Why Your Skincare Routine Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It in 4 Steps)
Listen, I get it. You’ve spent money on skincare products—probably a lot. You’ve followed influencers, watched countless tutorials, and still, your skin isn’t giving what it’s supposed to give. Maybe your laser hair removal results aren’t lasting, your ingrown hairs keep coming back, or your facial treatments feel like they work for a second and then… back to square one.
Here’s the thing: It’s not just about the products you’re using. It’s how you’re using them.
If you’ve been wondering why your skincare routine isn’t working, this is for you. I’m breaking down the top mistakes people make and showing you the 4 essential steps that actually make a difference.
Let’s fix this.
Step 1: Cleansing (For Real, Though)
If you’re not cleansing your skin properly, nothing else in your routine matters. I don’t care if you’re using a $300 serum—if your face isn’t clean, those ingredients aren’t penetrating, and your skin isn’t improving.
Mistakes You’re Making:
❌ Mixing product lines without understanding ingredients
❌ Using the wrong cleanser for your skin type
❌ Rushing through cleansing (a quick splash of water ain't it)
❌ Not washing your face before and after laser hair removal
❌ Over-cleansing and stripping your skin
How to Fix It:
✅ Use the right cleanser – I always recommend my Ingrown Hair Annihilator because it deep cleans without over-drying. Perfect for ingrown hair removal, breakouts, and keeping skin clear.
✅ Cleanse for 60 seconds – Yes, a full minute. This allows your cleanser to break down dirt, oil, and leftover products.
✅ Wash after workouts – Sweat + bacteria = breakouts and clogged follicles.
✅ Double cleanse if needed – If you wear makeup or heavy sunscreen, start with an oil cleanser before your regular face wash.
Step 2: Toner (Yes, You Actually Need It)
Toners get a bad rep, but they’re necessary—especially if you’re dealing with ingrown hairs, acne, or dull skin.
Think of toner like the prep step. It removes leftover residue, balances your pH, and preps your skin to actually absorb the rest of your routine.
Mistakes You’re Making:
❌ Skipping toner altogether
❌ Using alcohol-based toners that strip your skin
❌ Thinking toner is optional (it’s not)
How to Fix It:
✅ Use a hydrating toner with ingredients like aloe, witch hazel, or niacinamide
✅ Apply with a cotton pad or your hands – Wipe away excess dirt, or press it in for hydration
✅ Use after cleansing, before serums and moisturizers
Step 3: Serums (The Game Changers)
Serums are where the real magic happens. If your skincare isn’t working, it might be because you’re skipping serums—or using the wrong ones.
Mistakes You’re Making:
❌ Not using a serum at all
❌ Layering too many active ingredients
❌ Not waiting for serums to absorb before applying the next product
How to Fix It:
✅ Pick the right serum for your skin concerns – If you have dark spots or post-laser hyperpigmentation, look for vitamin C or niacinamide. For hydration? Hyaluronic acid.
✅ Apply on damp skin – This helps your skin absorb the ingredients better.
✅ Wait 30-60 seconds before applying your next product – Let it sink in, don’t just slap on moisturizer right away.
Step 4: Moisturizer vs. Serum (Yes, There’s a Difference)
A serum is not a moisturizer and a moisturizer is not a serum. They do different things, and you need both.
A serum is targeted treatment—it goes deep into the skin. A moisturizer is for hydration and sealing everything in.
Mistakes You’re Making:
❌ Thinking a serum is enough hydration (it’s not)
❌ Skipping moisturizer because your skin is oily
❌ Using a moisturizer that’s too heavy or too light for your skin type
How to Fix It:
✅ Use a moisturizer after your serum – This locks everything in and keeps skin balanced.
✅ Pick the right one – Gel-based for oily skin, cream-based for dry skin.
✅ Don’t skip moisturizer after laser hair removal or facials – Hydration helps prevent irritation and improves results.
Why Your Skincare Routine Still Isn’t Working
Even if you’re following these steps, you could still be messing up in ways you don’t even realize.
1. You’re Mixing Product Lines Without Knowing What Works Together
Some ingredients don’t mix well. If you’re layering retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids all at once, you might be damaging your skin instead of helping it.
2. You’re Not Giving Products Time to Work
Skincare isn’t magic—it takes time. If you’re switching products every two weeks because you don’t see results, you’re not giving your skin a chance to adjust.
3. You’re Not Cleansing Properly
I said it once, I’ll say it again—if your skin isn’t clean, nothing else matters.
4. You’re Applying Products Incorrectly
There’s a right order: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer. Don’t just slap everything on randomly.
5. You’re Not Prepping Your Skin for Laser Hair Removal
If you’re not exfoliating before and moisturizing after, you’re not getting the best results. Ingrown hairs are more likely to form if your skin isn’t properly taken care of.
Final Thoughts: Get Your Skincare Routine Right
I’ve been an esthetician for 16+ years, and I promise you—skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to the four essential steps, stop making these common mistakes, and your skin will start showing real results.
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✨ Book an appointment at HueVine!
🔹 Need the best skincare products?
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Got skincare questions? Drop them in the comments, and let’s get your routine right!
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