We know the feeling all too well: You’re excited to try a new skin care product — or a new routine — and once the excitement wears off, you find that your skin care concerns have shown no signs of going away. With beauty routines, tips and tricks reaching millions on the internet, it’s important to remember that your skin is unique. In other words, just because a product works for someone else doesn’t guarantee you’ll see the same results.
So, what’s next if you feel like you’ve tried everything? We’re sharing five science-backed, care-forward reasons your skin care routine may not be working.
Mistake #1: Not moisturizing because you have oily skin
Regardless of your skin type, hydrated skin is happy skin. Hydration affects the texture and appearance of your skin, helping it become softer and smoother. But when your skin feels or appears oily, many opt to avoid adding more moisture into the mix. But the secret is this: hydrated skin looks younger. And just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean it’s not dehydrated. When your skin is dehydrated, it might look duller, feel tighter or be more prone to irritation, congestion and breakouts. A hydrating moisturizer like the Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Water Gel provides ultra-lightweight hydration for refreshed, dewy skin and is ideal for normal to combination to oily skin types.
Mistake #2: Not using SPF daily (yes, even when it’s not sunny!)
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll use every day! While it’s no secret that regular use of sun protection, when combined with other sun protection measures, decreases your risk for skin cancer caused by the sun. Adding this imperative step to your routine will also help keep your skin smooth, healthier- and younger-looking over time. According to Kenvue scientists, while some days may not look sunny, sunscreen is considered an everyday necessity. Damaging UV rays not only penetrate through the clouds but also through things like your home’s windowpanes or your car windshield. Many sunscreens can be applied under makeup — or choose a daily moisturizer and cosmetics that include broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, like the Aveeno® Positively Radiant® Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30.
Mistake #3: Stripping your skin of necessary oils
A common mistake many make when dealing with oily skin is attempting to strip the skin of its natural oils. But what this actually does is cause the skin to ramp up oil production in response — resulting in even oilier skin and even more opportunities for breakouts. Now that we know even oily skin needs proper moisture, it’s all about balance. A facial cleanser, like Neutrogena® Skin Balancing Clay Cleanser for Oily Skin combines oil-absorbing clay with hydrating ingredients to clear away dirt and debris without stripping the skin.
Mistake #4: Applying your products out of order
One reason your routine may not be working is because there’s actually a science behind how to layer your products. When you’re assembling your skin care steps, the general rule of thumb is that you should always apply products in order of thin to thick. So, start with liquids and move on to lightweight serums. Follow that up with creams, then oils.
Depending on your skin care concerns, try prioritizing your products. The more important the ingredient is, the earlier in your routine it should go! Some ingredients need to penetrate deep into the skin to be effective.
While several of these steps are optional, the correct order of application should be: Cleanse, tone, eye cream, treatment or serum and moisturizer, followed by SPF as the final step.
Mistake #5: Not staying consistent with your routine
As in all aspects of life, consistency is key! Since it may take a while to see results, make sure to give any new product or routine enough time before deciding it’s not for you.