How to add new skincare products to your routine.

Dr. Irwin
July 13, 2020
I have sensitive skin and I wanted to try _______'s line of cleansers. I used the hydrating face wash, vitamin C serum, and the A.M. facial moisturizing lotion in the morning, and the hydrating face wash, Differin, and the P.M facial moisturizing lotion in the evening. After the first day, I woke up the following morning with an allergic reaction around my eyes that spread to my cheeks and hairline. It's red, puffy, itchy, and it doesn't seem to be getting better with time. It's worse around my eyes. I'm not sure which item caused it or if all of the _____ line is the cause but it says ________is good for sensitive skin. What's your opinion?

I took out the line name above, because this could happen with almost any skincare line.  We seen, in our office, reactions to even the brands that are supposed to be best for sensitive skin, including reactions to the Vanicream, Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Lubriderm drugstore brands.   All of the above have chemicals in them that can cause reactions.

‘Natural’ or organic lines tend to be more hypoallergenic, but not always  because plant extracts and nut oils can cause problems in some patients.

Please see a dermatologist regarding the above reaction, if it’s not resolved!

Some tips for safely adding skincare products:

  • Consider trying a small amount on your inner forearm in the same spot for 2-3 nights, before putting on your face.
  • Always add products one at a time about a week apart.  Because then if you have a reaction, you’ll know which product is the culprit.
  • Resist buying a lot of products from a new line as an impulse buy.  This especially includes subtle pressure by a facialist or sales person to buy products.  Instead buy one or two first and make sure you like the line, before you invest a ton of money.  You can always go back again.  Or…have them delivered to you.
  • In my opinion, trying samples is not helpful, unless you’re just trying to make sure you’re not allergic.  A sample can’t help you with how the product actually performs.
  • Also, companies tend to do either skincare well or cosmetics well, but not both.
  • Remember you can become allergic to a product you have used for a long time.  Also, companies are not required to notify any of us when they change the formulation.  It may actually be a different product.

Hope this helps,

Dr. B

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

  • All our content is written and researched by myself.
  • My medical office in Seattle has treated thousands of patients for 15+ years.
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