing what they’re supposed to be doing.

1. Your Skin Is Clear

Clear skin is the ultimate goal. Having skin that’s free of pimples and blackheads is easier said than done, particularly for some individuals. If you dealt with teenage acne, you may be wondering why what you once used is no longer working for you. The main reason is that our skin microbiome changes as we age. Not to mention, other factors such as stress, hormones, and environmental concerns can become more prominent as we age.

Even if you didn’t have acne as a teen, adult acne is a whole other beast to tackle. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t found the best acne treatment for your needs yet. There are several routes you can take, from topical ointments to retinoids to antibiotics. Each has its own unique purpose, and you may not need to use all of them at once or at all.

You’ll know your skincare products are working if your skin is free of bumps. Your skin should feel smooth to the touch. Your pores should be smaller in size. You may have the occasional breakout, but they are far and few between. Lastly, you’ll start feeling more confident which will in turn brighten your appearance and complexion.

2. Your Skin Is Balanced

You know the feeling after a great yoga class? You feel lighter, more at ease, and calm. Well when your skin is balanced, you’ll start to feel the same way! Balanced skin can best be tested by evaluating the skin’s pH levels. This impacts the skin’s ability to retain moisture and act as a barrier to external factors. 

The ultimate pH for your skin is around 4.5 to 5.5. Obviously, it’s tough to know what your pH is though without taking a test. Signs of unbalanced skin include redness, irritation, acne, and oiliness. Your pH can also change due to the weather, leaving your skin parched in the winter and greasy in the summer.

Balanced skin is all about hydration, so you’ll know your products are working if your skin feels supple to touch. You shouldn’t have any premature signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. You also shouldn’t feel oily or greasy or see significant redness or dry patches. Work with a dermatologist if you think your skin’s pH is off kilter so you can achieve a better balance.

3. Your Skin Is Glowing

Happy skin is all about that effervescent glow. When your skin is glowing, your whole demeanor changes. You feel vibrant. You can’t help but keep looking at yourself in the mirror. You feel fresh and healthy from the inside out.

Getting glowing skin will not happen overnight. And even the best products can’t help you achieve that vibrancy alone. You’ll also want to adopt some healthy lifestyle behaviors such as eating nutritious foods and drinking plenty of water. The combination of lifestyle and a diligent skin care routine is a one-two punch for radiant skin.  

One of the easiest ways to know if your products are working is when others begin to comment on your skin. Friends may be the first to recognize that your face is luminescent. You can also tell if you start to notice not having to apply as much makeup to get your desired look. 

Takeaways

With so many products on the market, it can be hard to solidify your daily skincare routine. While it may be overwhelming at first, you’ll soon know if your products are working for your skin, not against it. Your skin should be clear, balanced, and glowing. Making time for your skin care routine and prioritizing your own well-being is beneficial to your overall health.   

If you decide to add a new product to your lineup, do a self check-in. Any immediate reaction will be noticeable within the first few days, if not sooner. Check in after a few months to see how the product is working for you. Is what the product claims to do (i.e, brighten, tone, clear) helping or hurting? If you aren’t seeing a big difference, ask yourself if you want to keep it in your routine or not.

And lastly, remember there is no one-size-fits-all skincare routine. While some products may work for your bestie, they may not work for you. Or you may have different skin concerns from your friends. Do some research before buying anything and know that your skin is beautiful as it is. You’re just looking to make it happy and healthy.