It's Not You, It's Me: 6 Signs Your New Product Just Isn't For You

For us, there’s nothing more exciting than trying out a new skin care product. However, our excitement can easily go sour if said product doesn’t do what we want it to do, doesn’t work, or worse: causes our skin to completely act up. Just because a product worked for a friend, blogger, editor, or celebrity that “swears” by it, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you. Here are six signs it may be time to break up with that new product.

A breakout or rash is one of the more obvious signs that a new skin care product isn’t working for you or your skin type. There could be a list of reasons why this is happening—you could be allergic to an ingredient or the formula may be too harsh for your skin type—and the best thing to do in this situation is to stop using the product immediately.

If you don’t notice a change on your bare skin, you may notice when applying your makeup. Makeup is best when applied to a complexion that is smooth and hydrated—which is why it may become more apparent that your skin is acting up with makeup on. When a product hasn’t worked for us, we notice a variety of changes, from flakiness, to dry patches, to blemishes, that seem impossible to cover up.

Using a new product that isn’t right for you can make your skin feel and appear more sensitive—and if you already experience sensitive skin, the side effects can appear to be more enhanced.

If your skin feels itchy or tight—or dry patches and flakiness start to appear—your new product may be to blame. Similar to sensitivity, this could be because the new product that you are using is formulated with drying agents like alcohol or you are allergic to a specific ingredient. The best thing to do in this case is to immediately stop using the product and to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.  

It may be a good idea to alter your skin care regimen as the seasons change because not all products are made for all seasons. If you are using a new product that goes well with your winter skin care routine, but not your summer routine, you could be experiencing a complexion that is more oily or has buildup—this is because the product may be too heavy for the summer season.

It’s Only Been a Week  

When we start using a new product, it can be hard not to be a little impatient. But, if it has only been a week and your new product isn’t showing results—and your skin is not experiencing any of the above—give it some more time, miracles don’t happen overnight.