Can Your Skin Become ‘Immune’ To Certain Products?

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That doesn’t mean your skin-care routine should be set in stone, though. Your skin changes based on a number of factors (think: stress, changing seasons, travel, age, and hormone changes), so you should feel free to make tweaks based on those needs. “For example, during the course of the month, you may have some days where your skin feels drier or oilier than others so you can adjust the type of moisturizer that you are using on those days,” says dermatologic surgeon and RealSelf.com contributor Sejal Shah, M.D. “As your skin’s needs change, you may note that a product may not be working as well, so it may be time for a change.”

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However, changing too much too often can also have detrimental effects, says Shah. Using ineffective or just the wrong products can cause irritation, dryness, or breakouts—like when acne-prone people use overly harsh products that strip their skin of moisture and lipids. (Keep your skin looking fresh with this energizing facial spray from the Women’s Health Boutique.)

“When harsh products are used over time, the barrier becomes disturbed and the skin gets red and sensitive,” says Chilukuri. Plus, robbing the skin of necessary oils by frequently using harsh products will prompt the skin to produce more sebum than needed—all of which lead to greater acne breakouts, dry patches, and irritated skin. “Conversely, someone using overly emollient (hydrating) products who doesn’t need them will likely begin to breakout,” says Chilukuri.

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All the dermatologists we spoke to emphasized the importance of using a sunscreen every day for UV protection. Moisturizers, cleansers, and toners in general can be used every day, but the specific product form may vary due to what’s going on with your skin. Exfoliation scrubs and masks are recommended for weekly use rather than daily use to avoid risking irritated, blotchy red skin.

The bottom line: Using the same products for your skin every day may not be effective if you are not listening to your skin’s needs. If you think you’ve nailed your routine? Great! But stay open to the reality that you’ll have to sub in a new product to help you deal with whatever skin issue crops up that day.