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7 Reasons Your Face Serum Might Not Be Working

You just added another serum to your skincare kit and couldn’t be more thrilled. Fast forward a few weeks, and instead of a radiant transformation, you are left with clogged pores, irritation, breakouts, rashes, or, at best, no change at all. All classic signs that your skincare isn’t working.

Don’t be so quick to call it quits though. It’s true that serums can make or break your skincare regime, but their success rides on a few critical factors.

Here are seven reasons your serum may not be working:

 In This Article:

Reason 1: Incompatible Ingredients

Reason 2: Using the Wrong Serum for Your Skin Type

Reason 1: Incompatible Ingredients

In the world of skincare, not all ingredients are team players. This is especially true for active ingredients. Take Retinol and Vitamin C, for example: individually, they’re brilliant at boosting brightness and fading dark spots, but team them up and you could end up with irritated skin instead of double the benefits. Looking for a vitamin C serum that’s kind to sensitive skin and free of harsh chemicals? Enter the 10% Vitamin C+E+F Serum – a skincare warrior that brightens, nourishes, and fortifies your skin barrier. 

And if you want to layer vitamin C with another product, a Niacinamide Serum or a Hyaluronic Acid Serum are both safe choices.

Reason 2: Using The Wrong Serum For Your Skin Type

Just like you, your skin is unique, and so are its needs. Not all serums work for every skin type. Take salicylic acid serums, for example—they are excellent for exfoliation but can end up irritating and stinging sensitive skin. In this case, a gentler exfoliant like lactic acid is a safer option. It’s important to choose a face serum with ingredients that are well-suited to your skin’s unique requirements.

Reason 3: Not Giving It Enough Time

Sometimes it’s not them, it’s you.

Skincare products, especially those targeting fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture, need time, patience, and consistency to work. Face serums, in particular, can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to show noticeable results. So, don’t give up before the miracle happens. Think long-term benefits over short-term gratification.

Reason 4: Using Too Much Or Too Little Product

When it comes to using a serum, think of it like the Goldilocks zone—not too much, not too little, but just right. Even the most powerful ingredients will fall short if you use too much or too little. Here’s how to get the balance just right in 4 simple steps (subject to the type and potency of the serum):

Step 1: Start with clean skin. Wash your face with a mild, soap-free cleanser.

Step 2: Shake for ingredients to blend well.

Step 3: Take 3-4 drops of serum onto your palms.

Step 4: Lightly spread it between your palms.

Step 5: Gently dab it across your face and neck.

Reason 5: External Factors Affecting Efficacy

Your skincare routine is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to skin health. External elements like pollution, heat, humidity, stress, and diet affect both, the performance of your skincare products and your skin's overall health. If your meticulous skincare regime isn’t giving you the results you desire, one or more of these factors might be to blame. Consider tweaking your diet for better nutrition and try covering up with a scarf for a little extra layer of protection when you head outside.

Reason 6: Expired Or Ineffective Product 

Every skincare product, including your face serum, comes with an expiry date. Beyond that, they can become less effective and might even irritate your skin.

Pro-tip: take a quick picture of the packaging or label when you get the product. That way, even if the label fades or disappears, you’ll know exactly when your serum has overstayed its welcome.

Reason 7: Underlying Skin Conditions

If your skin is showing no signs of improvement even after doing everything right, there could be an underlying skin condition like eczema or psoriasis throwing a wrench in the works. These issues might demand specialised treatment, making your beloved serums less effective or even potentially irritating. Don’t play detective; if you suspect an underlying issue, consult a dermatologist.

Takeaway

So you see, there's a whole checklist to go through before deciding if your serum is ineffective or just misunderstood. Before passing the final judgement, consider these possible factors and give it a little more space to spread its wings!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:1 Why are serums not working on my face?

A. They may be incompatible with your skin type or another skincare product in your routine. Other possible causes include underlying skin conditions, lifestyle, and diet. Consistency and patience are also critical for visible results.

Q:2 Why is my face not absorbing the serum?

A. Poor absorption can be due to dead skin cells or clogged pores. Ensure that you are exfoliating regularly to allow your serum to penetrate.

Q:3 How to know if a serum is working?

A. Check for positive changes in your skin, such as smoother texture or fewer dark spots. Consistent use over time usually reveals the best results.

Prapti Vyas
Written by Prapti Vyas on Aug 25, 2024
Writer. teacher. cat mom. part-time comedian with a love for wordplay. speaks 6 languages but small talk isn’t one of them. raised by sylvia plath & mary oliver. 6+ years of experience turning TL;DRs into must-reads.
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