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7. How Long Does It Take For Skincare Products To Actually Work?

According to dermatologists, expecting instant effect from skincare is a recipe for disappointment in most cases. It is unrealistic to expect visible results at night or even in a week. In other words, consistency and patience might be two elements your skincare routine has been missing. Dr. Nishita Ranka Internationally acclaimed dermatologist, Medical Director & Founder of Dr. Nishita'a Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics, tells you why.

Conversely, a few skincare products like cleansers and exfoliation show straightforward results. But they are often temporary and superficial. Some products take about two weeks. For most skincare products, it generally takes about a month to see any visible change to the skin. Moreover, if you need to see the full effects, you should continue a skincare regimen for at least three months. However, as a general rule of thumb, a 28-days window is the best as it allows the skin cells to have a complete turnover. But rules have exceptions.

The 28-day trial period is the length of a typical cell cycle that accounts for the time it takes for a new skin cell to appear, mature, die, and shed. And theoretically, it is believed that each cell on the top layer will have had a chance to experience the efficacy of the skincare product after 28 days. But dermatologists and experts advise sticking to the new skincare routine for at least three months to gauge its effectiveness. That is when you need to leap faith and trust in the science behind skincare.

Herewith listed down the product-wise breakdown to help you understand how long it might take to show results.

? Cleanser: The purpose of a cleanser is straightforward. So does the result. Cleansers instantly remove dirt and excess oil and buildup. The right cleanser quickly removes superficial and deep-seated impurities and leaves the skin soft and supple. If the cleanser leaves your skin feeling tight, dry, or irritated, it is too harsh for the skin. It may disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and dry out the skin.

? Exfoliation: Be it physical or chemical, removal of dead skin cells and evening out skin are seemingly instant. But it will take at least one month to see the deeper, long-lasting optimal results depending on the skin type, and the type of exfoliation skin can tolerate.

? Serum: A lightweight moisturizer with a potent concentrated formula. Depending on the formula and skin concerns, you will start to see results after six to eight weeks of regular use. For example, peptide-containing wrinkle smoothing serum may take month-time to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

? Moisturizer: Immediately gives an emollient effect. Skin feels soft and supple instantly and hydration is enhanced in a matter of minutes. Moisturizers with ceramides and squalene, which are natural moisturizing factors of the skin, work rapidly, repairing barriers within 7-10 days.

? Dark Spot Treatments: Skincare products containing active ingredients like glycolic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, ferulic acid, and azelaic acid help fade dark spots & pigmentation and lighten the complexion. These treatments can take one to three months to see results. Note: Any dark spot treatment should be combined with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day for UVA &UVB protection.

? Acne Treatment: It takes several weeks or even months to start seeing significant improvements when treating acne. Therefore, dermatologists often tell patients to stick with an acne regimen for at least one to two months to judge whether or not it's working accurately.

? Retinoids: An umbrella term used for Vitamin A derivatives, including retinol. Though retinol is considered the gold standard for anti-aging skincare, it does not disappear fine lines & wrinkles overnight. Retinol must be used consistently for weeks or months to see significant results. On the flip side, the most immediate effect of retinol is often skin irritation. Because retinol is such a potent active ingredient, it can take time for your skin to tolerate its effects. It may lead to some initial dryness, redness, and flakiness in the process called retinization.