You’ve invested in high-quality skincare, followed all the latest trends, and applied your products religiously—yet your skin still isn’t looking its best. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with skincare not delivering the results they expected, and often, the issue isn’t the products themselves—it’s how they’re being used.
Today I'm talking about the common reasons your skincare routine isn’t working and, most importantly, how to fix it.
1. You’re Applying Products in the Wrong Order
Did you know that the order in which you apply your skincare can make or break its effectiveness? Many people layer products incorrectly, which can reduce absorption or even make certain ingredients ineffective.
The Correct Order:
✔ Step 1: Cleanser (Removes dirt, oil, and makeup - my favourites are always my Cleansing Beauty Balm, The Nimue Cleansing Gel and the Revision Papaya Enzyme Cleanser)
✔ Step 2: Toner/Product Prep (I'm talking more like 'active' ones such as the Nimue Conditioner or the Forlle'd Refining Lotion)
✔ Step 3: Serums/Skin Treatments (Water-based first, then creamier ones such as my Vitamin C Serum, Forlle'd P-Effect Essence or SkinBetter Science's AlphaRet)
✔ Step 4: Moisturiser (To hydrate and moisturise - for anti-ageing, why not try Calecim's Multi Action Cream or for more acne prone skin the Nimue Purifier Day & Night Creams)
✔ Step 5: Sunscreen (Morning only and it should always be the Nimue Sun-C SPF 40 in my opinion)
If you’re applying thick creams before your serums, those powerful ingredients aren’t penetrating properly and could be sitting uselessly on top of your skin. Always apply from thinnest to thickest consistency to maximize results! Never apply oils first! Always apply them as the last layer.
2. You’re Using Too Many (or Too Few) Active Ingredients
A skincare routine should be balanced, not overloaded. If you’re layering on multiple active ingredients (like retinol, acids, and vitamin C) without a strategy, you might actually be damaging your skin barrier instead of helping it.
On the flip side, if your routine lacks active ingredients, your skin might not be getting the targeted benefits it needs.
Common Active Ingredients and Their Benefits:
✔ Vitamin C – Brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation (I love my Vitamin C Serum and also Alto Advanced from SkinBetter Science)
✔ Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrates and plumps skin (The Forlle'd range is my all time favourite for any kind of hyaluronic acid product!)
✔ Niacinamide – Balances oil, reduces redness, strengthens barrier (so many products contain this including all the SkinBetter Science's AlphaRet range)
✔ Retinoids/Retinals – Boosts collagen, smooths fine lines, improves skin texture (I always love the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet range and also the Nimue Retinal Power+ Serum)
✔ AHAs/BHAs – Exfoliate, unclog pores, and improve skin clarity (Nimue is the range for AHA's. They have their incredible triple AHA blend which runs through a lot of their products)
Fix It:
Stick to 1-2 actives at a time and don’t mix harsh ingredients unless directed by a professional.
If your routine is too basic and lacks actives, introduce one (like a vitamin C serum in the morning or a retinoid at night) and observe how your skin responds.
3. You’re Not Giving Products Enough Time to Work
Skincare isn’t instant gratification—it takes time for real changes to appear. If you’re constantly switching products or expecting overnight results, you may not be allowing your skin to fully adapt and show improvements.
How Long Should You Wait?
✔ Hydration Boost (Hyaluronic Acid, Moisturisers): Immediate to 1 week
✔ Calming Redness (Niacinamide, Barrier Repair Creams): 2-4 weeks (Don't forget Senté Dermal Repair Cream for redness)
✔ Brighter Skin (Vitamin C, Exfoliating Acids): 4-6 weeks
✔ Fine Line & Wrinkle Reduction (Retinoids, Peptides): 8-12 weeks
Fix It:
Commit to using a product consistently for at least 4-6 weeks before deciding whether it works for you. I always recommend taking photographs before and after if needed to track progress! Always take these without any makeup, standing with daylight in front of you and take the images at the same time of day in the same place so you can see the change.
4. You’re Not Using Sunscreen Daily (Yes, Even Indoors!)
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer—it’s a year-round essential. If you’re not protecting your skin from UV damage, all the expensive serums and treatments you’re using are being undone by the sun’s harmful rays.
Common Sunscreen Myths Debunked:
"I don’t need sunscreen indoors." → False! UV rays penetrate windows so if you're working from home, near a window, you must wear it daily.
"My makeup has SPF, so I’m covered." → False! You’d need 7x the usual amount of foundation to get full protection. There would be brown goo everywhere! Always wear a separate SPF.
"Darker skin tones don’t need SPF." → False! Hyperpigmentation and aging still occur without sunscreen.
Fix It:
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 40 or higher every morning—even on cloudy days! My Favourite is always the Nimue Sun-C SPF 40. Click here to order.
5. Your Diet & Lifestyle Are Working Against Your Skincare
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health. If you’re not hydrating properly, managing stress, or eating a balanced diet, even the best skincare won’t be able to compensate for internal imbalances.
Key Factors That Impact Your Skin:
Not Drinking Enough Water – Dehydration leads to dull, tired-looking skin. Organs don't function as well and neither does your brain!
Too Much Sugar & Processed Food – Can trigger inflammation, acne, and premature aging.
Poor Gut Health – Can lead to your body not absorbing nutrients properly (amongst other things such a low mood, hormone imbalances and more!) and therefore can impact the skin
Lack of Sleep – Slows down skin repair and regeneration.
Chronic Stress – Increases cortisol, which can cause breakouts and sensitivity.
Hormone Fluctuations – This could be it's own topic! If you're on HRT, going through the menopause, on the pill or other forms of contraception, it could be impacting your skin and health.
Fix It:
Hydrate: Aim for 2-3 liters of water per day. Hydrate your body with Hydration from The Beauty Chef.
Eat Skin-Friendly Foods: Think antioxidant-rich berries, leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3s. Don't forget your supplements too. I love Skinade Collagen drink to have daily for skin health.
Take a good probiotic daily: Feed the good bacteria in your gut! Can't be without my GLOW Inner Beauty Powder and my Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Clear Biome.
Prioritise Sleep: Try to get 7-9 hours for optimal skin repair. I also love to use my Oura ring to monitor my sleep nightly. This has been such a game changer for me. (Use this link for 10% off!)
Manage Stress: Yoga, meditation, or even a simple breathing exercise can help reduce stress-related skin issues. Headspace is a great meditation app to give you guided options. You can get a free trial here.
Get your bloods done if you're unsure where your hormones are at. Hormones fluctuations can have such an impact on our skin (and mental) health. If you're breaking out a lot it could be linked to medications such as HRT or the pill. Always check with your GP that you're on the correct dosage for you.
Consistency is key, and patience is essential when it comes to great skin health. Start with these small tweaks to see if they have any improvement on your skin's health. If you're still not seeing a change, why not have a free skin check-in with me or book an online consultation instead.
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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