Derm DM: How long does it take for skin care products to start working?

In a dream world you could apply new skin care product at night and wake up with a transformed complexion in the morning. In reality, however, it may take time to see results such as reducing the appearance of fine lines. So before you decide to retire skin care product for the next best, keep reading because Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, a board-certified dermatologist, explains how long it usually takes to see skin care results.

How long does it take to see skin care results? 

Before throwing away a skin care product because it doesn't work, make sure you give it enough time to really work. On average, you need to use the product for six to twelve weeks before you see optimal results, depending on the problems you are targeting. "If you're hoping to see improvement in fine lines or pigmentation, you'll probably need to use the product for weeks or even months," says Dr. Chwalek. 

Dr. Chwalek explains that when using products such as retinol, you won't see the full effect of the product for several months. “Retinoids can reduce sebum production and help improve the appearance of skin within the first two to four weeks of treatment, but it will take several weeks or even months of topical application for changes such as reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and normalization of skin cell turnover to occur. ” 

While problems such as hyperpigmentation, melasma, or signs of aging can take months to resolve, conditions caused by irritation, dryness, or impaired skin barrier function can be treated much faster. “For example, moisturizing the skin with a hyaluronic acid serum can instantly make skin appear smoother and reduce the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr. Chwalek. 

How to properly test a new skin care product 

If you want to see how well a skincare product can work on your skin, it's important to leave the rest of the treatments as they are for now. “Once you start combining it with other new products or active ingredients, it can be difficult to figure out which is affecting what,” says Dr. Chwlek.

Although Dr. Chwalek usually recommends using skin care products for several months, in some cases it is better to stop using them. “You should stop if you get redness, burning, or peeling,” she says. "An allergic reaction usually presents as redness accompanied by itching, burning, and sometimes swelling." If you have any skin reactions, it is important to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. It may also be helpful to use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer, such as Moisturizer CeraVe. Once your skin returns to its original state, you can gradually start reintroducing other products.