8 Signs You Need to Update Your Skincare Routine

Is your skincare routine no longer working? Here are 8 clear signs that it’s time for a change and how to safely update your routine.

Key signs to watch for:

Frequent acne outbreaks: Your products may not meet your skin’s needs.
Persistent dryness: Your moisturizer might not be hydrating enough.
Irritation or redness: This could mean a damaged skin barrier.
Reactions to old products: Hormonal or environmental changes may be the cause.
No visible results: If nothing improves after 8–12 weeks, it’s time to reassess.

Quick tips for safe changes:

Introduce one new product at a time.
Patch test before full use.
Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

Your skin changes over time, and so should your routine. Whether it’s seasonal shifts, aging, or hormonal changes, knowing these signs and acting early can help keep your skin healthy and glowing.

5 Shocking Signs Your Skincare is Ruining Your Skin!

5 Warning Signs Your Skincare Isn't Working

Your skin has its own way of letting you know when your routine needs a refresh. Here are five signs that it might be time to rethink your skincare approach:

1. Regular Acne Outbreaks

If you're dealing with frequent breakouts, it might mean your products aren't addressing your skin's needs. Celebrity Esthetician Renée Rouleau clarifies:

"Your skin doesn't build up an immunity to skincare products over time. They don't just one day decide they aren't going to work anymore. This is because there is no direct mechanism for your skin to become immune to the effects of products."

Struggling with acne? A consultation through Macherre's Proacne program could help you find treatments tailored to your skin.

2. Dry, Flaky Skin

When your moisturizer stops doing its job, it’s a clear sign to reassess. Renée Rouleau explains:

"There are most certainly times when a moisturizer may not be giving your skin enough, and something richer and more emollient may be needed."

To bring back hydration:

Try a richer moisturizer.
Use a hydrating gel or cream-based mask.

Ongoing dryness or irritation could also point to a weakened skin barrier.

3. Skin Irritation and Redness

Burning sensations, stinging, or redness may mean your skin barrier is damaged. If you notice these symptoms:

Cut back on active ingredients.
Look for soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal.
Keep your skin hydrated.
Reach out to a Macherre specialist for guidance.

4. New Product Reactions

If products you’ve used without issue suddenly cause irritation, your skin’s needs might have shifted. Hormonal changes, seasonal weather, or moving to a new climate are common triggers. Renée Rouleau suggests:

"Think of this as minor tweaks rather than a complete overhaul."

5. No Visible Changes

After 8-12 weeks of consistent use, you should see some results. If nothing has improved, it’s time to reassess your skincare routine. Small, targeted adjustments could make all the difference.

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Steps to Change Your Skincare Safely

Switching up your skincare routine can feel overwhelming, but doing it carefully is essential to avoid unwanted reactions. Here's how to make the transition smooth and safe.

Start One Product at a Time

Add new products gradually - one at a time. This helps you pinpoint any issues and reduces the risk of irritation. Stick to a 4-week gap between introducing new items.

"Patience is key with any skincare product, but especially new ones. It usually takes 1-2 months to fully evaluate whether a skincare change is really working (or not)."

This 4-week period aligns with your skin’s natural renewal process, giving you enough time to see if the product is effective.

Test Products First

Always patch test to check for potential reactions. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at Mount Sinai Hospital, emphasizes:

"Patch testing is a procedure where patches containing different allergy-causing ingredients are applied to the skin to determine which one causes a reaction."

Here’s how to patch test effectively:

Clean a small area of skin.
Apply a tiny amount of the product behind your ear or along your jawline.
Wait the recommended time (overnight for moisturizers, 1 minute for cleansers).
Observe the area for 48 hours. For leave-on products, extend testing to 7–10 days.

This step ensures you can safely use the product without unpleasant surprises.

Get Expert Help

Sometimes, professional advice is the best way to create a routine tailored to your skin. A consultation with a Macherre specialist can offer:

A detailed skin analysis to pinpoint your specific needs.
A personalized skincare plan that addresses your concerns.
Guidance on introducing new products safely.
Ongoing check-ins to track progress and adjust as needed.

As Alana Henrikson from Eminence Organics notes:

"Generally speaking, every four to six weeks would be ideal since your skin will regenerate itself approximately every 28 days."

If you notice persistent irritation, burning, or other unusual reactions, don’t wait - reach out to a professional. Taking these steps ensures your skincare routine evolves with your skin’s changing needs.

Next Steps

Now that you've recognized the signs, it's time to take action. Simplify your skincare routine to help restore balance. Start by eliminating harsh exfoliators and serums that might irritate your skin.

When incorporating new products, stick to these tips for an easy adjustment:

Use new products 1–3 times per week to observe how your skin reacts.
Opt for gentle cleansers and moisturizers that include ceramides for added care.
Make mineral-based sunscreen a daily essential to protect your skin.

"Most skin care products with active ingredients can take about two months to show efficacy. These include topical antioxidants, retinoids and pigment‐fading creams." – Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse M.D., FAAD

If a product causes stinging or discomfort, rinse it off immediately. Experts emphasize that skincare should never be painful.

At Macherre, our specialists can help you with the following:

Evaluate your skin's current condition.
Pinpoint specific concerns and triggers.
Develop a tailored skincare plan.
Suggest products suited to your skin type.
Arrange follow-ups to monitor your progress.

Give new products about 8 weeks to show results.