We are all likely guilty of starting a new skincare regime and inspecting our faces every hour, checking for results. However, some products take weeks, if not months, to properly make a difference. Why is this true, and which ingredients should you keep using even if you see no improvements at first?
Your Skin Cycle
Kids' faces are so plump and bright because their skin cells have a faster turnover. This means their skin is losing dead cells more often, bringing new, healthy cells to the surface.
In adults, our outermost layer of skin changes every month or so and, the more we age, the slower this process becomes. Knowing this, it's only fair that products which stimulate faster cell turnover sound appealing! However, many of us fail to make the connection between the weeks it takes our skin to change and the results we seek so much.
Products that Go the Distance
Let's rip the band-aid right off: there is no magical number of days that will promise you great results. What we do have, however, is the knowledge that effects do happen if we follow a consistent routine. Besides this, we put together some info regarding the most used forms of chemical skin exfoliation and other ingredients that go the distance if given a chance.
1. Retinol (or retinoids)
Retinoids chemically exfoliate your skin, and may take 4-12 weeks to improve acne, while hyperpigmentation is an issue that could show improvements in 24 weeks. We use a precursor of retinol in our own serum: rosehip seed oil has all-trans retinoic acid, and we chose it for its gorgeous aid in brightening and evening out the skin tone. Another ingredient we use in our complexion serum is bakuchi oil. Its seeds carry the 'bakuchiol' compound that has been clinically proven to harness similar results to retinol, with less irritation.
2. Acids (AHA, BHA)
Both types of acids help exfoliate the skin and decrease inflammation, improving your skin texture. The difference is that AHAs are water-soluble, while BHAs are oil-soluble, so you will be seeing them in different types of products. BHAs typically remove more dead skin cells because they get further into your pores, which is why you can see results a bit faster: BHAs can improve acne in 2-4 weeks, while AHAs work to produce more collagen in 6-42 weeks.
3. Antioxidants (such as Vitamin C)
Antioxidants act in a preventive way for your skin, by nullifying the damaging effects of free radicals the body creates (as a response to air pollution, smoke, UV rays etc.). They usually take 2-4 weeks to show effects such as skin brightening and elasticity. We use baobab seed oil in our serum and because of its high Vitamin C component, it can also help with blemishes, scars or stretch marks.
'Instant' Results
While there is no way to cheat your skincare, there are some products that will deliver improvements on the spot. Single use face masks are everywhere - they're even one of the main ingredients for a spa night in with the girls. These products offer great hydration, but they don't have lasting effects because your skin needs constant attention.
Overall, you get greater results for your money by using a skincare product which combines ingredients with different timings. For example, our Superior Complexion Antioxidant Serum hydrates and soothes the skin initially, while prolonged use will ensure our active ingredients can deliver improvements in your skin tone, its brightness and your imperfections (such as dry patches, irritation or hyperpigmentation). This is because we load our organic formula with antioxidants that, given time, will combat skin damage and help keep your face looking healthy and glowing.
If you wish to switch out the single use sheet masks for a taste of our serum, you can order a sample below and get 10% off by signing up to our community newsletter, where we send out skincare tips and well-being advice. Win-win!
We hope this article answered some pressing questions about skin health and the time your skin care routine may need in order to really show results. If you're still unsure about the right way forward, we also wrote a list of products that should never get mixed!
You can find us on Instagram at @jierrabeauty, where we keep sharing skincare tips and wellbeing posts - because your health matters both inside and out. Give us a wave if you're on there!