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Writer's picturePaige Daly

I want to see the effects of my skincare routine NOW!

Updated: Mar 18, 2023


We all know consistency is key in everything we do, but how long does a good skincare routine take to really see the benefits?


I know I have struggled with sticking it out with certain skin care products long enough to finally see results. Patience is hard sometimes (okay, maybe a lot). It hasn't been until recent when I not only have seen a difference in the smooth, texture of my skin, but can feel a difference! It is a very rewarding feeling, but it took some time to get here. Feeling my smoother than usual cheekbones made me question how long it typically takes to see results from a good skincare routine.


Through some research, I found that depending on what product you are using, depends on how long it should take to see results. Obviously, this is not an end all, be all because everyone's skin is different, but here is what I found:


Cleansers ~immediate - 30 days

Cleansers are great if they are used every. single. day. I particularly like to use them in the AM and PM and found to get my best results doing that. Cleansers remove the dirt that has been built up on your face all day and then in the morning, remove the thick creams and oils you put on your face before bed. By doing this, cleansers give your skin a blank slate and be neither greasy nor dirty.


Moisturizers ~immediate - 2 weeks

Moisturizers are one of the quickest products to see its effects! Not a big shocker there! When you see your hands looking dry, especially during the cold months, you automatically apply lotion without even thinking. Same thing happens when you apply moisturizers to your face!


Exfoliants ~immediate - 1 month

Depending on how big your pores are will determine how quickly you will see your results. The more you consistently use exfoliants (I like to use it ~2x a week), the less likely you will see dramatic effects, but that is because your pores are smaller now! Yay!


Serums ~6-8 weeks

In my opinion, serums are hard to stick to without bouncing around and trying new brands. This is because it takes so long to see results AND these small, little bottles are so expensive! One tip that I would remind you of is that if your vitamin C serum is looking orange or dark, I would get a new one because that color indicates that it is oxidized (in other words, its functions are neutralized).


Retinol ~4-6 weeks

Even though the science says 4-6 weeks, I first began seeing a difference in my pore size and overall smoothness in my skin within less than a month! If you haven't tried retinol before, I highly recommend; start with small amounts and slowly work your way up to using it every night!


Acne products ~1 day - 12 weeks

Breakouts are one of the most frustrating things people can deal with, but with patience, clear skin can be achieved! Acne products help reduce inflammation and can be seen within a matter of days, but for the more stubborn and persistent acne, it might take a whole lot longer. The key is not to give up!


So, next time you are in Target doing your monthly (maybe weekly) shopping spree (no judgement here!), rather than pick a new skincare product to tryout, pause for a second to think about how long you have been using your other products. The important thing to remember is that getting your best skin is not an overnight process but is a journey. Don't to lose hope, trust the process! You got this!


Til next time!

Student Dr. Paige Daly

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