7 Reasons Why Your Skincare Routine No Longer Works

Help...Why Is My Skincare Routine No Longer Working? This is a comment/question I hear a lot, and today Barbie's Beauty Bits is here to help with my top seven reasons why your skincare routine no longer works.

Undoubtedly, taking care of your skin can be a little overwhelming. It's hard to find a skincare regime that works well for you, especially if you wouldn't exactly consider yourself a skincare enthusiast.

At times, you might discover that your existing skincare routine isn't showing any improvement. There are many reasons for this. So do not write it off as this skincare product is horrible as there could be an underlying cause that is not working for you.

Below we will discuss seven reasons why your skincare routine is no longer working.

Sound interesting? Then let's get started.

Got Fluctuating Hormones? Your Skincare Routine Will No Longer Work

During our lives, there are many times that our hormones fluctuate; they seem like they have a mind of their own, don't they beauties? Alongside causing fatigue, weight gain/loss, anxiety, and memory fog, it can often affect your skin.

Especially for those going through menopause may see an increase in sebum production, thus causing an increase in breakouts. As a result, your skin type may have changed, so your skincare routine won't work either.

If you feel this is the case for you, it might be worth seeing professional help from the best dermatologist in Utah. A board-certified dermatologist will be able to recommend the right products to get your hormonal skin back on track.

When Skincare Stops Working: The Impact Of Incorrect Application And Inconsistency

You can have all of the best skincare products in the world, but they aren't effective if you don't use them consistently. Skipping your routine may seem harmless, but sooner or later, your skin will begin to notice a difference.

Just like you brush your teeth, remember to complete all of your steps in your skincare routine. Believe it or not, self-care and pampering are just as important as the product benefits.

Another reason is how you apply your skincare products. No, we are not talking about the order to apply your skin care products or how you are layering the products in your routine. While these are important, today, we are talking about the actual technique of applying the products, using motions such as dabbing, rubbing, patting, pressing, etc.

We know you are probably thinking, you're kidding me, right? Why does this even matter? Well, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but applying your skincare with the wrong technique can cause skin damage, and fine lines, leading to premature aging. In turn, you may think your skincare products are no longer working when the truth is the application caused more harm than good.

Change In The Weather Can Effect Your Skincare Results

Just like changing your wardrobe with the change of seasons, you also need to change up your skincare routine. This is because our body reacts differently to the weather, and it's common to experience oiliness in the heat and dry skin in the cold.

I like to do a Spring Cleaning, so to speak, of my skincare products. So, while going through cabinets, closets, and scrubbing floors for deep cleaning, don't forget Spring cleaning your beauty routine. That's right! There is no better time to prepare your complexion for the rising temperatures and humidity!

Heat can cause an increase in oil production and lead to problematic skin, so switching to a lighter formula, for example, can help to kick start your skincare products to start working.

This also means replacing expired products with new ones and sloughing off that winter buildup of dead skin cells to reveal hydrated, glowing, healthy, perfect Spring skin!

Speaking of replacing expired products, that brings us to the following reasons why your skincare products for your skin are no longer working.

Expired Skincare: Impacting Results And Effectiveness

Just like the food in your fridge and the pills in your medicine cabinet, makeup and skincare products have an expiry date! If you've had them for too long, they aren't working well and may even cause irritation and other skin issues.

Check your jars and labels to see how many months the item can be used. Also, check to see where you are storing your skincare products. You want to ensure that you keep your skincare products in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight, as the heat can reduce the success of the active ingredients.

A Change In Your Lifestyle Can Influence Your Skincare Routine

Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Have you recently moved to a new city? Drastic lifestyle change? An unhealthy diet, or what about altering your diet?

A few lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on the condition of your skin.

Try and take a moment to unwind, relax and identify any allergens and irritants. You may need to swap a few items if everything seems to have stopped working.

Skincare Overload: Signs You've Gone Too Far With Your Routine

What? Is this possible? Yep, too much of a good thing can happen, especially when using anti-aging skincare products.

For example, you can over-exfoliate the skin, which can compromise the skin's barrier function. Your skin can become dehydrated, and capillaries can become damaged, leaving your skin worse than when you started your skincare routine.

Generally, the skin should be exfoliated only one to two times per week to help expedite skin cell turnover without causing damage. Yup, one to two times per week...WHAT??? Suppose you've been slathering on the exfoliating acids daily or using a sonic cleansing device, like myself. In that case, there's a good chance you are over-exfoliating, allowing premature exposure to the underlying skin.

Your Skincare Routine Has Reached A Plateau

We saved this for last as the truth is it's not just a matter of your skin getting used to the products. A product can only do so much, and there comes the point where those ingredients have done all they could do for your skin...

They have hit a plateau. Just like when you have been trying to lose weight and hit your positive energy balance, you will stop losing pounds. When this happens, try something new-maybe recalculate your caloric intake, add more protein, or try a different workout.

It is the same with your skin: You found a fantastic skincare line, you see the viable improvement, but then it comes to a halt. Or this that happens to me frequently. There is a skincare product so many love; I try it, and it doesn't do anything for me, and I think this product sucks.

The ingredients are still working, but they're maintaining a new normal. Your skin has come accustomed to that ingredient or skincare product.

So if you've been doing the same-old-same-old, you could have hit a plateau, and your skin is not getting where you want it to; your skincare doesn't suck. It's time to try something new!

Final Words
While it can be disheartening to see your hard work diminish or worse feel like you have thrown money out the window for skincare products. Remember that you can fix the problem if your skincare routine is no longer working. By taking some of the steps Barbie's Beauty Bits has outline above, you'll be able to create a skincare routine to get back your youthful glow.
 
Good luck!

The Ultimate Travel Hair Guide

When you're traveling, the last thing you want to do is spend hours fixing your hair. Even we beauty lovers want to make the most of every minute, so I am sharing with you Barbie's Beauty Bits Ultimate Travel Hair Guide.

The goal is to think ahead by considering the weather, excursions, dinners, etc., that you will be having on your trip and try to plan out the best hairdos that will work.

And no, you do not need to bring your entire beauty arsenal, although those who have traveled with me may beg to differ that I don't do that. I'm just helping you to know that you do not have to style your hair in an up-do the entire trip by bringing the essential hair products to look fabulous no matter what the day holds.

Pack A Dry Shampoo When Traveling
This is one hair product I could not live without! Dry shampoos are a must when traveling as they offer many uses that many are unaware of as they are not just for dirty, oily hair.

• They help to refresh your locks instantly
• Combat sweat, dirt, and oils
• Eliminate odor
• Adds volume and bounce to your hair
• And, of course, it can give you a few extra days of not having to wash your hair. But the key is to apply it right after washing, do not wait until your hair is dirty.
  

Seamless Hair Extensions When Traveling
The last thing you want to do is spend hours styling your hair, but this doesn't mean you can't have glamorous beach wave curls. One lifesaver for me is seamless hair extensions.

Hair extensions were made with travelers in mind. You can pop the already styled hair pieces on in just a few clips, which is a low-maintenance way to style your hair with minimal effort. The key is ensuring the hair is human hair, as this will allow you to wash and style your hair before traveling.

For example, I add a beach wave curl to my clip-in hair before leaving to go on vacation as it will hold for days. So when I am getting ready to go out, I just pop in my already curled hair pieces, and voila, I have bouncy, curly hair in minutes!

And no worries, they are easy to put on and take off. I prefer to use silicone-lined clips for maximum comfort, they'll give you an incredibly natural-looking body, and the flat seams make these the go-to clip-in extensions for the most invisible feel.

The Essential Hair Styling Tool To Pack When Traveling
I am a hair styling tool junkie, and I have so many of them. But when traveling, I bring one beauty tool: my Hair Dryer Hot Air Brush. This one-step hair dryer brush can provide you with various hairstyles. Meaning the brush is the blow dryer that can curl, add gorgeous volume, and straighten the hair.

Avoid air drying your hair as it can become frizzy. Using a hair styling tool will flatten the hair cuticle, making your hair smoother.

And do not forget the travel adapter if you travel out of the country.  

Hair Accessories To Pack When Traveling
I am putting these under one, so it doesn't look too high maintenance when it comes to your hair care when traveling or on vacation.

Here's a list of hair accessories you may want to consider for your trip (depending on your destination):

•     Heat protectant
•     Redkin Control 28 & Fashion 12 for humidity and amazing, soft hold
•     Yoga hair clip
•     Hair Bun
•     Headband
•     Hair Scarf
•     Hat(s)-a baseball hat, beach hat, and a stylish hat to wear out
  

What the heck is a yoga hair clip? 

I am elaborating on this as this is a lifesaver when it comes to traveling.

It's made with the yoga lover in mind, so you don't have to keep moving your ponytail or hair clip while lying on your back. But you can wear it any time as it is perfect for keeping your hair up on lazy days and still looks stylish when going straight to lunch, dinner, or happy hour.

And one of the main reasons I love this as it will not poke you in the back of the head when lying down. As one of my last hair tips when traveling is always to put your hair up when you go to bed. This will prevent your hair from rubbing and getting frizzy. It will also prevent your hair from getting dirty so quickly as it is away from your face, so no face oils or skincare will get on the hair.

Oh, and you can wear this clip on the plane, your hairstyle looks together, and you can lean back in your airplane seat without worrying about the darn hair clip jabbing you in the head.

My friend Pila from Heaven On Earth Day Spa sells them if you want one! Simply send her an email saying; "I want my hair clip."

So there you have it. Barbie's Beauty Bits Ultimate Travel Hair Guide!

Beauty Tips Based On Your Zodiac Signs

Beauty Tips Based on Your Zodiac Signs? Tell us more Miss Barbie's Beauty Bits.

Your Zodiac sign is a fascinating topic used to tell tales of the stars, and it is also beneficial for helping you understand yourself.

Your zodiac sign affects many things, including your career, your sleeping routine, and even your relationships.

This is because your zodiac sign influences your likes and dislikes and behavior. Unsurprisingly, your zodiac sign also determines what kind of beauty regime you should adopt. From zodiac sign skincare to what makeup your should wear based on your zodiac sign, to self-care beauty according to your zodiac sign.

I don't have a crystal ball, but it is pretty much written in the stars that these ideas will catch your fancy. So what are you waiting for? Check out this fun list of beauty tips based on your astrological sign.

Aries: Your Favorite Fragrance
Reviving and stimulating, the fragrance of a bold, spicy and intense scent is sure to get you fired up. Warm, woody and earthy scents will also make you feel strong enough to conquer anything. Light floral or fruity fragrances are great for a natural look, and sweet clean scents will help balance out your fiery personality.

Taurus: Your Signature Makeup Look
When it comes to makeup, you are all about enhancing your natural beauty and taking care of yourself. Your signature makeup look is all about highlighting what you already have – gorgeous eyes, full lips, and rosy cheeks.

• For the eyes, use a soft matte brown shadow on the inner corners and crease of your eyelids. Next, apply a light gold shimmery shadow along your entire upper lash line for a pop of color and highlight underneath with a shimmery white or champagne-colored cream highlighter. Finish off with black liner on top lashes only for added drama.
• Focus on the lips by applying nude lipstick that has pink undertones. It will complement the slight flush from cheek application.
• For your cheeks, apply peach blush in circular motions until blended into flesh tone. Then, blend it outwards towards the temples, with no harsh edges around the cheekbones or the jawline.
  

Gemini: Your Lipstick Shade
If you are a Gemini, your lipstick shade should be a shade of pink or red. You are energetic and creative as an air sign and the third sign of the Zodiac. You have a social butterfly personality and love to be in the spotlight. You are great at communicating with people.

Cancer: Your Color Palette
Cancers are natural-born artists who are intuitive, creative, and tend to be highly sensitive.

Cancer is ruled by the Moon, which means your color palette should be soft, sweet, and alluring. Avoid colors like black or navy, as these colors can make your skin look dull and unappealing. Instead, opt for pale pink or blush tones that enhance the natural glow of your water sign.

Leo: Your Signature Hairstyle
Leos are known for their flamboyant hairstyles and usually wear long hair with volume. The most common Leo hairstyle is a blunt cut with some length on top, which can be styled straight or curled. You can also wear your hair in a ponytail pulled through the back of your head to create a half-ponytail style.

Virgo: Your Go-To Skincare Routine
As an earth sign, Virgos should stick to a great skincare routine. Whether a skincare routine for a beginner or if you are a pro, skincare is in the cards for you! 

• Cleanse your face using the double cleanse method. Cleaning your face first with an oil-based product and then followed by a water-based cleanser
• Use a toner after washing. That will help eliminate any remaining makeup or pollutants on the surface of your skin.
• Moisturize right after you've used toner. That will lock in hydration for more extended periods.
• Depuff and brighten the eye area with a hydrating eye cream
• Serums are great for adding nourishment directly to the skin without adding too much moisture at once.
• And do not forget to use a face mask a few times a month.
  

Libra: Your Favorite Spa Treatments
Libra is known for its love of beauty treatments. While they enjoy getting manicures and pedicures, they also have a passion for high-maintenance massages, facials, and spa retreats.

Libras can find relaxation by listening to music that calms them down or reading a book that takes their mind off the stressors in life. It is no surprise that massage therapy has become such a popular hobby for Libras. They also like to regularly practice relaxation techniques after a long day, like meditation or yoga.

Scorpio: Your Shower Playlist
Music can enhance any activity, whether your morning routine is to make coffee, read the news, or do some deep breathing while you meditate.

It does not have to be a song that motivates you to get up and start your day. A slower tune might work better for Scorpio's morning routine, such as Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" or The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood."

Try some upbeat tunes when it comes to makeup and hair styling. You could even make a playlist just for this purpose. Songs like Bruno Mars' "24K Magic" or Rihanna's "Work" will work wonders. However, if you prefer something slower, listen to John Mayer's "New Light" instead.

Other zodiacs might not agree with the Scorpio playlist, especially Capricorns. The Capricorn and Scorpio chemistry has never been that great regarding romantic relationships. Be it a lack of emotions, communication commitment, or loyalty, these two lack the compatibility you would expect from a destined-to-be couple.

Sagittarius: Your Favorite Beauty Tools
Sagittariuses are known to be free spirits, and they enjoy trying new things. They are also very practical, so there is no need to spend a fortune on your beauty tools.

When it comes to beauty tools, they prefer something that will help get the job done right. Thus, when picking skincare devices or makeup brushes, do your research before buying them. Take your time with each one you pick up so that you can understand whether or not you are comfortable with them.

Capricorn: Your Go-To Nail Polish Color
Black is a classic color that is always in style, and it is also easy to match with any outfit, making it a perfect go-to nail polish color for Capricorns. Black nails look great on short, long, natural, and acrylic nails.

Aquarius: Your Favorite Beauty Rituals and Products
As an Aquarius, you are a gentle person who does not like to be pushed into things. This also means that when it comes to beauty, you may not have a lot of rituals or products. So for the perfect skincare routine, you like to keep things simple, quick, and efficient but still want them to be effective, so make sure to pick up some multi-tasking products.

Pisces: Use Pastel Colors to Calm Yourself Down
Pisces are very sensitive and emotional people who, as the fish in their name implies, often find themselves swimming in a sea of gray thoughts. This can make them prone to depression and anxiety. Hence, these traits demand a way to calm down for your care routine to be effective.

Try using pastel colors in your room or clothing; makeup is a great way to do that. Pastels are soft on the eyes and lips and look great when paired with other natural textures like linen or silk.

Everything is written in the stars, and learning how your beauty routine relates to your zodiac sign is fun. Even if you do not believe in astrology, it can be an exciting way to plan your next look or find things that will help you feel more confident about yourself.

Ultimate Guide To Keep Your Blond Highlighted Hair Hydrated

The list of celebrities that are naturally blond may surprise you. The truth is that, despite the adage that blonds have more fun, people still take brunettes more seriously.  Trust me, I've been both. However, that is never stopping me from embracing the glamorous blond look and regularly highlighting my hair to help it look movie star fantastic.

But let's be real here, beauties - caring for blonde hair can be a real pain in you know what! Your hair can get dehydrated, damaged, and brassy due to natural elements (such as water, the sun, and air pollution). Over-styling and processing it can also lead to dry and damaged locks. Not to mention the must-have beauty tools that can lead to heat damage!

But no worries, my blonde-haired beauties, I have some great tips to help keep your blonde locks hydrated, so you look like you've just left the salon! 

So, let's get started with "Barbie's Beauty Bits Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Blond Highlighted Hair Hydrated."

Use The Right Products To Keep Your Hair Hydrated
Highlighting, even lifting a darker shade lighter, which many do in the Summer, can be a very harsh process, taking away many oils and nutrients that it has sealed within the hair's cuticle.

These processes can cause dry, stretchy, brittle hair. I recommend investing in a high-quality leave-in conditioner and/or deep repair mask to ensure your hair looks its healthiest.

However, just any old product will not work, and there are some GHD styling products worth looking at. From color treatments, hair masks, heat protectants, shampoos and conditioners, and dry shampoos to products exclusively for blond hair, there are many hair products out there when it comes to showing your blond tresses some much-needed TLC.

The key is to make sure you are using products with natural ingredients, as they are less likely to damage or dehydrate your hair.  

While conventional ingredients in most hair products may rid your hair of dirt. They are likely to strip moisture, making it more challenging to maintain healthy-looking blond hair. You need to choose the right products to improve the look of your hair and boost your confidence.

Avoid Over-shampooing Your Blond Highlighted Hair
Shampoos remove oils and strip your hair of pigments, so the truth is the more often you wash your hair, the more damage you do to it and the quicker the color will fade. Hence to avoid over-shampooing your hair try to go as long as you can before washing it. Ideally, you want to wash your hair twice a week, but the longer you wait, the better for your colored-treated hair!

A go-to product of mine is Moroccan oil Better Your Blonde Set. This set is formulated for blond shades of hair.

• It comes with a sulfate-free Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo (Purple shampoo is a must-have for blonde manes) to counteract brassy tones of unwanted orange and yellow hues.
• Dry Shampoo Light Tones to refresh your style between washes. It also deposits subtle violet pigments to balance brassiness for all blond hair colors.
• Morrocan oil for repair and hydration.

Finish With A Cold Rinse
Almost all hair stylists agree on a cold rinse on the hair at the end of a wash. It boosts the benefits of your conditioner by helping to keep your hair stronger, shiner, and downright healthier because it also seals the hair cuticle and locks in the colors.

Invest In A Shower Head Filter
Knowing what mineral, chlorine, fluoride, and iron levels are in the water where you live is essential. And boy do I know this. Recently I moved to another state, and in the area where I live, the water has so much iron, which is a way to turn your blonde hair brassy quickly.

You can help protect your blonde hair by investing in a good shower head filter that will neutralize the flow of these elements.

Heat Protection From Beauty Tools
If you are addicted to beauty tools (like many of us are), always use a heat protectant spray when styling your hair! While these tools can help you achieve the perfect glam hair, one of the fastest ways to dehydrated, dry hair is to subject it to heat, especially if your hair is highlighted.

The cuticle can often be stripped with color-treated hair making it difficult to hold the nutrients your scalp produces, leaving your hair dry and brittle. Adding excessive heat from a flat iron or curling iron, for instance, on top of the chemical process, can damage and dull your shine.

Hence, giving your hair a little vacation from heat styling is always a great idea. Like every once in a while by styling it in a cute up do. Or try some none heat curlers for the perfect hair-healthy beach wave. 

Feed Your Hair
Having enough water in your body will help to ensure your hair stays healthy and shiny. But, hair is also made up of protein. A deficit of protein in your diet will mean less protein in your hair, making it appear dull and lifeless, even if it is adequately hydrated.

Check your diet, avoid processed foods, and make sure you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Avoid The Hot Sun As It Can Damage Your Hair
I know this sounds unfortunate, especially if you live in an area with cold winters and love to soak in the sun in the warmer seasons. But sadly, the same as overexposure to the sun damages your skin it is also detrimental to your blond hair.

Harmful UV Summer rays can dry out your blonde highlighted hair and turn that gorgeous shade of blonde to a brassy shade of orange. So, beauties, wear a cute brimmed hat to protect your hair and skin from the sun. Also, that UV/heat protectant you would use for styling your hair, spray this on your hair when you are headed out the door to the beach!

There you have it, Barbie's Beauty Bits Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Blond Hair Hydrated When Highlighting! These tips will help restore that luster to your locks and keep your hair looking refreshed, hydrated, and healthy!

What tips or tricks do you have on hydrating your color-treated hair? Comment below to let us know. We would love to hear from you!