Skin drought
You'll know when your skin is dehydrated when you notice fine lines, cracking and flaking. Experiencing these with your routine can mean that some of the products you are using are too harsh for your skin, which can sometimes be the case with ingredients like retinols and certain exfoliating acids. They are not necessarily bad to your skin, so you don't have to avoid them forever — but definitely try babying your skin for a while with something gentle like Simple Kind to Skin Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15, $9.99, if you notice your skin looking extra dry and flaky.
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Allergic rash
This one's kind of a no-brainer: If you're breaking out in a rash or hives, chances are you're not compatible with some of the ingredients in your regimen. The allergic reaction could be due to the preservatives, fragrances, and acrylates present in the products you are using. Find the culprit and discontinue use immediately. To prevent this, consider doing patch testing with your routine.
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It burns!
If you think the burning and stinging caused by applying a product is a sacrifice you're willing to make all for beauty, think again: No skin care should make you suffer from those things. A little tingling is fine, but major stinging and burning could be signs of contact dermatitis. If you start feeling like your skin's on fire, don't hesitate to remove and rinse immediately (yes, even if it's a really expensive face mask).
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You can't take the sun
Unless you're a vampire, you're generally not supposed to be extra sensitive to the sun. That said, some acne products and exfoliants made with ingredients like AHAs, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can make you more sensitive so you might want to apply them during the PM hours. If you can't really drop your acne product, be sure to protect yourself with umbrellas, hats, and your most trusted sunscreen (like the Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50, $19).
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Makeup application feels wrong
If you feel like there's something wrong when putting on makeup that wasn't there before, there probably is. When your skin is smooth and hydrated, your makeup looks and feels best. But if the canvas is acting up (you know, with flakes, dry patches, blemishes, pigmentation), then that's a sign that your skin care routine is doing you more harm than good.
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