QQ: Can the skin get used to the products?

Development skin care routine personalizing to your needs takes a lot of trial and error - that's why when you've found your signature serums, moisturizers and eye creamsyou might be tempted to stick with them for life. But like everything in life, our skin can change and certain products can stop giving it that glow. anti-aging action, the acne-fighting effects they once had. We asked a certified and celebrity dermatologist. Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank whether your skin can get used to the products, what to do in this case and how to prevent this.

Why do skin care products stop working?

“They don't stop working as such; our skin just gets used to them, or our skin needs a change,” says Dr. Frank. "As we get older, our skin gets drier, we start to see more fine lines and brown spots, so it's important to adapt to our changing skin." Think back to the acne cleanser you used as a teenager or the light moisturizer you aim for in the summer—you might not use a cleanser in your XNUMXs and older, and in the winter you'll probably switch to a richer cream.

How can you tell if your skin is used to a product?

“The best example is the use of retinol,” says Dr. Frank. Retinol is an extremely powerful ingredient that can fight signs of aging, sun damage, and acne. Although it is often praised for its effectiveness, it may take some time for your skin to get used to it. When you first encounter with retinol, your skin may become dry, red, itchy and irritated. “We usually start slowly at a low concentration and increase the usage. Once the redness and flaking subsides when using it at night, it might be time to up the ante and increase concentration". We recommend starting with CeraVe Retinol Skin Renewal Serum, low concentration combined with hyaluronic acid to restore moisture. 

Dr. Frank says that if your skin gets used to the active ingredient, it's usually safe to increase the concentration. "Percent active ingredients should increase with tolerance, but increase slowly, as you did at the beginning.”

How to prevent skin addiction to the product?

Take a break, especially from the active ingredients. “If you use up your retinol, stop for a week or two and start again,” says Dr. Frank. 

Is addiction to a product ever a good thing?

"If your skin isn't irritated and you feel reasonably hydrated, chances are the products you're using are working," says Dr. Frank. “This doesn't mean the products are less effective - they just might provide the balance your skin needs. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!