As we’ve mentioned, it might not be the product’s fault. Instead, it’s better to analyse your skin. If you’ve noticed your retinol isn’t providing the same smoothing results it once was, it might be time to up your percentage. “Rather than ‘building up resistance’, the skin may simply require a change in formulation – a stronger or weaker concentration – or maybe even a complementary product to maintain results,” says Mahto.

On the other hand, you might have overdone it and left your skin in a compromised position. “Overusing strong active ingredients can compromise the skin barrier, making it less receptive to further treatment,” she says.

Often it’s not an isolated product causing underwhelming results. “If a serum isn’t working as well as before, I’d argue a reassessment of the overall routine is often needed rather than assuming the product itself is ineffective,” adds Mahto.

This doesn’t mean throwing out all your lotions and potions but having a more targeted and specific approach to your skincare routine. “Adjusting the routine (either by rotating ingredients, increasing or decreasing frequency, or introducing complementary products) can help. For example, if a vitamin C serum seems less effective, combining it with an exfoliant might enhance penetration,” she says.

If you’re worried you’ve overdone it with products, the first port of call will always be to put your skin barrier first and work on getting it healthy and strong. We sound like a broken record but glowing skin always starts with a healthy skin barrier.

Has your skincare stopped working? Here’s what to do about it, according to a dermatologist