Ever wonder why your skincare routine isn’t giving the results that you were hoping for? Or why some products work wonders for your friends but cause you to break out? And no matter how many serums you may apply, your skin still seems dull & dry?

Chances are you might be making some skin care mistakes without even realizing it. Let’s dive into the four most common reasons why your skincare routine isn’t working. 

1. Not using products intended for your skin type or condition

Skin is categorized by four genetic skin types: Oily, Dry, Normal, & Combination. This is determined by natural oil production. There are also skin conditions that you may be dealing with such as: hyperpigmentation, dehydration, and acne. With that in mind, there is no one size fits all product and what works for one skin type/condition may not necessarily work for another.  An effective skin care routine requires customization based on your individual skin needs. 

2. Over exfoliating the skin

While exfoliants are a great way to remove dead skin cells, treat hyperpigmentation and diminish fine lines and wrinkles; too much of a good thing could actually be harmful, especially when using exfoliants that are too harsh for the skin. The skin creates a natural protective film that is made up of oil & sweat called the acid mantle; and like the name implies, our skin is slightly acidic and has a pH balance of 4.5-5.5. A healthy acid mantle is the balance of oil and water on the skin’s surface. When you over exfoliate, you are stripping the skin of its acid mantle which leaves you susceptible to dehydration, free radical damage, irritation and redness. 

3. Not using sun protection sustitible 

You can buy all of the expensive products, gadgets and professional treatments but all of it is a waste of money if you are not protecting your skin investment with a SPF on a daily basis. Let’s face it, the ozone layer is not what it used to be and if you are not reapplying your SPF every two hours on a daily basis to effectively protect against UVA (aging) & UVB (burning) ray exposure you are leaving yourself susceptible to premature aging, sun cancer and further skin damage. 

4. Not being patient with your routine

Patience & consistency is key when making the decision to take your skincare seriously. There is no quick fix, fast acting product or advanced treatment that will magically erase years of damage caused to the skin. How long do you continue to use that new moisturizer or serum before deciding it doesn’t work and moving on to the next thing? Not giving products the appropriate amount of time to work and create the changes you wish to see in the skin will ultimately be your downfall. Not doing your routine everyday twice a day hinders the progress of your skin. Staying committed and trusting the process is how you’ll see results. 

Most importantly, always seek the advice of a licensed professional when it deals with your skin health and concerns. In the age of social media, it’s difficult to discern good advice from bad advice, finding someone that you trust with your skin is very important.

Just a reminder: Skincare is a journey, it takes time and patience so be kind to yourself. 

Aaliyah is a licensed esthetician operating in Atlanta, Georgia.
For tips and skin skincare consultations, please contact her at aaliyahluminousskin@gmail.com.