It is often difficult to find products that work with my Oily / Combination / Acne Prone skin and it took a long time to get to where I am today.  Now that I have gotten the acne under control, my biggest concern is skin texture, enlarged pores and of course, anti-aging.

It's a slow process - as it should be!

The first step is the Patch Test Phase.  This is a very important step because you will need to monitor your skin closely.  During this time, please continue all other products that you are currently using.  These factors must remain constant in order to accurately determine how your skin will react to the new product.  Select two patch test locations.  One reactive and one non-reactive.  For example, my reactive area is my right cheek where I break out very easily.  My non-reactive area is my chin because I never break out there.  If my chin has a reaction then I'll know something is wrong.

I've had my share of product blunders and I wish I could fully convey how absolutely important it is to observe VERY closely during the patch test phase.  One little white head is your skin telling you to slow down.  One mistake can cause months or even years of trouble.  Even though I went through a long and painful experience with this; I did learn a lot:  Listen to your skin.  Don't get hung up on the product itself, and don't try to make it work - I don't care how pretty the packaging is!  If you would like to read more about my experience and how I learned to listen to my skin Click Here.

If you put a new product on your skin and it turns red, burns, etc. wash it off immediately!  This product is not right for you.

PATCH TEST PHASE

Week 1:  Apply New Product ONCE a day on Tuesday and Friday.
Week 2:  Apply New Product ONCE a day on Tuesday and Friday.

If you got through the patch test phase without any negative effects such as irritation, itchiness, white heads, acne, etc.  Then continue the transition.

TRANSITIONING

Week 3:  Apply New Product ONCE a day on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
Week 4:  Apply New Product ONCE a day on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
Week 5:  Apply New Product ONCE a day, every other day.
Week 6:  Apply New Product ONCE a day, every other day.
Week 7:  Apply New Product ONCE a day, every day.
Week 8:  Apply New Product TWICE a day (if applicable).

If you are replacing a product currently in your routine you will need to alternate the new product and the old product and then slowly phase out the old one.  For instance, if I am replacing my moisturizer that I use nightly; I will continue to apply it every night except for the two days in the Patch Test Phase where I will apply the new moisturizer.