When people say “change your skincare routine,” the first instinct is to toss everything and start from scratch. But that’s not always the right move. Sometimes, the problem isn’t what you’re using. It’s how, when, or how much you’re using it.
For ADHD brains especially, routines can feel like a trap. If they are too rigid, we rebel, and if it’s too flexible and we forget. So “changing your routine” might mean:
- Scaling back to fewer steps
- Switching your application method
- Adjusting the time you apply products
- Or, when necessary, swapping products, but with care
But before we get into the how, let’s dissect the why.
There are a handful of signs people often miss ( subtle and and not-so-subtle) that hint it’s time to make a change.
1. You’re Breaking Out More Than Usual
If your breakouts have increased or changed (more painful, more frequent, different areas), it’s time to reassess and change your skincare routine. Something in your current routine might be clogging, irritating, or just not working anymore. It could also be a sign that your skin barrier is broken.
2. Your Skin Hasn’t Improved in Over 3 Months
If you’ve been consistent for at least 3 months with no noticeable progress (especially with concerns like acne, texture, or dullness), something needs adjusting. It could be your products, technique, or routine timing.
3. You’re Seeing Red, Literally
Stinging, tightness, flaking, or burning aren’t signs your product is “working.” They’re signs of irritation and possibly barrier damage. It’s time to change your skincare routine scale way back.
4. You Keep Forgetting to Do It
If your skincare routine feels like a disappearing act, your setup might be working against you. ADHD brains need visual cues and easy access.
5. It’s Burning a Hole in Your Wallet
Unless you’re on prescribed or medical-grade skincare, your routine shouldn’t be bankrupting you. Skincare shouldn’t be a pain, from shopping, to using, and even facing the receipts. Budget-friendly doesn’t mean ineffective. In fact, simple, soothing routines often outperform expensive 10-step lineups.
So, How Do You Actually Change Your Skincare Routine?
First, take the “Is My Skin Barrier Damaged?” Test:
✅ Skin Barrier Damage Check:
- Does your skin sting, burn, or itch when you apply products?
- Are you seeing flaking, tightness, or sudden sensitivity?
- Have you recently overloaded your skin with exfoliants, actives, or too many new products?
- Is your skin red or unusually shiny, but not in a dewy way?
- Does everything feel like it’s making things worse?
If you said yes to any of the above, your barrier might be damaged, and that changes everything.
Check out our full post on how to fix your skin barrier.
If Your Barrier Is Fine, Start With Surrounding Factors
Sometimes the issue isn’t the routine, it’s what’s around it.
Ask yourself:
- When’s the last time you changed your pillowcase?
- Do you have hard water?
- Are you doing your routine right before bed, then smashing your fresh face on the pillow?
- Do you touch your face *constantly* without realizing?
Next: Go Back to Bare Minimum
This is what I call the skincare reset phase, and it’s something I’ve done with real clients who had sudden acne flare-ups.
For 2 weeks, use only:
- A gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- A calming, hydrating moisturizer
That’s it. No serums. No actives. No masks. This phase is for testing what your skin actually needs. Don’t forget to set aside a few minutes to understand cleansing the right way.
If there’s no improvement in 2 weeks, try swapping your moisturizer first.
| Skin Type | Product Name | Notes | Price Range (USD) |
| Dry / Dehydrated | CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion | Rich in ceramides + HA; excellent for barrier repair | $12 – $18 |
| Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream | Lightweight but nourishing; calming formula | $14 – $18 | |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche | Deep hydration; safe for sensitive, dry skin | $20 – $25 | |
| Oily / Acne-Prone | Etude House Soon Jung Hydro Barrier Cream | Lightweight gel-cream with panthenol and centella | $12 – $16 |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer | Matte finish, niacinamide + ceramides; gentle and breathable | $19 – $24 | |
| Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer | Budget-friendly, fast-absorbing | $17 – $20 | |
| Combination | Avene Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm | Soothes dry areas, balances oil | $25 – $30 |
| Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer | Budget-friendly, fast-absorbing | $17 – $20 | |
| Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream | Lightweight but nourishing; calming formula | $14 – $18 | |
| Sensitive / Reactive | Vanicream Moisturizing Cream | Ultra-gentle; great for allergies and barrier repair | $10 – $14 |
Try this for another 2 to 3 weeks. Still no luck? Then switch out your cleanser.
| Skin Type | Product Name | Notes | Price Range (USD) |
| Dry / Dehydrated | Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm | Removes buildup gently; great first step | $11 – $14 |
| Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser | Creamy, soothing, and fragrance-free | $10 – $13 | |
| CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | Classic non-stripping option | $10 – $15 | |
| Oily / Acne-Prone | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser | Targets excess oil gently | $14 – $18 |
| CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Removes dirt and sebum without over-drying | $10 – $15 | |
| Simple Refreshing Facial Gel Wash | Clean and budget-friendly | $6 – $9 | |
| Combination | Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser | Barrier-friendly and pH-balanced | $12 – $14 |
| Etude House Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser | Soft, non-stripping foam | $10 – $13 | |
| Simple Micellar Gel Wash | Micellar + gel hybrid for balanced cleansing | $7 – $10 | |
| Sensitive / Reactive | Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser | Zero fragrance, dye, or parabens | $9 – $12 |
| Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion | No rinse needed; great for inflamed skin | $20 – $25 | |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser | Creamy texture, ideal for barrier repair | $13 – $17 |
Once You Stabilize, Change Your Skincare Routine by Adding Products One at a Time
Stabilizing in a new routine takes time, usually 2 to 4 weeks. Don’t rush it or introduce new products if you’re seeing signs like:
- Redness
- Itching
- Flakiness
- Or any new, unexplained symptom
Let your skin settle first. If it’s reacting, it’s communicating. After this period, you can start with serums or treatments, but patch test and track your skin before adding anything else. The goal is to know what works and what doesn’t before you end up in a full-blown breakout mystery.
How to Change Your Skincare Routine If the Bills Are Piling Up (Or You Keep Forgetting)
Skincare shouldn’t feel like a luxury tax. If your routine is stressing your wallet or just slipping your mind every day here’s how to make it easier and cheaper:
If the Bills Are Getting Out of Hand:
- Stick to non-glamorous, tried-and-true brands like CeraVe, Cetaphil, or La Roche-Posay. The Inkey List, The Ordinary, Geek & Gorgeous are other good options. They’re not flashy, but they work.
- Keep it minimal. Cleanser + moisturizer is plenty until your skin demands more.
- Skip the impulse buys. No one needs five half-used serums.
If You Keep Forgetting to Do It:
Check out our post on ADHD skincare routines that actually work. They have some great tips to help you stick to your routine whether or not you have ADHD.
- Move your cleanser to a new, obvious spot in the bathroom so it actually catches your attention.
- Pair your routine with another habit, like brushing your teeth or taking off your glasses.
- Set a consistent alarm that you won’t swipe away and forget.
- Make it easy, fast, and brainless your skin will thank you, and so will your executive function.
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