Start by giving a new product a small place in your routine. If you only try one new thing at a time, it’s easier to tell what caused a reaction. Your familiar products can stay in the meantime – you don’t need to overhaul your whole routine.

You can first try a simple cream on a small patch of intact skin on your inner forearm and watch it for seven to ten days. Use the intended amount and follow the directions. Rinse-off products are rinsed off during the test too. Please don’t apply retinol or exfoliants more often just because it’s a small test area.

A patch test with no reaction doesn’t rule out an allergy or later irritation, and it doesn’t replace a medical allergy test. If you notice burning, itching or redness, wash the product off and take a break. If symptoms are severe or don’t go away, see a doctor. If everything stays calm, you can carefully start using the product on your face.