3 Signs A Skin Care Product Isn't Right For You, From A Derm

Just as most people date around to find their soulmate, most people try a few different beauty products before landing on their holy grail in any category. This process can take some time, but it's always worth it when you find that perfect match. 

"​​If you notice redness, itching, burning, or stinging of any kind after applying a product to your face, then it may not be suitable for your skin type," board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, tells mbg.

"If you start experiencing new or worse breakouts after starting use of a new product, it may be due to introducing a new product too fast into your routine or using a product that may be too thick, occlusive, or harsh for your skin type," Graf says. 

Let's break that down: If you introduce a new product to your routine too quickly, your skin may start to purge (it tends to happen with retinol and chemical exfoliants). A few breakouts are common, but a purge shouldn't last more than a month or two. 

"If a skin care product leaves your skin feeling excessively dry, tight, or uncomfortable, it can be a sign that the product is too harsh or drying for your skin type, which can lead to irritation," Graf says. Think of dryness like the precursor to a more intense reaction. 

This one is tricky, though, because dryness could be a sign of irritation or a sign that you need a richer product, Graf adds. For those with already dry skin gunning for a lightweight formula, the latter is probably true.