'Am I Using Too Many Skincare Products?' - Your Ultimate Guide

If you're a beauty obsessive, then chances are that you have tens upon tens of skincare and beauty products in your beauty arsenal. But, when it comes to skincare, the phrase 'less is more' comes to mind and, actually, overloading your skin with too many products and ingredients can be causing your skin more harm than good. If you're asking yourself the question 'am I using too many skincare products?' then keep on reading to discover the most telling signs that your skin is feeling overwhelmed and a bit on the sensitive side.

From rashes to breakouts, irritation and sensitivity, these are the signs that you're using too many skincare products and that it's time to take a more minimalistic approach to your skincare routine and use fewer products.

1. You've Developed Rashes

If you're noticing that your skin is red, inflamed, bumpy or itchy then this could be a major sign that you're using too many skincare products. According to research, skin rashes can be caused by preservatives, such as perfumes and fragrances in beauty products. If this is the case, try removing these products from your skin regime and see if the rash disappears.

Loading up on too many combinations of specific skin products can cause your skin to react. For example, using too many acids such as AHAs, BHAs, PHAs and retinols at the same time can irritate some skin types. Also, another reason why your skin could be reacting in this way is that you're layering too many products that are created to be absorbed into the skin (think serums, moisturisers ect). You also need to think about the amount of these products that you're applying, as being too generous can increase the risk of your skin becoming irritated and sensitive.

Help combat skin irritation and provide immediate, comforting relief with La Roche Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repair Balm. It can be used on a daily basis to help soothe skin sensitivity or minor injuries, however it is the perfect repairing balm for when your skin is feeling overwhelmed and a little compromised. To use, apply twice per day onto cleansed, dry skin in a generous layer. Your skin will be left feeling calm, protected and restored.

2. You're Breaking Out

When you're experiencing a breakout, we know that it can be tempting to layer on lots of products that promise to clear, clarify and smooth the skin. However, this could be doing your skin more harm than good, and making your breakouts worse. Additionally, applying too many products to blemish-prone skin can be counterproductive, as when they're overused they can cause the skin to become dry, dehydrated and irritated - leading to more breakouts.

Help treat unwanted blemishes and breakouts with SkinCeuticals Blemish + AGE Defense Serum. Expertly created for blemish prone skin types, this lightweight serum will help to prevent the formation of acne and breakouts while reducing hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. This targeted, oil free-serum combines Salicylic and Glycolic Acid to gently reduce the formation of acne, clogged pores and excess sebum. The skin will be left feeling and looking calm, decongested and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles minimised.

3. Your Skin Feels Tight

Does your skin feel dry, tight and taught? If you answered yes, then this is definitely a sign that you're overdoing skincare. Using too many skincare products can actually deplete your skin of essential moisture, leaving it feeling dry and uncomfortable.

Tight skin is a sign that you shouldn't ignore, as this can affect your skin's health and cause larger pores, increased oil production and even fine lines and wrinkles. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, look for cleansers that are pH balanced and contain gentle, yet effective ingredients that leave the skin feeling balanced and comfy.

If you're looking for a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of moisture, look no further than Cerave's Iconic and bestselling Hydrating Cleanser. It contains 3 essential ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid which protects the skin's natural protective barrier, keeping it healthy and hydrated. Suited to even the most sensitive skin types, this non-foaming cleanser is soap and fragrance-free and will boost skin's hydration levels after just one use.

4. Your Skin Is Shiny But Not Oily

This is a telling sign that your skin is over exfoliated. When skin feels shiny but not oily to the touch, this is due to the fact that it has been over exfoliated and has lost too many surface skin cells. Although regular exfoliation is important to maintaining a radiant complexion, you should resist the urge to exfoliate daily and minimise the amount of products in your skincare routine to allow your skin to rest and rejuvenate naturally and at it's own pace.

Votary's Super Glow Mask - Watermelon And BHA will help to gently exfoliate your skin without causing further irritation. This brightening and glow-giving mask is infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Watermelon Seed Oil and Salicylic Acid to provide the skin with intense hydration, leaving the skin feeling plump and juicy. Use 1-2 times per week for beautifully radiant, nourished and luminous skin.

5. Your Skin Is Very Oily

The moisture levels of your skin are constantly in a delicate balance. If your skin suddenly becomes very oily, then you might be tempted to use products that reduce the production of oil that your skin is producing, which adds to an already extensive skincare routine. However, oily skin could actually be a side-effect that your skin is overly dry.

If your dealing with more oil than usual, we recommend that you reduce the amount of oil-fighting products in your routine and instead, look for serums and lightweight moisturisers that contain skin quenching ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid that hydrates your skin using water, instead of oil.

Medik8's Hydr8 B5 Serum (Hyaluronic Acid) is the perfect hydrating, yet lightweight serum to help maintain your skin's hydration levels. Suited to all skin types, this non-greasy, oil-free serum contains a blend of skin softening Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 that re-establishes the skin's natural hydro balance, revealing a supple, smooth and luminous complexion. This innovative serum also has the unique ability to enhance the active ingredients in the rest of your skincare routine - clever right?!