Why Your Skincare Routine Isn’t Working (and How to Fix It)

You're using skincare products, but seeing no results? That’s one of the most common complaints:

I bought a serum for dark spots, a moisturizer, a scrub... but my skin hasn’t changed.

What if it’s not about using the “wrong product”, but rather a poorly structured routine? In this article, we explain why your skin isn’t reacting the way you expected — and what you can do about it.

1. An effective routine isn’t a long one

It’s tempting to pile on the products: a brightening serum, another for spots, an anti-acne cream, a mask here, an oil there... But overloading your routine isn’t always helpful.

• Too many products can cancel each other out.
• Some ingredients, when poorly combined, can irritate or disrupt your skin barrier.
• Most importantly: your skin doesn’t know what to absorb or how to react.

The key isn’t quantity — it’s the synergy between your products.

2. A consistent routine relies on 3 core steps

An effective skincare routine usually involves three key steps that work together in harmony:

1. Cleanse without stripping
   A good cleanser shouldn’t be harsh. It should:
   • remove excess sebum,
   • eliminate pollution residues,
   • create a clean base to help products absorb better.
2. Treat with targeted actives
   Serums or concentrated treatments are where you address specific concerns (dark spots, acne, dullness, dehydration...).
   Be careful:
   • Each ingredient has a specific role,
   • Not all actives are compatible,
   • Layering too many actives may overload or counteract each other.
3. Protect and maintain results
   Finally, a moisturizer (or mattifying cream) and/or appropriate sunscreen helps:
   • lock in hydration,
   • strengthen the skin barrier,
   • prevent new blemishes (especially dark spots).

3. No, results aren’t instant (and that’s okay)

Understanding your skin’s natural rhythm is essential.

• On average, skin cell turnover takes 21 to 28 days.
• Skincare works deep down, not just on the surface — visible results take time:

• For mild concerns (dullness, dehydration): expect at least 2 weeks.
• For more complex issues (dark spots, acne, uneven tone): 4 to 6 weeks of consistent routine are needed to see results.

Consistency is everything.
Switching products every 10 days because “nothing’s working” resets progress every time.

4. For Black, brown, and mixed skin: specific needs matter

Melanin-rich skin has unique characteristics:

• More prone to hyperpigmentation (especially post-inflammation, pimples, cuts...)
• Higher risk of rebound effects if irritated or poorly treated
• Often a stronger skin barrier, which may slow ingredient absorption

This means:

• Choose products carefully
• Actives should be effective but well-tolerated
• Keep routines simple, consistent, and targeted

In short: consistency + coherence are what count

A solid skincare routine includes:

• A gentle cleanser to prep the skin
• A targeted treatment that works in-depth
• A protective step to lock in results
• And above all: products that complement each other — not conflict

There’s no such thing as a miracle product — only a smart, respectful approach that works with your skin’s rhythm.

Dark spots? Acne? Dullness? There's a tailored routine for every need.

Discover the one that suits you