This is a question I get asked by clients all the time.

I think it is fair to say that it is not realistic to expect visible results from using skincare products overnight or even in a week. Do you agree?

So how long does it really take for skincare products to work?

 

My answer is to allow a month (28 days) at least because this is the length of the skin’s natural cycle; for fresh skin cells to appear, mature, die and shed is 28 days.

So theoretically, after 28 days every single skin cell on the surface of your face will have had a chance to experience the efficacy of the product in question.

The results would of course depend on the product itself as well as the type of skincare product used.

For example, exfoliates will produce instant results because they are working on the surface of the skin.

Retinols, peptides and growth factors can take from 2 to 4 months because they are working on the deeper dermal levels of the skin.

This is also true for pigmentation lightening products, with the time taken to treat depending on where the pigmentation is within the skin.

Acne products that predominantly contain salicylic acid (which is an exfoliate & anti-inflammatory) tend to make the acne worse for the first week or two, but then the skin improves and continues to provide positive results.

 

The main thing to remember when starting to use new products is to begin slowly & steadily.

Do not introduce too many products at once, and introduce them slowly at first (i.e. apply every other day).

 

Also remember to be consistent; don't keep changing the products in your regime as you will not be giving them time to start working or improve the results.

I think patience is worth the wait, don't you!