The idea that your skin "gets used to" products and they stop working is a common myth—

 

Great question! The idea that your skin "gets used to" products and they stop working is a common myth—but there's some nuance.

Here's the truth:

1. Your skin doesn't literally become immune to products.
Skincare products don’t stop working just because your skin “gets used to” them in the way you might get used to caffeine. Their active ingredients still function the same way.

2. What can happen:

• Visible improvement slows down: Once your skin reaches a healthier state, there may be fewer dramatic changes, making it seem like the product stopped working.

• Skin’s needs change: Weather, hormones, age, stress, and diet can all shift your skin type or concerns over time, making some products less effective or no longer suitable.

• Tolerance to actives: Some ingredients like retinoids or acids can lead to increased skin tolerance (i.e., less irritation or sensitivity), which is a good thing—but doesn't mean they’ve stopped being effective.

3. When to reassess:

• If you're breaking out more, getting dry patches, or noticing no benefit over weeks/months, it might be time to tweak your routine—not because your skin “got used to it,” but because something changed.