Deetopia…I’m always curious about this. Few days ago, my friend was complaining that she needs to change her skincares since it’s no longer working on her skin. It made me curious. Can skincare actually stop working? Can our skin become immune to the skincare we use? Is that possible?
The Right Brain responds:
As the Left Brain pointed out in the discussion in our Forum, we couldn’t find any scientific studies that definitely answer your question. So, we’ll do the next best thing – speculate! Here are 5 possible factors that could contribute to the perception that skin care products stop working. (And thanks to Judy and Purple Rules for adding their comments on the subject!)
1. Skin reacts differently to products over time
We’ve blogged before about how your body can respond to cosmetics. For example, you can train your skin to be “addicted” to lip balm. You can also change how much oil your scalp produces by using conditioner (at least temporarily.) But there is no direct mechanism that we’re aware of for your skin to become “immune” to the effects of cosmetic skin care products.
2. Product changes over time
Not as likely but certainly plausible is the idea that the product itself has changed. For example, a sunscreen that is past its expiration date may not work as well because the active ingredient has crystallized and fallen out of suspension.
3. Skin changes over time
You skin isn’t always the same - fluctuating hormone levels can cause change, for example. So a skin care product that behaves on your skin may feel different at different times of the month. Certain medications may cause similar changes.
4. External conditions change
Of course the weather could be changing the way the product feels on your skin. A light moisturizer you use in the spring or summer may feel like it “stops working” when the winter weather makes your skin drier.
5. Your imagination changes how you perceive the product
Just like the perception that your hair gets used to your shampoo, you might think your skin has gotten used to a product. Maybe subconsciously you’re sick of the fragrance. Or maybe you just want to buy something new and it’s easier to convince yourself that’s the case if the product doesn’t work anymore. Whatever the psychological mechanism, you have to consider the possibility that your own perceptual biases may be responsible.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
While not impossible, it seems unlikely that your skin care product really stop working. But since perception is reality, I say let’s go shopping for some new products!
What do YOU think? Do you feel that your skin care products wear out over time? Leave a comment for the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, i constantly come accross recommendations to change your skin care products every XYZ months because your skin “gets used to” them. I think you did cover all of the possible reasons skin’s reaction to one and the same product could change over time. The 1st and 3rd seem most important to me….
I do believe that the skin can get used to certain products and you made some excellent points on why it can stop working. I change products every couple of months because of changes with my skin or seasonal changes.
Well here is my 2 cents if it is worth anything and maybe im wrong…but it seems to me its the same kind of theory for my skin as a farmer replanting the same crops again and again.My skin feels like after a while im overloaded or dried up of one vitamin or mineral and when I switch it up it helps my skin rebalance in something else.I switch between Dermanew,Amino Genisis and Proactive.Seems to help keep my skin in balance when I rotate my skin care regime once a week.Im prone to eczema and dry skin as well as breakouts so I have to be careful my skin doesnt get too irritated.Does this sound like a possible reason or am imagining this is whats happening?
It’s an interesting theory/metaphor but that’s not how skin works.
After about 3 weeks, your skin is completely new. All the old cells have gone through their cycle of growth, death and exfoliation.
A farmer’s field keeps the same dirt year after year. That allows excess nutrients to build up. The same can’t happen on your skin.