5 reasons why your skincare products aren't working.

Ever heard of a skincare product that supposedly achieves amazing results only to discover that said "miracle" product does not work for you? Yep.

I used to fall into that category before I realised a few important things. I'm now here to let you in on a couple of tips to help you understand why certain skincare may not be working for you.

Watch: Speaking of skincare, here's Amanda Ramsay on skincare over 50. Post continues below.

And honestly, once you realise, you may just *facepalm* at the logic of it all (just like I did!).

1. Consistency is key.

Skincare takes time to work. REALLY WORK. I am not talking about two weeks — maybe not even two months. Sometimes it will take 12 months to see decent results. You need to be patient, and you need to be consistent. Think of it like going to the gym (I mean not me — I'm a lazy girl). You are not going to see results going to the gym for a week here and there — you need to go regularly, and you'll start seeing the changes over time. It's the same with skincare.

An example is niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3). It takes around eight weeks to see some improvement. When I started using it, I saw little improvement over that time. After 12 months of consistent use, the difference was incredible, and my skin tone was much more even. 

2. Not layering correctly.

Quite often we get confused as to what order to apply products. It can get so complex. Does this product go first? Must it go first?

To simplify how to layer skincare products without drilling down too much (as we will be here a very long time), start by layering from the thinnest to thickest product.

Lightweight products are absorbed the fastest and work better when applied before an occlusive layer (a moisturiser that is meant to protect the skin) is applied over the top.  The only caveat I want to add here is about face oils. Most would say to apply this last, BUT it really depends on the type of oil. Light oils like jojoba, squalane, almond, avocado etc. are fine to apply BEFORE your moisturiser as they have a lighter molecular weight. Heavier oils (mineral, coconut, olive) go on after to lock everything in.

3. Not using the right products for your skin type.

Image: Supplied/Teresa McNamara.

I mean, it seems logical, but how many times have we purchased a product because we were told it was amazing only to try it and have a reaction, or our skin becomes dry, or red, or oily and we think… WTF?!

Our skin type is largely genetic and while it will generally stay the same for most of our lifetime, many different factors can cause it to fluctuate — from environmental stressors to hormonal changes and ageing. That's why having the right products in your armoury is crucial to balancing the skin and helping improve your main concerns.

My skin type is pretty normal but can be subject to heightened sensitivity. My skin condition is ageing with fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. I look for products that hydrate, plump and are full of antioxidants to brighten my skin.

If you are unsure of your skin type, speak to a professional for some advice. (Note: you don't have to buy their products, but a little knowledge will certainly help you moving forward!).

4. Hormonal changes.

Image: Supplied/Teresa McNamara.

Your period, pregnancy, menopause — all things that can totally mess up your skin. I have finally made it through to the other side of peri and am menopausal. Quite frankly, I hear angels sing!

I was lucky in my younger years in that I didn't experience breakouts until I was out of my teens. When I was pregnant, I was one of those annoying women whose skin glowed. However, when I hit peri… oh my god, my skin absolutely clapped out! It became so very reactive to so many things. One minute, it would love a product. The next day, I would use the same product, and it was like I was putting lava on my face.

It was at this point that skin cycling became very important. I learnt to give my skin what it *actually* needs by touching my face, feeling its texture and listening to how my body felt from the inside.

I became all about hydration and skin barrier protection for about 12 months. Everything else was secondary, and I was going through the final stages of peri. Now that I am on the other side, my skin has settled down. BUT believe me when I say, I've copped 12 months of the most sensitive skin of my life.

5. Weather/environmental changes.

The seasons can really impact the condition of your skin. In winter, we move in and out of the cold and heat. It can lead to dryness, itchiness, chapped skin and all because the moisture levels drop. We have the heating cranked up, and we take long, hot showers — both of which can strip your skin of its natural oils.

In summer, we sweat and excess oils are produced, so it makes sense that we swap products seasonally to work with our skin — its needs are not the same all year round.

In winter, I am all about heavy, occlusive products to lock in moisture, while in summer, I want to ensure I exfoliate regularly to clean out my pores and then use lighter-weight moisturisers. 

If you are a makeup wearer, all of the above will help your makeup sit beautifully on your skin and also allow you to wear less (if you wish to). How many times do we hear that issues with makeup come down to issues with skincare?

Image: Supplied/Teresa McNamara.

These tips might seem basic, but ask yourself how often you're guilty of not giving products enough time to work. Or finding a product that works for now and then getting cranky because it seems to stop working.

While it may come down to hormonal changes or the weather, it's worth taking these tips into account before spending more on skincare.

Now, excuse me while I go take a look at my skincare cupboard and decide what needs swapping out for the warmer weather — because it's time for an update.

What are your thoughts on the above? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Teresa McNamara.