Few things are more frustrating than trying to do something good for yourself and having it fail on you. Does this remind you of your skincare routine? Well, we’re here to tell you that you are not alone. Sometimes, skincare regimens just don’t work! But that doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the line for you.
If your skin problems are refusing to budge despite all the effort you’ve put into your skincare routine, here are the possible reasons:
- You’re not eating right
Our diet affects almost every other aspect of our health, from our weight down to the health of our skin. So if you’re constantly eating foods that are full of unhealthy fats, refined sugars, sodium—and not much else—then you may actually be offsetting the good effects of skincare products and treatment.
High-calorie, non-nutritional foods can cause dull, dry, and acne-prone skin, especially if your skin is already sensitive in the first place. This is because these foods stimulate the production of insulin, which leads to the production of skin oils and results in inflammation as well as the clogging of hair follicles.
Instead of junk food and fast food, fill your diet with high-quality sources of carbohydrates, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats. Aside from reducing the chances of breakouts, a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your mental health at the same time.
- You are drinking too much alcohol
Alcohol contains nine calories per gram, which is the same as one gram of fat. Now, imagine how many calories are in that cocktail or whiskey—not to mention the sugars that come with the other ingredients. If you like fruity drinks, then you are also likely consuming a lot of sugar with each glass. And as we all know by now, too many calories and too much sugar are the perfect recipes for bad skin.
- You’re not using the right products
This is a pretty obvious reason for some people, but not always as apparent for others. It can be difficult to determine if it’s the products that are not working or if it’s something else. That said, it is highly advisable that you seek help from a dermatologist for a professional opinion on what products you should be using for your specific skin type. Remember: not all products work for everyone, and what may work for others may not work as well for you.
- You have poor face hygiene practices
The most important part of skincare is cleaning your face every day. So if you are not washing your face enough times a day or are lax in removing your makeup before washing, then your face may not be absorbing enough of the products that you put on it.
Make it a point to remove your makeup thoroughly before washing your face every night. Use a mild makeup remover and cotton ball. If you are using makeup wipes, make sure that the ingredients are not full of harsh chemicals that can wreak havoc on your skin’s pH balance. Some people stop at this step and that’s where they go wrong—makeup removers are not enough to clean your face, nor are they a substitute for cleanser. After getting rid of all of your makeup, use a mild cleanser to wash away the rest of the dirt from your face.
- You’re not using enough product
If you’ve fallen victim to the myth of only using a dime-sized amount for every product, then we’re sorry to tell you that you may be using too little of it to take effect. Every person’s face is a different size and has a different rate of absorbency. That said, it will take some trial-and-error before you can determine the best amount of product to use—but it’s not always a dime-sized amount.
- Your bed is dirty
Sleeping on a dirty bed is a great way to cancel out your skincare efforts. Dirt, sweat, saliva, and every other nasty thing on your sheets and pillowcases can end up on your face, resulting in frequent breakouts and even irritation. To avoid this, make it a habit to change your sheets at least once a week. And if you tend to sweat a lot at night, change your pillowcases at least twice a week.
If your skincare routine is not working, changing these habits may do just the trick. Nevertheless, it is still important to consult with a skincare professional to ensure that you are doing the right thing to your skin, most especially if you have sensitivities that make you more prone to breakouts.
Meta title: 6 Possible Reasons Your Skincare Routine is Not Working
meta desc: You’ve bought all those skincare products and they refuse to work. Read on and find out what may be hindering your skin from improving and becoming healthier.