What to do when your skincare plateau hits

You’ve been diligent – washing, moisturising and applying serums, all with care. For a while, your skin responded beautifully.

Then, without warning, progress grinds to a halt. The reflection in the mirror doesn’t improve despite your commitment, and frustration creeps in. This standstill is more common than you might think.

Understanding why your skin stops reacting and knowing how to adapt can transform this plateau into a fresh start.

Recognise the signs of a skincare plateau

First, you need to spot when your skincare hits a dead end. If your complexion no longer improves despite faithfully following your routine, that’s a clear indicator.

Maybe blemishes persist longer, or fine lines fail to soften. Sometimes, your skin might even feel dull or unresponsive to products that once worked wonders.

A plateau can also manifest as a lack of visible change after several weeks or months of consistent care. Accepting that your skin has become accustomed to your current regimen helps you avoid wasting time and money on treatments that no longer benefit you.

Reassess your current routine

Next, examine what you’re already doing. Are you using the right products for your skin type and concerns? Take note of how often you exfoliate; overdoing it can irritate, while neglecting can slow cell turnover.

Check product formulations – sometimes simpler is better, but occasionally layering multiple actives without spacing them out can overwhelm your skin.

Consider simplifying your regimen for a few weeks or swapping out one product at a time. This trial and error lets you identify what truly benefits your skin.

Consider medical-grade skincare products

If you feel your over-the-counter products aren’t cutting it, medical-grade skincare could be your next solution. These formulations undergo stricter testing and contain higher concentrations of active ingredients.

Retinoids, medical-grade antioxidants, or peptides often deliver faster and more noticeable results than typical drugstore options. However, you should always introduce these potent products gradually to avoid irritation.

Start with a lower concentration and increase frequency as your skin tolerates it. Remember, stronger doesn’t always mean better – balance efficacy with comfort to maintain skin health.

Introduce new active ingredients

Switching up your ingredients can shock your skin out of its rut. For instance, if you’ve only used vitamin C serums, try incorporating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid to encourage exfoliation and brighten your complexion.

Niacinamide, a versatile anti-inflammatory, can soothe irritation while improving texture. When you add a new ingredient, patch-test it first to check for sensitivity.

Introduce one active at a time to monitor how your skin reacts. Layering multiple new products simultaneously might confuse your skin and make it harder to identify what works.

Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice

A professional can diagnose underlying skin conditions or recommend treatments tailored specifically to your needs, such as prescription-strength retinoids, chemical peels, or laser therapy.

They also provide guidance on safely combining ingredients or modifying your routine to suit seasonal changes or hormonal shifts.

Booking a consultation ensures your approach is evidence-based and customised, turning your skincare plateau into an opportunity for informed progression.

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