What To Do When… You’ve Reacted to New Skincare

Exciting new skincare can sometimes lead to…unexpected results. Ever splurged on a fancy new serum, dreaming of glass skin, only to wake up looking like a tomato? We’ve been there. Redness, itching, breakouts… you name it, it’s happened. But before you panic-Google your way into a skincare spiral, take a deep breath, because there are a few things you should (and shouldn’t do) when you’ve reacted to new skincare.

Hip & Healthy tapped Emily West, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner at Creo Clinic, to break down exactly what to do when your skin freaks out.

STOP – STAT

If your skin starts stinging, itching, or turning red after using a new product, stop immediately. Pushing through can make things worse and even cause a full-blown reaction. Give your skin a breather and let it settle before trying anything else.

AVOID HEAT

Rinse your face with lukewarm water (hot water will only aggravate irritation) and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.

SOOTHE YOUR SKIN

Then, slather on a soothing, barrier-repairing moisturiser with ingredients like ceramides, squalane, or panthenol to help calm inflammation and lock in hydration.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Keep your routine simple while your skin recovers. Ditch actives like retinol, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C, as they can further stress your skin. Instead, stick to the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturiser, and SPF during the day.

If your skin is still irritated, avoid wearing makeup to give it time to heal without added irritation.

FIND THE CULPRIT

Check the ingredient list on the product that triggered the reaction. Fragrances, essential oils, preservatives, and potent actives like AHAs or retinoids are common culprits. If your skin is on the sensitive side, patch-test new products on your inner arm first to avoid any surprises.

DON’T EXFOLIATE

It’s also important not to scrub or exfoliate your skin, as this can further damage the skin barrier.

STAY FAMILIAR

Do not introduce another new product immediately. Stick to what you know works for your skin until it has fully recovered.

FIND THE LIGHT

Red light therapy can help accelerate healing by reducing inflammation and boosting cellular repair. If you have access to an at-home red light device or professional treatment, it may help soothe irritation and support skin recovery.

AVOID OILS

Avoid applying heavy occlusive oils such as coconut oil if your skin is inflamed, as they can trap heat and worsen irritation.

SEE A PRO

If things aren’t improving after a few days, or if you’re dealing with swelling, blistering, or serious discomfort, it’s best to see a professional. They’ll help pinpoint the cause and get your skin back on track.