Last Updated on November 12, 2022
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to skincare. You’re always told that you need to be using the latest and greatest products if you want your skin to look good and achieve the best results. However, how long does it take to see these results from your skincare? And are these results worth the cost?
In this article, we’ll look at how long it takes for your skincare products to show results. We also look at how to make sure you’re getting the value out of them. Whether you’re just starting on your skincare journey or you’re feeling a little stuck, read on for some helpful tips!
How long does it take to see skincare results?
It takes time for things to change, the same can be said for skincare as well. With skincare, it takes at least a month before you start to see changes in your skin. That’s because the epidermis (top layer of the skin) takes about 30 days to shed and form a new layer. Therefore, it’s important to stay with a skincare product for at least one month to see a difference.
If you use a dark spot treatment today and hope you’ll wake up with a completely smooth face tomorrow, you won’t be happy. This applies to other products as well, including serums, moisturisers and other skin treatments.
Consistency in a skincare routine is key.
Furthermore, we all have different skincare routines, and sometimes, we can be inconsistent. Inconsistency in usage can lead to inconsistency in results. Therefore, following a consistent skincare routine will help you achieve your goals. But again, it may take some time. So, it’s important not to give up if you don’t feel like your skin is changing right away.
Also, keep in mind that that just like your personality, you have a unique skin type. Therefore, what works for a friend or colleague may not work for you, and vice-versa. So, even if you are being consistent with a certain product that’s working wonders for your friend, but you’re not seeing the same results after a prolonged period, then, the product is most likely not for you.
Which skincare products produce the fastest results?
Even though facial cleansers will clean your skin immediately, products that a dermatologist or other skincare professional recommend will produce the fastest results. Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare emphasizes that unlike medical-grade skincare products, over-the-counter products although regulated by the FDA are not intended to penetrate beyond the skin’s top layer. “They are also prohibited from making medical claims and from claiming to ‘treat’ a skin condition,” she adds.
Also, a dermatologist would know your skin enough to prescribe a product that provide solutions specific to your skin concerns. These dermatologist-prescribed products will thereby be more effective than over-the-counter skincare. If you want to use at-home products, the best ones are dermatologist-tested or clinically proven.
Let’s breakdown some key skincare items to determine how long you should expect their results to show on your skin.
- Cleanser (30 days) – It is ideal to use a cleanser to wash your face at least once a day. This removes dirt, makeup and grime. You may be dealing with dryness, dullness, or pimples caused by not washing your face correctly. If so, then you’ll see results after approximately a month of following a new regimen.
- Moisturizer (Right away, with full results in 2 weeks) – It doesn’t matter if your skin is dry or oily; everyone needs a moisturizer. Using a decent moisturizer consistently for one to two weeks will give you the best results. Dermatologists would recommend using a moisturizer with at least SPF 30, and antioxidants such as green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract, to help keep any skin type looking healthy and youthful. Antioxidants aid in the neutralization of free radicals (chemicals that cause the breakdown of cells). You will experience its advantages as soon as your skin absorbs it. It’s time to let go of dull and dry skin and say hello to one that is plump and pleasant to the touch!
- Serum (6 to 8 weeks) – Some people find it hard to find a serum that gives them the results they want. This makes it even more complicated when it takes a while for those results to show up. It all depends on the formula and what you want it to do, but after six to eight weeks of using it every day, you’ll start to see changes.
- Dark Spot Treatment (3 to 4 Weeks) – There are a lot of over-the-counter products that can help lighten scars and sunspots because they usually have ingredients like hydroquinone in them, which means they should start working right away. If you don’t see your hyperpigmentation gradually fade after using a dark spot treatment for four weeks, the product will not work, and you should look for a different one.
- Acne Treatment (From 24 Hours to 3 Months) – When it comes to how bad your acne is and what you’re doing to treat it, there are many different ways to do things. Most of the time, it can take up to three months of consistent use of over-the-counter acne products for them to show any progress, if they do at all. For oral medications, it can take two to three weeks (depending on the prescription). Cortisone shots are a great way to get rid of zits quickly, however, consult a dermatologist first. With cortisone shots, it can take up to 1 day for the swelling and redness to go down.
Habits that may prevent your skincare from working as they should
- Not exfoliating once or twice a week: Exfoliation is promoted as a simple and effective way to achieve the desired skin glow. The process, which removes dead skin cells, can make the skin look brighter, improve skin tone and conditions like acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, exfoliation can leave your skin looking brighter and improve the effectiveness of topical skin care products by enhancing absorption.
- Not layering correctly: Layering your skincare products means applying the right product in the right way to get the best results. It could be less effective if you don’t apply the repellent in the right order and mix certain ingredients together. This could cause a rash, irritability, or even breakouts. This is how you should apply your products as a general rule of thumb: cleanser, toner, mask, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, oil, then sunscreen. When in doubt, the general rule of thumb is to apply skincare starting from the lightest to thickest texture.
- Not wearing SPF daily: Sunscreen is one of the healthiest methods of protecting your skin from the sun. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, a good sunscreen with effective UVA and UVB blocking properties can help prevent sunburn, delay the development of wrinkles and other symptoms of age, and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Sunburn causes damage to the skin’s cells and blood vessels, making it appear older, wrinkled, dry, discoloured, and rough. This neutralizes the benefits of your skincare products. So, be sure to make SPF a part of your daily skincare routine.
- Not eating a healthy diet: The best way to look and feel your best is to eat healthy foods. Including a lot of fruits and vegetable, whole grains and low-fat meats into your diet is good for you. Some research (examples 1, 2) suggests that a diet rich in fish oil supplements and low in unhealthy fats and processed carbohydrates can make your skin look younger and less oily. Make sure you drink a lot of water to keep your skin moisturized. Having a good base would boost the effectiveness of your skin care.
Be patient.
Daily commitment to a proper skincare routine is essential. As mentioned earlier, it takes 28 days for new skin cells to form. As a result, you can see the most significant results after 28 days of following your regimen. You should see a considerable difference in your skin after around four months of sticking to your regimen religiously. Your skin will be softer, more moisturized, and have a natural, healthy shine because of this consistency.
This is an excellent time to re-examine the products you already use. If one doesn’t seem to work, try a different one and see if the outcomes are any different.