5 Honest Tips When Your Skin Treatment Isn’t Working

Have you tried countless creams, supplements, or social media tips for your skin — yet nothing seems to help? You’re not alone. Online we’re bombarded with “quick fixes” and well-meant advice, but rarely do these address the real cause of skin problems.

As a skin therapist with over 20 years of experience, I see it every day: lasting skin improvement requires understanding why your skin has become unbalanced — both from the inside and the outside.

1. Less is often more

Do you use multiple creams, serums, or foundations every day? That might actually be too much for your skin. An overload of products — especially from different brands — can disrupt your skin barrier, alter your skin’s pH, and unbalance your microbiome.

Try simplifying your routine. Sometimes removing just one product (like a foundation or exfoliant) is enough to reduce irritation. Your skin mainly needs rest, not an overflow of products.

2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink

Many skin problems start from within. Keep a food diary for a few days and note what you eat, drink, and when your skin flares up. Do you notice patterns around your menstrual cycle, stressful days, or weekends with alcohol and sugary foods?

Sometimes the cause lies in intolerances or sensitivities — such as dairy, gluten, or certain additives. By recognizing patterns, you can seek more targeted help from a physician or therapist.

3. Take care of your gut

The gut-skin connection is now well-established in science. What happens in your gut often shows up on your skin.

Observe your digestion: frequency, color, odor, and texture of your stool can reveal a lot about your gut health. Persistent skin issues can be linked to gut imbalances such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), leaky gut, inflammation, or gut pathogens. A gut health professional or therapist can offer targeted testing and guidance to help you restore both gut and skin balance.

4. Be critical of social media advice

Social media is full of influencers promising “the solution” for acne or eczema — but most lack any medical or paramedical background.A celebrity or influencer shares a personal experience, not a universal truth. What works for one person might make another worse.

Always check the source: Who is sharing the advice? What’s their expertise? Do they have a commercial interest?And yes — even what you read online (including through AI tools) should be approached with a critical mind.

5. Find balance in your life

Stress directly affects both your skin and your gut.A little stress can be healthy, but chronic stress — such as burnout, work pressure, or emotional strain — disrupts your gut microbiome and slows down skin recovery.

Make time for proper sleep, joy, and connection.Real social contact, laughter, and emotional support are just as essential for healthy skin as nutrition or skincare.

No ‘quick fix’, but lasting change

It’s understandable if you were hoping for a quick solution. But skin problems rarely have just one cause.True skin improvement takes time, investigation, and a holistic approach to your health.

A qualified therapist or doctor can help identify underlying issues — from gut imbalance to diet or stress.Don’t be fooled by instant promises. The key to healthy skin lies not in more products or expensive trends, but in restoring balance — from the inside out.

Wishing you success and good health,

Marcelline Goyen, BSc skin therapy

And p.s.... if you'd like to learn more about these tips and the skin-gut relationship, check out my scientifically proven book, packed with knowledge, practical examples, and tips. A must-read for all healthcare professionals (available in Dutch, English and German). www.skin-gut-axis.com

Link directly to Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJYK5KXC