Navigating the options of skincare can feel extremely overwhelming, especially with the abundance of products and advice available. How do you know if your skincare routine is actually effective? Here are some key signs of how to tell if your skincare isn’t working and what you can do about it. I have also added in some of our treatments that would compliment and optimize your at home skincare routine.
Signs Your Skincare Routine Isn’t Working:
1. Persistent Breakouts
If you’re experiencing frequent breakouts despite following a consistent routine, it might be time to reassess your products. Products that are too gentle might not be cutting it when it comes to breakouts. Using a product that has ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may be extremely beneficial when used in moderation. SkinCeuticals LHA cleansing gel along with our Acne Facial is a great starting point for those struggling with acne.
2. Dryness or Flakiness
A good skincare routine should hydrate and nourish your skin, not leave it feeling dry or flaky. If your skin is persistently dry, it could indicate one of two things. One being that your moisturizer isn’t thick enough and the other being your cleanser strips away natural oils. The first steps would be to look into your current cleanser and moisturizer. My go-to gentle cleanser for dry and sensitive skin is Alastin’s Ultra Calm Cleanser. I am also a big fan of SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore treatment as it is extremely hydrating. These products are great to pair with our Brightening Facial for the ultimate glowy, hydrated skin.
3. Redness and Irritation
Irritation and redness can be signs that your skin is reacting negatively to a product. This could be due to harsh ingredients or allergens. It is best to switch to gentle, sensitive products along with removing any ingredients that include retinol. The overuse of retinol or acne treatments can result in irritated skin. I would recommend switching to a gentle cleanser like Alastin’s Ultra Calm Cleanser or SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser. Our Pittsburgh Aesthetics’ Facial is a great option as it includes a PhytoCorrective masque to help offset the redness.
4. Uneven Skin Tone or Texture
If your skin appears dull or has an uneven texture, your routine may not be addressing your skin’s needs. Consider incorporating an exfoliant into your skincare routine once a week. Exfoliants improve skin texture and tone by removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover. Alastin’s ReSurface Skin Polish is the perfect choice because it is gentle but gets the job done.
5. Product Buildup
Using too many products at once can overwhelm your skin which leads to product buildup and ineffective results. Simplifying your routine by focusing on a few key products tailored to your skin type is usually enough to see great improvement. A basic routine that I recommend typically includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. As your skin handles those three products well, we can then look to build a more customized regimen with serums.
6. Discoloration or Dark Spots
If you notice new discoloration or dark spots, your routine may not be providing adequate protection against sun damage. Incorporating a 50 spf and products with vitamin C are a great starting point to achieve an even skin tone. BroadBand Light therapy is also the best treatment option when it comes to discoloration and darkness. This light therapy is able to bring the pigment to the surface and the body breaks it down. This leaves you with a clear, glowing complexion.
Final Thoughts —
Understanding your skin and its needs is key to the most effective skincare routine. If you notice any of these signs, don’t be discouraged — skincare is often a journey of trial and error. Take the time to evaluate your routine and make adjustments as needed. If you’re ever unsure or want to discuss your perfect skincare routine, any of our providers would be happy to walk you through a complimentary consultation! Your skin deserves the best, so give it the care it needs!