Before you swap products or overhaul your routine, pause. Your skin is often trying to tell you something—subtly or otherwise. This guide empowers you with the right questions to ask yourself when your skin isn’t cooperating. From hormonal shifts to environmental stressors, understanding why your skin is behaving a certain way is the first step to treating it wisely and effectively. An informed consumer isn’t just ingredient-savvy—they’re in tune with their lifestyle, cycles, and skin rhythms.
When ever your skin is breaking out ask yourself these questions:
- 😵💫 Stress Levels: Have I been experiencing heightened stress recently? Stress can contribute to an impaired barrier which can promote redness and breakouts.
- 🩸 Menstrual Cycle Tracking: Am I approaching or currently in my menstrual cycle? Hormonal fluctuations during this time can impact skin conditions. 10 days prior, the skin may become more oily — mix or use the Tremella Lotion alone as your moisturiser during this phase. 🗓️ Pro tip: The best time to introduce new skincare is during the first half of your cycle, when your skin tends to be more balanced and receptive. Tracking this rhythm helps you make smarter decisions and gives new products a fair chance to prove their efficacy.
- 🍬 Dietary Choices: Have I been consuming excessive refined/processed foods and sugars lately? Dietary factors can play a significant role in skin health.
- 💄 Makeup Ingredients: Does my makeup contain ingredients that are too occlusive such as Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Coconut Butter, etc.? These can be too heavy for breakout-prone skin.
- 🍷 Lifestyle Habits: Have I consumed alcohol or smoked in the last three weeks? These lifestyle choices can affect skin clarity and texture.
- 🙅♀️ Skin Touching Habits: Have I been frequently touching my skin or allowing others to touch my face? Touching the face can introduce bacteria, leading to breakouts.
- 🌡️ Weather Conditions: Is it humid or hot currently? Humidity and heat can impact the skin, contributing to breakouts and increased sweating.
- 💊 Supplement Check: Do any of my supplements contain biotin or saw palmetto? Certain supplements may influence skin conditions.
- 🗓️ Skin Resurfacing Schedule: Am I due for my next skin resurfacing procedure (typically every 4–6 weeks)? Regular maintenance is crucial for managing breakouts.
- 🏙️ Environmental Factors: Do I live in an area with high air pollution? Consider using an air filter in your living quarters for better air quality.
💬FAQ
🔥 My skin is feeling red and sensitive. What should I do?
Decrease or temporarily stop active products (Reset Cream, AHA Toner, Resilient Pigment Serum, Retinol Serum, Glysilic Peel Pads). Once skin returns to normal, resume once a week.
😶🌫️ My skin is feeling congested. What's the cause?
Congested skin is often the result of excess oil production and a buildup of dead skin cells (hyperkeratinization), which can create texture and clogged pores. A common but overlooked trigger? Your menstrual cycle. In the 7–10 days leading up to your period, hormonal changes naturally increase oil production—making the skin more prone to congestion, breakouts, and inflammation.
To manage this, increase the use of the Reset Cream to 3x per week—or daily for 5–8 days—then return to your normal 1–3x routine. Opt for lighter products like Tremella Lotion during this oilier phase to avoid overloading the skin.
🩸 Insider tip: This isn’t the best time to test new skincare. Your skin’s temporary oiliness can distort how a product performs, making even great formulas seem ineffective.
👉 Reminder: Hormones can make your skin oilier the 1 week before your period. Use a lighter moisturiser then, and return to your usual one for the rest of the month.
👶 I need more youthful-looking skin.
Incorporate the Hero Nasal Fold Cream, Hero Moisturiser, AHA Toner (for resurfacing + hydration), and Retinol Serum into your routine.
🌞 I have pigmentation on the high parts of my cheeks that won’t go away with lasers/peels/skincare.
If this pigmentation worsens after stress or pregnancy, it may be melasma (see a professional to confirm). It’s hormone-related and managed through skincare, SPF, and peels — but not fully removed by skincare alone.
1️⃣ Stay Consistent – Morning & Night Matter
Skincare works best with daily use. A morning and night routine helps maintain long-term skin health and visible results.
2️⃣ Use the Right Amount
✔ Apply 2-4 pumps of each product for even coverage.
✔ For jars, always use a spatula and apply a grape-sized amount to maintain hygiene and avoid waste.
3️⃣ Don’t Forget Your Neck & Chest
Your neck and décolletage deserve the same attention as your face. Extending your routine helps maintain a smooth, youthful, and even-toned appearance.
4️⃣ Follow the Correct Product Order for Maximum Results
Layering your products correctly enhances their effectiveness:
✔ Cleanser – Removes impurities and preps skin.
✔ Toner (if using one) – AHA Toner is optional and should be used 1-3x a week at most, after cleansing. Avoid using it on the same night as other actives.
✔ Serum – Apply targeted serums in the correct order. Do not mix Vitamin C, Retinol, or Resilient Pigment Serum with Copper Peptides in the same routine.
✔ Moisturiser – Locks in hydration and supports the skin barrier.
✔ Eye Cream – Hydrates and smooths the delicate under-eye area.
✔ Spot Cream – Targets specific concerns without disrupting overall skin balance.
💡 Important: When using actives, avoid the high points of the cheeks and corners of the mouth, as these areas tend to be more sensitive.
5️⃣ Introducing Actives Gradually
If your routine includes exfoliating or targeted serums, introduce them slowly to prevent irritation:
✔ AHA Toner, Glysilic Pads, Resilient Pigment Serum, Retinol Serum – Start once a week, then gradually increase usage.
✔ Vitamin C & Retinol – Use on separate nights, never together.
✔ Copper Peptides – Do not mix with Vitamin C, Retinol, or Resilient Pigment Serum.
✔ Always wear SPF during the day when using actives.
6️⃣ Listen to Your Skin
If your skin feels sensitive, dry, or irritated, simply reduce the frequency of actives and adjust as needed. Skincare should be effective yet comfortable.
7️⃣ Elevate Your Routine with These Must-Haves ✨
Looking to take your results even further? Try these expert-approved additions:
💎 Hero Eye, Neck & Nasal Fold Wrinkle Cream – Nourishes, smooths, and firms delicate areas.
🌿 Calming Spot Cream – Helps maintain skin balance and comfort.
☀️ Face Tan Serum – Enhances your glow while complementing your skincare routine.
💧 Trehalose Water Cream – Ultra-hydrating and lightweight for a plump, refreshed finish.
📲 Upgrade Your Routine Today → [Shop Now]
✨ Consistency is key—listen to your skin, enjoy the process, and let your routine do the work! ✨
⚠️ Storage & Care
✔ Keep jar lids sealed, and store in a cool, dry place below 25°C (77°F).
✔ Keep products away from direct sunlight.
✔ Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
✔ Keep out of reach of children.
🚫 Do Not Mix or Use Together
Some ingredients don’t pair well—avoid these combinations to keep your skin in balance:
❌ Benzoyl Peroxide & Retinol – Can be too strong when used together.
❌ Vitamin C & Copper Peptides – Not recommended in the same routine.
❌ AHA Toner & Other Actives in the Same Routine – May over-exfoliate the skin.
❌ Tremella Lotion on Dry Skin – Best suited for combination to oily skin.
❌ Anti-Aging Products on Oily Skin – Some rich formulations may not be ideal.
❌ Tea Tree Oil on Anything – Can be too harsh and drying.
❌ Denatured Alcohol-Based Products – May disrupt skin hydration levels.
💊 How to Use Skincare with Prescription Treatments
If you're incorporating a prescription product, this neutral, non-active base routine works best:
✔ Morning: Copper Cleanser → Serum → Trehalose Water Cream → SPF
✔ Night: Copper Cleanser → Serum → Trehalose Water Cream → Prescription Treatment
📌 SPF is a must every morning to protect and maintain results.
🌿 A Safe and Gentle Base Routine
If you're ever unsure where to start, Copper Cleanser, Saffron Serum, and Trehalose Water Cream are the safest non-active options in your routine. They hydrate, support, and maintain skin balance without interfering with other treatments—making them ideal whether you're using actives, prescription products, or just keeping it simple.
💬 Need Help? We’re Here for You!
Have questions about your routine? Reach out anytime at info@cheboclinic.com—we’d love to help you achieve your best skin yet.