Are You Using Your Skincare Products Correctly?

Confused about your skincare regimen?  You are not alone!  We commonly have patients who have acquired products from various sources over the years and aren’t sure how to use them.  This can lead to applying too many products, or too much of one product, which can be irritating to the skin.  Seasonal changes, medications, and your activities also play an important role in the skincare you should be using at a given time.  Because many of these factors change over time, it’s good to check in with your routine to make sure it is still optimal for you.  

At CFP we have pared down our product lines to offer a select few lines of medical-grade skin products that we believe are the most effective and safest skin care options for our patients.  Our knowledgeable providers will help select the products that are right for your skin type and goals, and are here to help you navigate potential side effects like irritation or redness that might occur.  We want to lessen the confusion, simplify the regimens for your health and your wallet, and still get awesome results!

Let’s dive into your most common concerns: 

I have dryness, redness, or irritation from my product: The amount of product and frequency of application are big factors here.  Some products only require a pea sized amount, and especially when first starting a product, might only be recommended every couple of days.  Our providers can help you figure out a plan and instruct you on how to “ramp up” use if needed.  Occasionally the product might be too irritating for your skin type.  We can help you find a gentler option.  

💡 Prolonged irritation and redness may actually break down your collagen.

I have fifteen products and don’t know when to use them or how to use them.  You would be surprised how often we hear this.  You got something from a friend, you purchased something during a special, you were recommended one thing at one time and another later.  Bring your products to your visit.  We can simplify and make sure that you are confident in your skincare.  It’s best to talk to us before buying products you think you need from an online source.  We can make sure your products work well together and help you if an unwanted side effect pops up.

💡 Products with Hydroquinone (hidden in many skin lighteners) should be used no more than 12 consecutive weeks to avoid adverse effects.

I am scheduling a procedure and don’t know what to do before or after: When you schedule a procedure at our office, we will include instructions on medications and skin care before and after.  Make sure to let us know what you are using on your skin so that we can help!

💡 When in doubt, feel free to call or email us before your procedure for further clarification.    

I’m going on a trip where I might have more sun exposure- what should I do with my product?  First, try to keep your face out of the sun.  This is especially important if you are using a product that makes your skin photosensitive (ask us if your product does this).  It is safe and recommended to apply sunscreen to the skin after your normal skincare routine.  If sun exposure is unavoidable, it might be best to temporarily stop certain products.  This might take some advanced planning, so keep us in the loop!

💡 Products such as retinoids, brighteners, hydroquinone, AHAs (glycolic, lactic, etc. acids), and salicylic acid make your skin more sensitive to the sun.  

My skincare product is making me break out! Typically, the products we carry and recommend are non-comedogenic and won’t cause breakouts.  However, sometimes if a product is too irritating, the skin can react, causing bumps, redness, or inflammation.  Let us know!  We can help you determine the best course which may include stopping the product, decreasing amount or frequency of use, or adding a moisturizer or other agent to calm the skin.

💡 Keep daily photos of your skin to help your providers troubleshoot the problem.

The bottom line: Great skin shouldn’t be so complicated.  We want to help you understand your skincare routine- which includes knowledge about the products you are using and potential problems that might come up.  Our goal is to provide the best regimen for your individual skin type and desired outcome in the simplest way possible.  Our skincare specialists are knowledgeable about the lines we carry, the procedures we offer, and how the two can complement each other. 

💡 Still have questions? Schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable skincare specialists. We would love to help!