Are Your Skin Care Products Not Working? Here’s Why

It is frustrating to start or keep a skincare routine and not see the results you’re looking for. The same is also true for adding new products that promise this and that but seem to not be doing your skin any favor. You then start to wonder what you’re doing wrong or if it is time to ditch such products and try a new regimen. 

There are several reasons your routine could stop working or even make existing skin concerns worse. Continue reading as we list six possible reasons why your products are not working and what you can do to turn things around.  

1. You’re not giving your skincare enough time to actually work.

When trying a new product that is ought to solve a specific skin concern, it is only natural that you want to see an immediate payoff. And when this doesn’t happen, you may be tempted to forgo using the product and move on to a new formula. The sad part is this will also produce the same disappointing or unsatisfactory results.

Many skincare products eventually work, but they take time. In general, the cell turnover rate is about 28 days, which means that you’ll need to use the product for at least a month to see improvements. And to see the full results, it takes about three to four months. There are also cases where your skin gets worse (purging) before it gets better.

2. You experience changes in your hormones.

Stress, poor diet, and other lifestyle changes can sometimes lead to hormonal imbalances that can negatively affect your skin. Increased oil and sebum, for instance, can contribute to clogged pores, breakouts, or worsened acne conditions. Changing hormones during pregnancy can also lead to the development of melasma.

In the cases mentioned above, the products you’re using can only do so much. If you have hormonal changes that are negatively affecting your skin, talk to a skin or aesthetic doctor. They can recommend products and treatments, as well as lifestyle changes and skin care routines right for your skin type and concerns. 

For further reading: How Hormones Affect Your Skin

3. You are not consistent with your routine. 

Great things take time. Consistency and time are both important in achieving a healthy and youthful complexion. If you’re not using your products daily or the right way, you won’t see the full results and possibly be frustrated. This is why if you have a busy lifestyle, go for a routine that you are more likely to stick to or get through. 

A simple regimen done consistently fares better than a complex one (with seven to 10 products) that is only performed at random times or when you’re not so busy. So, simplify your routine and continue using products that are right for your skin type and skin concerns.

4. You’re not layering products properly.

While it is important to use quality products, you should also know how to use them correctly or apply them in the right order. The general recommendation is to layer products from the thinnest to the thickest formulation after cleanser. This gives lightweight serums a chance to be properly absorbed without needing to go through thicker formulas.

Another important thing to keep in mind is not to rush between product applications. Let your products dry and be absorbed into the skin before applying your next skincare. You should also know which active ingredients counteract the ones in the formulas you’re using. One example is not mixing retinol with vitamin C, AHA and BHA acids, and benzoyl peroxide. 

5. You’re using the wrong products for your skin type.

One of the reasons why you’re not seeing results is that you’re using products that aren’t designed for your skin type. And with a plethora of formulas out there, it is easy to get swayed by what other people/influencers are recommending you, without considering your skin type or specific skin concerns.

It is best to start knowing what your unique skin type is. Then, identify which skin concerns are bothering you and want to treat or improve. If dark spots, for instance, are a concern of yours, use a brightening product like vitamin C serum, but if they are not, there is no need to add that product to your regimen. 

For further reading: Do You Know Your Skin Type?

5. Some of the products you’re using are expired.

We get it. Skincare can be expensive, which is why it seems like a waste to throw them out even when they’re past their expiration dates. Don’t do this, as this can cause more harm than good. Expired products are not just ineffective, but can harbor bacteria that can cause irritation and infection.   

Expiration dates on skincare and cosmetics can be a bit tricky as it can depend on the product and how you store it. Some products indicate their expiration dates while others have a ‘product after opening’ (PAO) symbol on the packaging. This looks like a tiny jar with its lid open and has a number from one to 12 (usually in months), indicating how long you need to use the product after opening it.

These dates and symbols, however, aren’t the only ones you should be looking out for. You should also check for changes in smell, color, and product consistencies. You should also know that products expire faster when they’ve been exposed to heat or direct light, so it is best to keep your skincare in a cool, dark, and dry place. 

If you want to learn more about skincare and what routine is best  for your goals, concerns, or lifestyle, get in touch with us. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors. We carefully assess your skin to identify which products and treatments can make a difference.