The skin care industry has undergone a revolution. People are becoming increasingly aware of how to best care for their skin and there’s a plethora of skin care products, moisturizing serums, and other skincare options available. While most people adhere to morning and night skincare routines, sometimes they may find that their serums aren’t effective or just not showing any improvements. Here, we will reveal possible reasons why your skincare serum is not working.

Read these 6 serum mistakes that you need to stop making:

1. Not applying serums at the correct time

Not applying your serum or other skincare products at the correct time can be one of the reasons. For example, sunscreen should be applied during the day, and retinol serum should be applied at night. Always make sure to use serums and other skincare products as suggested by your dermat or as mentioned in the product and follow a proper regime to gain maximum benefit.

2. You don’t check the concentration of actives in your serum

Always check the concentration of actives in your serum or any skincare product you choose. Active ingredients in skincare products are the ingredients that work to address the skin concern that the product is supposed to target. If the concentration is too high or too low, it can be the reason why you may not see the desired results. The higher concentration can damage your skin in the long term and is not meant to be used daily. Use products with the correct concentration level to not cause any unwanted damage.

3. Lack of consistency with a skincare routine

This one needs no telling; consistency is the key! If you are not consistent with your skincare routine, you may not get the results you are looking for. Make sure to apply your serums on a regular basis to get the best outcome.

Also read: If you use a vitamin C serum, using it with these products is a no-no

4. Ignoring the expiry date

Using expired products can cause damage. So, always make sure to keep a check. The product that you are using may have crossed its expiry date, and many times this may have been forgotten or may have gone unchecked by you. It is possible that your serum is not showing any effect because it is expired.

Also, often in our habit of buying and hoarding skin care, we purchase a product and do not use it for months. This means that the product has yet to pass its expiry date, but it is expired because it has been unused for six months or more. Doing so means your serum is expired and has lost its potency.

5. Inappropriate storage

Skincare products should always be stored at the correct room temperature. If the storage temperature is too high such as in bathrooms or due to direct sunlight or hot and humid weather, the products may lose their effectiveness. For example, vitamin C serums must always be stored in a cool and dark place to avoid contact with sunlight or heat to prevent oxidation.

6. Change in climate

Changes in season or climate may make the skin irritated and sensitive to certain compounds. In summer, hydrating serums/ humectants do well for our skin. In winter, the skin is dry and flaky, and the serum could be layered by combining it with a good occlusive moisturizer.