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Why Your Skincare Routine Isn’t Working and How to Fix It

The frustration with skincare


Many people invest heavily in skincare products, yet see little improvement. Research from the British Skin Foundation shows that 60 per cent of people in the UK have experienced a skin condition at some point in their lives, with acne, eczema and psoriasis being the most common. In many cases, poor results come from misunderstanding skin type, misusing active ingredients, or relying solely on over-the-counter products without professional input .


1. Misunderstanding your skin type

A frequent mistake is assuming the wrong skin type. For example, dryness and dehydration are often confused. Dry skin lacks oil, whereas dehydrated skin lacks water. Over-cleansing or using products that strip the skin barrier can lead to excess oil production and breakouts.

Fix: Professional skin analysis, including AI-based systems, can provide objective insight into hydration levels, sebum production, pore size and pigmentation. These technologies allow clinics to tailor treatments more accurately than visual inspection alone .


2. Overuse of active ingredients

Active ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids can be effective, but improper combinations often lead to irritation. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that combining multiple actives without guidance significantly increased the risk of redness and barrier disruption .

Fix: Start with a core routine of cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen, then introduce one active at a time under professional guidance.


3. Unrealistic expectations

Skin renewal is a gradual process. According to dermatological studies, the epidermal turnover cycle takes around 28 days in young adults and up to 60 days in older adults . Expecting results within a week leads to frequent product switching and disappointment.

Fix: Remain consistent with products and track results over several months. Using photographic comparisons or professional skin scans can help to objectively measure progress.


4. Relying solely on at-home products

Topical skincare is limited in how deeply it can penetrate. Clinical issues such as severe acne scarring, pigmentation and deep wrinkles often require professional treatments. Procedures such as fractional CO₂ laser, hydro facial systems and radiofrequency microneedling can target deeper skin structures and stimulate collagen production, which over-the-counter products cannot achieve .

Fix: Combine a structured home routine with professional interventions for the most effective outcomes.


5. Skipping sun protection

Ultraviolet exposure remains the leading external cause of premature skin ageing. The British Association of Dermatologists states that daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is the most effective way to prevent wrinkles, pigmentation and loss of elasticity .

Fix: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day, regardless of season or weather.


Conclusion

If your skincare routine is not producing results, the problem is rarely a lack of effort. It is more often due to misunderstanding your skin, overloading with actives, or expecting rapid results. Evidence shows that the most successful outcomes come from a combination of informed product use, realistic timelines, and where appropriate, professional treatments that can achieve results beyond the reach of at-home skincare.


References

  • Babilas, P., Kohl, E., Landthaler, M. and Szeimies, R.M. (2010). Skin rejuvenation by fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser. Dermatologic Therapy, 23(5), pp. 444–455.

  • British Association of Dermatologists (2021). Sun Protection. Available at: https://www.bad.org.uk/sun-protection/

  • British Skin Foundation (2023). Skin Disease Statistics. Available at: https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk

  • Chan, H.H.L., Manstein, D. and Yu, C.S. (2017). Fractional radiofrequency microneedling: A new era in aesthetic dermatology. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 49(4), pp. 379–387.

  • Draelos, Z.D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Combining cosmeceuticals and prescription therapies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(5), pp. 825–830.

  • Jiang, Y., Wang, M., Xie, J., et al. (2021). Application of artificial intelligence in skin disease recognition and diagnosis. Frontiers in Medicine, 8, Article 729630.

  • Zouboulis, C.C. (2009). Age-related changes in human skin: Natural evolution and clinical consequences. Clinics in Dermatology, 27(4), pp. 365–369.

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