Switching up your skincare routine can be exciting—whether you're introducing powerful actives, trying a new moisturizer, or overhauling your regimen completely. But with new products comes an adjustment period for your skin. So, what should you expect when making a change? Let’s break it down.
Skin Reactions: What’s Normal?
It’s common for your skin to go through an adaptation phase when you start using new products. Here are some changes you might notice:
- Temporary Dryness or Tightness – Some ingredients, especially exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs, and types of vitamin A, can initially strip moisture as your skin adjusts, increasing cell turnover, which can cause dryness as old cells surface.
- Increased Oil Production – Switching from harsh cleansers to gentler formulas may cause your skin to overproduce oil until it finds balance.
- Mild Redness or Sensitivity – Ingredients like vitamin C or active exfoliants can cause slight tingling or flushing, which typically subsides as your skin builds tolerance.
💡 Tip:
- Ease new products into your routine gradually—start 1x a week and build up before daily use.
- Listen to your skin! If tingling turns into a burn, rinse with cold water and focus on hydration before reintroducing the product.
Skin Purging: What It Is and How Long It Lasts
If you’re introducing exfoliating acids, Vitamin A, or Vitamin C, you may experience skin purging, where underlying congestion is brought to the surface faster than usual.
What does skin purging look like?
- Small whiteheads, blackheads, or tiny underlying bumps.
- Flare-ups in areas where you typically break out.
💡 How long does purging last? Usually 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your skin cycle and age. If breakouts persist beyond this, the product may not be the right fit for your skin.
When Dryness & Irritation Are More Than Just an Adjustment
If your skin feels excessively dry, red, or irritated beyond the normal adjustment phase (4-6 weeks), it could be due to:
- Using too many actives at once (e.g., exfoliants + retinol should not be used on the same day).
- The product being too strong for your skin type.
- Your skin barrier needing support (look for ceramides and hyaluronic acid).
💡 Tip: If irritation lasts more than 2-3 weeks, scale back or switch to gentler formulas like our Hydrate Me Pack or Barrier Pack to support your skin barrier.
How to Support Your Skin Through the Transition
- Introduce one new product at a time to identify what works.
- Stay hydrated and moisturized with ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and ceramides.
- Use sunscreen daily—many actives increase sun sensitivity.
- Be patient—most skincare takes at least 28 days (one full skin cycle) to show results.
- Be consistent—stick to recommended product usage for long-term skin improvement.
A Gentle Start: The Fresh Face Skin 'Hydrate Me' Starter Pack
If you’re new to skincare or transitioning to Fresh Face Skin, our ‘Hydrate Me’ Starter Pack is the perfect place to begin! It nourishes, protects, and restores hydration, making it ideal for all skin types—especially those adjusting to a new routine.
What’s Included?
- Soother Cleanser: A lightweight, non-stripping formula that removes dirt while maintaining moisture balance.
- Hydration Booster: Packed with two types of hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts to deeply hydrate, calm, and restore radiance.
- Soother Treatment: A nourishing oil enriched with ceramides and antioxidants to support barrier health and prevent dryness.
Why Choose the ‘Hydrate Me’ Starter Pack?
- Perfect for beginners – A fuss-free, easy-to-follow routine for all skin types.
- Supports skin barrier health – Hydrates, soothes, and protects, ideal for transitioning skin.
- Prepares your skin for actives – Provides a strong foundation before incorporating retinol or acids.
Adjusting to new skincare takes time, and temporary breakouts or dryness are often part of the process. However, if irritation persists or worsens, it may be time to reassess. Stick with a consistent routine, listen to your skin, and be patient—healthy, glowing skin is worth the wait!
Ready to give your skin the best start? Try the Fresh Face Skin ‘Hydrate Me’ Starter Pack today! Your journey to hydrated, radiant skin starts here.
