1. Applying in the wrong order

Application order matters, it affects how the products absorb and how well they work. The order you apply skincare in is important to improve the efficacy of them as it impacts the absorption of the products. The best order to ensure you’re getting the most out of them is Cleanser, Serum, Eye Cream, Moisturiser, and finishing off with Sunscreen during the day, or a Face Oil at night.

2. Mix and matching actives

When applied correctly, mixing skincare ingredients can elevate your skincare routine but get it wrong, and you could be faced with some major irritation. At best, mixing skincare ingredients can level up your skincare routine. At worst, you could face some major irritation. Avoid mixing retinoids with other actives (like benzoyl peroxide, vitamin C, and AHAs/BHAs) as this can cause severe irritation. Power pairings include vitamin C and vitamin E, ferulic acid, or sunscreen. Retinol and hyaluronic acid also work hand-in-hand.

3. Doing too much

When it comes to skincare there can actually be a thing as doing too much. Overdoing it with actives causes issues such as congestion, breakouts, redness, dry patches, flakiness and irritation. Sticking to a few hero products at once is best.

4. Time of day matters

Timing matters when it comes to skincare. Some actives are best suited to the morning, like SPF and vitamin C as it works with sunscreen to boost your UV protection. AHAs, like lactic and glycolic acid, and retinoids, should be used at night as they increase sun sensitivity.

5. Know the expiration

Just like food or medicine, skincare does have an expiration date! Once opened, the shelf life begins to decline. This can lead to irritation or impact efficacy. If the product doesn’t have an official expiration date, look out for changes to the smell or consistency, and differences in colour. The PAO date (period after opening) is also a good indicator and you can find it by looking for the graphic of a container with a number inside it.

Bonus: what to do if your skincare isn’t working?

There are many reasons your skincare may not be working and this it’s important to get a medical opinion, as the skin is your largest organ after all.

Software connects you with an online practitioner and curates you a custom skincare routine, personalised to your skin concerns. The ingredients our practitioners recommend are clinical-grade and formulated in your routine to help treat skin concerns including acne, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, dullness and more.