Picture this: Your fresh new skincare product just landed at your doorstep, and you're super stoked to try it out tonight. But as you gaze into the mirror, you start to wonder, "How long does it take for new skincare to work?" Or maybe you're asking yourself, "Why isn't my current routine doing the trick?" Don't worry bestie, we've got your back. We're going to break down exactly how long it takes for new products to deliver results and also cover off a bit about the concept of ‘purging’. Plus, we'll dish out tips on what to do if your current routine isn't giving you the glow-up you deserve. Let's do this!
How long does it take for new skincare to work?
First things first, new skincare isn’t going to magically fix acne or any other concerns overnight. You should start noticing some improvement in your skin within a couple of weeks, however it does vary on the product. As a general note, this is how long it takes for each product to work:
Cleansers
The effects of a new cleanser should be almost immediate. After using a cleanser, the skin should feel clean and refreshed. However, if the cleanser is formulated for a specific skin concern such as acne or hydration, it may take several days to a week to see the full effects of the product. When using our anti-bacterial cleanser, to treat acne, we generally expect to see results from the three week mark and it can sometimes take up to eight weeks to experience the full benefit and results. As the formula includes the same patented technology as the acne hack spot treatment, you may also experience an initial ‘purging’ phase (more on that later!) of roughly one to three weeks, and this is completely normal! This means the new skincare is bringing things up to the surface so they can heal.
Toners
The effects of a new toner should also be almost immediate. After using a toner, the skin should feel refreshed and the pH balance of your skin should be restored. Toner helps to remove any traces of dirt, makeup, or oil left on the skin after cleansing. Toner also helps to prepare the skin to better absorb the other products in your skincare routine such as serums, moisturiser and sunscreen.
Retinol
This is a bit more of a high strength product and can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to see the full effects. The stronger the retinol concentration, the more quickly results will be visible, but this also increases the risk of irritation and dryness as it’s a pretty intense ingredient. In general, it's important to start with a lower strength retinol and gradually work your way up to a higher strength so your skin can adjust to it slowly. Always remember to use a strong SPF each day that you’re using a retinol, too, as this ingredient makes your skin more sensitive to the sun!
Acne treatments
The length of time it takes for an acne treatment cream to work can vary depending on the type of product and the severity of the individual's acne. Everyone's favourite product, the acne hack spot treatment can take anywhere between one to eight weeks to see results, depending on the type of breakouts. It is also completely normal to experience a purging phase of about one to three weeks when first introducing the products into your routine. Many customers have experienced a purge and have found that by following our recommendations, their skin has cleared up and the purging has stopped. If you find that you're mainly experiencing blackheads and whiteheads, we would recommend keeping a consistent routine with the products for one to six weeks, and if you’re experiencing deeper/ cystic breakouts we suggest a longer period of up to eight weeks to see the best results.
Moisturisers
Some moisturisers provide immediate relief and hydration, while others may take several days or weeks to get the max moisture result. Additionally, the severity of dryness or other skin conditions being treated can also affect how long it takes for a moisturiser to work. Our thirst trap moisturiser actually slows the rate of water loss from the skin, which is a great added bonus!
Thirst trap is a great addition to your skincare routine when used in combination with our acne hack spot treatment. It helps to soothe and hydrate the skin, while the acne hack spot treatment targets specific areas of acne. Using these products together can help to improve the overall appearance and health of your skin.
What is purging and why does it happen?
Ahhh, purging. This is a term used to describe a process that can occur when you start using a new skincare product. It can cause temporary worsening of your skin condition before it starts to improve, meaning that you may experience a further initial breakout. Although it might sound counterintuitive, it is a normal reaction that is experienced by many people and completely normal. After a few weeks, the skin starts to normalise, and the breakouts should lessen, and you should start to see the results you're hoping for.
It's essential to use a new product as directed and to ease into it gradually. For example, if you are using the acne hack spot treatment, it is recommended that you use it as a spot treatment only on active breakouts, and you can even gradually introduce it to your routine by using it every second night before slowly building up usage to every day.
While it can be frustrating, it is important to be patient and allow your skin time to adjust. To help calm the skin down during the purging period, it's important to include calming and hydrating products in your skincare routine. The rebound serum and thirst trap moisturiser are examples of excellent products that can help to soothe and hydrate the skin. Alternatively, you can use any simple moisturiser that suits your skin type.
How long before skincare works?
The truth is, the length of time before skincare products take effect can vary from product to product and person to person. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few months for the effects of skincare products to be visible. Over-the-counter topical creams or serums that contain active ingredients like retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can take several weeks or even a couple of months to produce noticeable results, while moisturisers and other hydrating products may provide immediate relief. We hate to break it to you, but, unfortunately most new skincare isn’t going to magically fix anything overnight. But remember, good things come to those who wait, so stick with it and you should start noticing some improvement in your skin within a couple of weeks.
Why isn't my skincare routine working?
Now, let's talk about what to do if your skincare routine just isn't working. First and foremost, don't give up! It's easy to get discouraged when you're not seeing the results you want, but remember that everyone's skin is different and it may take some time to find the products that work best for your skin type. If you've been using a product for a few weeks and haven't seen any improvement, try using it for about six weeks before giving up on it. Also, make sure you're using your products in the right order. Skincare is designed to work together, so it's important to use them in the correct order to maximise their effectiveness. The correct order to apply skincare products is as follows:
Cleanse
Start by cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type, if you’ve got acne prone skin, our anti-bacterial cleanser fights breakout causing bacteria with our patented technology, leaving the skin nice and clean without stripping it.
Tone
Use a toner to restore the skin's natural pH balance and to prepare the skin for the next steps in your routine.
Treat
Apply any treatment products, such as the rebound serum, your acne hack spot treatment, or exfoliants, which contain active ingredients that target specific concerns.
Eye Cream
Gently pat a small amount of eye cream around the eye area.
Moisturise
Finish by applying a moisturiser, such as our thirst trap moisturiser to provide hydration and to lock in the benefits of the other products in your routine.
Sunscreen
Always - and we’re putting emphasis on ALWAYs - use sunscreen during the day time. Yes, even on cloudy or rainy days. It helps protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, and skin shady SPF 50+ is a great option for everyday use!
Another thing to keep in mind is that your skin can change over time, so what worked for you in the past may not work as well now. If you're noticing that your skin is looking different than it used to, don't be afraid to re-evaluate your routine and make some changes. Sometimes all it takes is a little tweak to your routine to get your skin back on track.
How long should you test a skincare product?
It's important to patch test a new skincare product before using it on your whole face, as some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in the product - particularly if you have sensitive skin. Patch testing helps to determine whether a particular product or ingredient will cause an allergic reaction on a person's skin. This is typically done by applying a small amount of the product or ingredient to a patch, which is then applied to a small area of skin, such as the inside of the forearm. The patch is left in place for a period of time, typically 48-72 hours, and the skin is then evaluated for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, itching, or a rash. This stops you from exposing yourself to a severe reaction.
So now that you’ve done a patch test, how long should you try a new skincare product before giving up on it? As mentioned before, we recommend using a new product for at least six weeks before making a final decision. This gives your skin enough time to adjust to the new product and for you to see if it's agreeing with your skin and giving you your desired results. Keep in mind that some products can take longer to show results, so be patient and stick with it!
In conclusion, skincare truly is a journey, and we know it can be frustrating when you're not seeing the results you want. But remember, everyone's skin is different, and it may just take some time to find the products that work best for you. Be patient, stick with it, and don't give up! ISkincare can take some time to work but if you're consistent and use the right products, you'll be on your way to the best skin of your life in no time.
