This could be a sign you need to change some of your beauty products

It’s a familiar scenario. You finally find the skin and hair products you love – and which work – but wonder if you should occasionally switch them up. It’s a question dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta is often asked.

“There’s no strong scientific evidence that skin or hair becomes ‘immune’ to products over time,” she says. “If your current products are working well for you, there’s usually no need to switch. However, your skincare and haircare needs can change with age, environmental factors [like humidity, sun exposure, or seasonal changes] or new skin conditions.”

In fact, says Gupta, it’s often best to stick with the tried and true. “Constantly changing products can actually be counterproductive. Most active ingredients need time to work, and switching too often may prevent you from seeing their full benefits.”

Mostly, it’s about modifying your regimen, not ditching it entirely. In winter, cold weather and indoor heating can dry your skin, so switching to a richer moisture is a good idea. In summer, change to a lighter moisturiser. But no matter the time of year, always include a top-quality sunscreen such as La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ ($39) in your daily skincare routine.

Apart from the obvious – your skin or scalp reacting badly to a product – the time to think about an overhaul is when skin and hair are affected by hormonal changes or when a product is not providing the benefits it promised. “It’s wise to adapt your routine if your skin undergoes significant changes,” says Gupta.

Having said that, your skincare should include some stalwart ingredients. Sunscreen, of course, but also vitamin A, best introduced into your routine in your mid-20s to early 30s; we love Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum ($150).

If you suffer from pigmentation, Gupta suggests a serum containing tranexamic acid and hyaluronic acid, while niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties. Then there’s vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps to reduce damage to our DNA caused by sun exposure and pollution. For a two-pronged approach, try SkinCeuticals Vitamin C & Niacinamide Routine Set ($344).

When it comes to haircare, “if your needs or environment haven’t changed, your routine likely doesn’t need to either,” says Gupta. Sometimes the signs your haircare isn’t working – hair feeling limp, for instance – can be the result of product build-up. To counter this, use a weekly clarifying shampoo like Ouai Detox Shampoo ($59), plus a hair mask targeted to your specific needs.