How long before you start seeing results?
This is the million dollar question. Many assume that once you start a new product or new routine, if you don’t start seeing results immediately it means it is/they are not working. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ll give you a concise version of the science happening in our skin. Our skin cells (keratinocytes to be specific) go through a cycle as they pass through the layers of the skin. They start off by multiplying very quickly in the basal layer of the epidermis and then migrating right through to the topmost layer (the corneum). During this migration they change physiological state quite drastically. By the time they reach the skin’s surface, they are completely dehydrated and desquamate (shed). This is the skin’s natural cycle and in healthy young skin it can take 28 days. In more mature skin it can take longer.
I say all this to say, the results you will see from your skincare products and how quickly depend on the length of your skin cycle, your skin’s ability to desquamate naturally and the products you use to hep the shedding process (exfoliants). For these reasons we say you need to wait 6-8 weeks (1/1.5 skin cycles) to start seeing any results and several skin cycles to see optimum results. With some ingredients that change the skin in a more structural way (e.g. retinoids for fine lines and wrinkles), you must wait even longer to see results. Therefore, Patience and Consistency are the key words when embarking on a new product and/or skincare routine.
That being said, here is a quick cheat sheet to tell you the time frame required to start seeing results depending on the actives/ products you are using.
Cleansers - instantly
These work on the surface of the skin to cleanse dirt and debris.
Toners/Mists - instantly
The effect of hydrating toners and mists that have soothing and plumping ingredients are immediately apparent
Serum - up to 8 weeks
-Retinol - 6 weeks - 6 months
-Vitamin C - 4 - 8 weeks
Exfoliants - up to 8 weeks
-Salicylic acid - 4 - 6 weeks
Moisturiser - instantly - 2 weeks
Their main task is to add moisture to the skin and that should be immediately evident
Remember that skincare is not one size fits all. Just because I saw results from my serum in 4 weeks does not mean you will.
If you would like help sifting through your skincare products and curating the right routine for your skin type and concerns, get in touch with us and request a Skincare Consultation.
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