Exactly How Long It Takes for Different Skincare Products to ‘Work'

In the fast paced world we live in we tend to want everything now - including glowy skincare results.

Sadly however, that’s just not how skincare (or the skin!) tends to work.

The thing is, there’s so much to skincare, and if you’re not seeing results from your skincare straight away there’s no need to toss it in the bin because newsflash: skincare actually takes time to work. 

Although there are other factors that can be at play too.

Sometimes people don’t apply their products correctly, the products aren’t right for them, people aren’t using any sun protection (tsk tsk), or maybe they’re not strong enough to treat their individual concerns?

However, it’s super important not to dismiss dietary and lifestyle factors that can play a role with the overall health of the skin as well. 

Generally though, I like my clients to be on a proper skincare routine for at least 8 - 12 weeks to see the desired results.

Plus our skin cell turnover is generally around 28 days - and for some it can be even slower so it pays to be consistent (and patient). 

Also; I promise you with time (and the right skincare) - results will come. 

Some skincare products and ingredients may prove to work a little quicker though, and some you will know straight away if your skin likes them or not.

So to help you manage your expectations here’s a little cheat sheet on the average time it might take before you see results for a bunch of different skincare. 

How Long It Takes Different Products and Ingredients to Work.

Vitamin A.

What it does: This is an ingredient that’s often used to treat acne, age management and even pigmentation concerns.

How long before you can expect visible results: Three to six months of consistent use before you will see visible results with OTC (over the counter) vitamin A. Prescription retinoid results may be a little quicker. 

Product to try: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 - This product is a retinaldehyde formula, meaning it has less conversion steps to retinoic acid so it is a great way to incorporate vitamin A into your skincare routine that’s effective - and will likely work quicker than OTC retinol.

Pro Tip: It is super important to find the right strength and derivative of vitamin A to treat your skin type and concerns. If you’re unsure I would always recommend a skincare consultation with a dermal therapist. 

Chemical Exfoliants AKA AHAs and BHAs.

What it does: These ingredients stimulate cellular turnover to improve skin texture, brighten the skin and can treat concerns like pigmentation, ageing and acne.

How long before you can expect visible results: You will see instant brightening of the skin with chemical exfoliants.

Although to fade concerns like pigmentation it can take four-eight weeks. BHA’s which commonly treat acne and pore size will work a lot quicker.

You should be noticing improvements in texture and pore size within two-four weeks. 

Product to try: Cosmedix Defy Age-Defying Treatment. I love this alpha hydroxy acid serum as a nightly exfoliating serum for many skins. It’s AHA based, very gentle and great at brightening the skin and improving dullness.  

Niacinamide.

What it does: Improves uneven skin tone, helps minimise pore size, strengthens the skin barrier and can help fight dullness

How long before you can expect visible results: Results from a niacinamide based serum can be seen within 2-12 weeks. 

Product to try: Aspect Extreme B 17 is a great niacinamide serum to help regulate oil production and brighten the skin. It layers beautifully and can be used twice a day.

Hyaluronic Acid.

What it does: Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds to water molecules; it increases the water content of the skin and helps to hydrate and plump. 

How long before you can expect visible results: Hyaluronic acid will work straight away. However, skin results will improve with regular use as well. 

Product to try: Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL- this is a double whammy HA serum (because it also contains 7% niacinamide) that is very affordable.

Use it both AM and PM to help hydrate and plump the skin. 

Vitamin C.

What it does: Provides antioxidant protection to fight free radical damage, helps fade discolouration and brightens the skin.

How long before you can expect visible results: Vitamin C tends to work a little more behind the scenes, so don’t expect instant results.

However, it is constantly working to protect our skin from free radical damage and can take anywhere between 6-12 weeks to see results.

To treat skin concerns like pigmentation you do want to be using it in conjunction with retinoids and chemical exfoliants too.

Product to try: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - one of the best vitamin C’s on the market and I will forever keep talking about it.

It brightens, protects the skin from free radical damage and there are different formulas to suit different skin concerns.

The OG formula is best for general ageing normal/combination skin. 

Peptides.

What it does: Peptides boost the skin with collagen which can help fight ageing, plump the skin and help with firmness, smoothness and keeping the skin barrier healthy.

Peptides are amino acids that are the building blocks of certain proteins needed by the skin, like collagen and elastin. So using them can = younger looking skin. 

How long before you can expect visible results: Again, these serums tend to work a little more behind the scenes so you won’t notice visible results straight away.

However, you will notice your skin stays bright and youthful with consistent use and that’s generally between 1-3 months. 

Product to try: Medik8 Copper PCA Peptides 30ml- is the ultimate shield against skin ageing. Use it if you haven’t been able to find an A or even if you can’t tolerate a vitamin C.

It helps lift and smooth the skin and will leave your skin looking healthy and glowing with consistent use. 

Pro Tip: Peptides are also great during pregnancy when not using vitamin A! 

Now onto the basics like cleansers, moisturisers and fun beauty things like sheet masks.

All of these will work straight away and most of the time you will know straight away if you like them or not.

Cleansers.

Your cleanser should never leave your skin feeling stripped and bare. All of your makeup should also be coming off properly too.

You will know if you like a cleanser within one week and cleansers generally work straight away. 

Moisturisers.

Obviously applying moisturiser to your face will leave it looking hydrated and plump once it absorbs into the skin, however it may take 1-2 weeks of consistent use for you to know whether you are into it or not and whether it works with the other products in your routine, including your makeup and even your lifestyle.

Often it’s nice to have a couple of different moisturisers for different occasions like one for the AM and another for the PM or even one for post-clinical treatment. 

Sheet Masks.

Most sheet masks are formulated to be hydrating so they are designed for an instant hydration or even calming boost to the skin and should take 10-30 minutes to work.

Although there are now some that contain other active ingredients, such as exfoliating acids, which is why it's important to pay attention to the ingredients they might contain. 

Product to try: Aesthetics Rx Advanced Age Defense 4D Mask (5 pack) - Honestly, this is one of my favourite sheet mask releases of the year.

It’s a very fun design with over the ear hooks so you can multitask and do a lot while you wear it, but it also contains copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin b5 and white willow bark extract which is natural form of salicylic acid so it’s like a mini facial treatment in one.  


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• The Truth About Five Common Beauty Claims

• Skin Purging vs Breakouts: How to Tell the Difference (& When to Throw in the Towel)

• Here’s What Can (& Can’t) Reduce the Look of Crow’s Feet, According to an Expert

Amelia shows you how to fit all of your skincare into 1 routine in the YT video below!