Do you ever feel like the moment you nail down (and are happy with) your skincare routine is the very same minute you get a zit? It can feel like the worst betrayal, especially since with trail and error needed to find the right product. Plus, it’s likely you’re spending 28 days testing out a product. That’s a lot of time, energy, and money to find out that you are wrong.

It’s hard to achieve healthy, glowy skin. And sometimes redness is the result. But it’s not just a product that can cause irritation. There can also be lifestyle reasons (hydration levels, diet, etc.) holding you back. And it might not necessarily be the ingredients in the product you just tried, it could be the combination of products you are using — maybe too many exfoliants or retinol, for instance. Regardless of why you have irritation, rest assured, there are ways to handle it.

Stop using the product

Of course, it becomes harder to determine what product caused the redness if you’re using multiple new products, so try to sus it out and stop using it. The best thing you can do for your skin is incorporate a basic routine to calm the skin down. Cut out extra steps and stick with gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Stick to this routine for at least 3 days, and really, as long as it takes. You should start to see calmer, more relaxed skin. However, if after a week of a minimalist skin care route the skin is still under stress (redness, itching, or flacking), seek out a dermatologist or esthetician to make sure it is not something deeper, like rosacea or eczema.

Don’t use acids

As amazing as acids are for illuminating the skin and increasing elasticity, they can also be really hard on skin — especially if you are new to them. Retinol, exfoliating acids, enzymes, face scrubs, and polish can cause further irritation.

Use calming products

Apply some hydrocortisone cream. Make sure it is just a little (less than a dime) to combat with swelling, redness, or itching. Alternatively, you can opt for a cold remedy; there is a reason why skin care buffs place their tools in the fridge—cold jade rollers or ice rollers decrease inflammation.

Cooling your skin can provide a lot of relief—maybe even show you that it was a temporary irritation. Finally, opt for hydrating products. Soothing and hydrating ingredients focus on comforting irritated skin.

One of redness’ best friends is a damaged moisture barrier. Here’s how to tell if yours is, and what you can do to repair it.

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