Can Your Skin Get Used to Skincare Products?
Skincare stopped working? Here's what might really be going on — and how to reboot your routine.
Published:
3 minute read
You start using a new product — and the results are great. Your skin looks clearer, smoother, healthier. But a few months in… nothing. No more glow. No more “wow.”
So what happened? Did your skin just get used to the product — making it less effective? Or is that just another skincare myth?
We asked dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) to break it down.
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Can your skin build a tolerance to skincare products?
Short answer: no — your skin doesn’t become “immune” to a skincare ingredient like it might with certain medications or antibiotics.
However, your skin does adapt to some ingredients over time — especially those that trigger cell turnover or initial irritation, like retinoids.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “When you first start using retinol, it’s normal to go through a period of dryness or purging. That doesn’t mean the product isn’t working — it means it’s starting to work.”
As your skin adjusts, irritation typically fades, and results improve over time — with most people seeing peak benefits from retinoids between 6 and 12 months.
Need a retinol made for acne-prone skin? Try SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum — formulated to support skin renewal while minimizing irritation.
Why your skincare might seem less effective over time
If a product felt amazing at first but now seems to do…nothing — you’re not imagining it. But it’s not because the product stopped working. It’s usually because of one of three factors:
1. Your perception has shifted
When you start a new routine and your skin improves, you notice — because the transformation is obvious. But over time, that improvement becomes your new normal, and it may feel like nothing’s happening.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “When you’re unsure if your products are still working, take your own before-and-after photos — same lighting, same angle. It’s one of the best ways to track real progress.”
Send us your selfies! Click here to share your before and after photos from using Acne System (or any of your other SLMD faves) for a chance to be featured in our social media.
2. Your skin has changed
Your core skin type might be stable, but your skin’s needs fluctuate due to:
All of these can affect how your skin responds to products — and when it might need extra support (like more hydration in winter or increased exfoliation in summer).
3. You’ve slipped out of routine
Let’s be honest: when you first started that skincare routine, you were probably consistent. But as time passes, it’s easy to skip steps — or stop altogether. That lack of consistency is one of the most common reasons for stalled results.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “The basics still matter: cleanse, treat, and moisturize every day. That consistency is what drives real results over time.”
Should you switch up your skincare routine?
Not necessarily — but small adjustments over time can help you optimize results.
Dr. Lee explains that your skin’s environment changes constantly, so updating your products with the seasons or your cycle can keep your routine aligned with your skin’s needs.
When to tweak your routine:
- In winter: Add a hydrating layer, like SLMD Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- In summer: Increase exfoliation or lighten your moisturizer
- Post-breakout: Use dark spot treatments to fade leftover marks
- During hormonal shifts: Amp up acne-fighting ingredients
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine — just make thoughtful updates when your skin is telling you it needs something different.
FAQs: When skincare “stops working”
Q: Can my skin get used to salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide?
A: Not in a way that makes them stop working — but your skin may need stronger concentrations if breakouts return.
Q: Should I switch products every few months to “shock” my skin?
A: No. That’s a myth. Consistency is key. Only change products if your skin’s needs change.
Q: What’s the best way to know if a product is still working?
A: Track visible results over time — and don’t forget how far your skin has come. Selfies help!
Q: Can expired or poorly stored products stop working?
A: Yes. Products exposed to heat, air, or past their expiration may degrade and become less effective.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
If a product worked for your skin once, chances are it’s still doing its job. But skin isn’t static — it changes over time. The key is staying consistent, and making small adjustments when your skin needs extra support.
