10 Signs That Your Skin Care Routine Isn't Working For You

Finding your skin to have newly uneven color is generally bad news, especially on your cheek area. This could be a sign that you're having a bad reaction to some ingredients that are meant to lighten your skin. It's called paradoxical hyperpigmentation which is related to chemicals that bleach the skin (such as hydroquinone and arbutin).

Once you notice new pigmentation popping up, be sure to abandon any product that contains these ingredients. Don't use any skin lightener until your skin color balance is restored. While you wait, coat your skin with sunscreen with at least SPF 30 (we like Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $29).

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