The seasons are changing and we know there’s something in the air that makes us think about changing our style, hair, and even our skincare routines. Whether it’s because of the different weather (it’s true, cold and hot weather yield different skin reactions), or simply a different mood, we’re helping you look at some of the questions to ask yourself when you’re thinking of adding a new product to your skincare regimen.

1. Why are you trying something new?

• A little bit of soul searching isn’t only for the major decisions in your life — it’s applicable to making changes in your skincare! Before you go and change things up, take a moment to pause and ask yourself, why am I looking to add something to my skincare lineup? Is it really necessary? Am I just bored? Is something actually missing (toner, serum, moisturizer, exfoliant)? Is it broke? Must I fix it? If the answer is yes, you’re overdue for a skincare overhaul, and your current routine is doing nothing for your glow up, then by all means, move on to question #2!

2. Is the new product compatible with your skin and routine?

• One of the most important things to make sure of, when incorporating a new product into your beauty routine, is making sure the product makes sense. What if you use it, and you break out into a rash? Or, what if there’s simply an incompatibility when it comes to the chemistry of the new and old products? Doing a patch test (testing a small piece of skin on, say, the inside of your wrist, to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions to it) is the perfect solution for this. It’s a minimally committed way to make sure you don’t end up with any discomfort, or worse, an allergic reaction.

3. Once you’ve decided, give it time.

• Let’s face it (no pun intended), it’s exciting to decide on a new skincare product, and from the point of purchase to the moment you unbox it, reveal its eye-catching packaging, and place it on your vanity in preparation for your first trial. You can’t wait — and sometimes actually expect — to see (immediate) results! Well, it doesn’t work that way. Of course, there are products that yield quick results, even after the first time you use them, but the reality is, your skin is going to take time to get acclimated. Aside from getting used to the amount required for your unique skin composition, the texture of the product itself, and the glow (or dullness) that comes from the initial application, your skin needs time to adjust to this new chemistry, consistency, and result!

So, there you have it. Still think you want to add something to your routine? Maybe you even need to replace your mainstay face wash. Whatever you choose to do, take a good, long look in the mirror, and get to know your skin, so that when you introduce something new to it, you’ll know you’ve made the right decision!