How long does it take for skincare to work?

Many of us are excited when purchasing new skincare products but have unrealistic hopes that they will do magic immediately and resolve the issues we have with our skin right away. For those who buy skincare products and hope for a quick fix they need to be reminded that there is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to skincare. Similar to dieting consistency and maintaining a regular skincare routine plays a crucial part.

When it comes to providing a general timeline for skincare products to work there is no general one and actually depends on numerous factors. Factors that can impact the timeline that it takes for a skincare product to work range from product type, ingredients in the products, and the skin type of the person to mention some of the most important ones. As a general rule the skin cells usually turn over every 28 days which means you need to give your skincare at least one month to work properly. In order to provide a more accurate breakdown of the time it takes for products to work let’s dig deeper and look at more specific information and timeline for different product types.

Toners are used to provide further cleaning and a smoother and softer skin. It is essential that toners are applied on a completely clean skin and if while applying toners you still see makeup or sunscreen on the cotton pad the skin has not been cleaned completely. In general toners take between 1-2 weeks to work.

Moisturizers are essential when it comes to maintaining you skin hydrated and moisturized. You need to be persistent when applying moisturizers and allow between 1 to 2 weeks for it to work.

Cleansers are the only skincare product that can work quickly since they are meant to clean your face on a daily basis and that is why it works immediately, and it is one of the fasters working skincare product. Furthermore, cleansers provide further benefits such as treating oily skin and blemishes which can take longer up to one month to work. To make sure that your cleanser is working properly after having applied cleanser your face should appear even toned, clean, soft, smooth and not dry or greasy.

Serums come in a varied array and are meant to treat numerous skincare issues therefor it may be difficult to predict the exact time it may take for them to work. In general serums can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to work. Those that contain vitamin C to enhance the skin may take a bit longer such as between 6 to 12 weeks to work.

Problems with acne and pimples may rise at any time. Acne treatment products can take up to 12 hours before they work. The most important thing with acne and pimples is not to pop them.

We have written previously about AHAs and BAHAs which help remove things that can dimmish skin like dead cells and cause clogged pores. They are fantastic for treating dull and dry skin and help to unclog pores and can help oily skin problems and skin prone to acne. You need to give some time for them to work up to 12 weeks.

Similar to moisturizers used on the face eye creams offer skin replenishing benefits and ingredients to hydrate and decrease the appearance of puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.  Eye creams are another product that may need to be given time to fully work. Based on the severity of the problems you are trying to treat eye creams may take between 4 to 8 weeks to work.