Skincare-Timeline for expectations

The most common pain point in skincare is time to results. You get your hands on the latest and the most fab product and wait for results. That is a common pain point when it comes to skincare: It can be hard to tell exactly when your new face serum will give you the glowing, even-toned skin it promised.  There is a simple way to answer this rather than going by what is being claimed. Look for the ingredients – they will give you a fair idea of how much time it will take.  Below is the list of the most common ingredients and the time expected for results.

Vitamin C
When you will see results- 3 -4 weeks
What It Does:

Vitamin C is known for its ability to promote collagen production — which can take some time to become noticeable. Some people may notice an improvement in their skin as early as three-four weeks after use with vitamin C, with improvement in hyperpigmentation over two to three months. Plus, it acts as a long-term investment in your skin. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, it helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, giving you continued skin benefits with long-term use.

Ceramides
When you will see results– 2-3 days
What It Does:

An essential lipid in your skin barrier, ceramides only need to get as far as that — which is great for your skin. It is possible to notice benefits within days, as it helps strengthen the skin barrier to help keep moisture in and irritants out. Moreover, like vitamin C, it can go a long way in maintaining healthy skin in the future. With continued use as the barrier strengthens, ceramides can help lock moisture in and protect the skin, offering long-term benefits as well such as making the skin feel and look smoother.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)
When you will see results– 1-2 days
What It Does :

For AHAs, it’s possible to see a result relatively quickly, even overnight, as eliminating the dead skin cells, reducing dullness, and leaving behind a glowing and more radiant complexion. Exfoliants, in general, make pretty quick work of the dead layers of skin, but they also offer cumulative benefits. After six to eight weeks of consistent use, AHAs can improve skin tone and texture appearance. Moreover, after three to six months, they can boost collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Niacinamide
When you will see results– 4-8 weeks 
What It Does :

While it usually takes at least eight weeks to appreciate the full effect of niacinamide, you might be able to glimpse certain benefits even earlier — think four weeks. Niacinamide is one of those ingredients that does it all; the benefits may come through on different timelines. Because it helps boost ceramide production, it can help moisturize the skin as it helps support the skin barrier and trap moisture. Additionally, it is soothing on the skin and can help reduce inflammation, and these benefits may be felt or noticed sooner. You have to use it consistently in the long-term (two to three months) for treating hyperpigmentation and getting a more even skin tone.

Hyaluronic Acid
When you will see results– quite early 
What It Does

Hyaluronic acid provides immediate gratification. For some, it is possible to see instant plumping from hyaluronic acid, as it helps to draw moisture into the skin. Your skin naturally produces hyaluronic acid, but it reduces with age; that is why regular HA use is necessary. The long-term results include an overall boost in hydration, making skin softer and smoother and increased moisture leads to supple, healthy-looking skin in the long run.

Retinol
When you will see results– 2-3 months 
What It Does :

Retinol is more of a slow-and-steady kind of ingredient. In general, retinoids can take two to three months to show improvement, as it helps to regulate skin cell turnover.

normally it takes 28 days for skin cell turnover but retinols make it faster. In doing so, it helps to prevent pores from becoming clogged. The upside is that you’ll see a gradual improvement in skin tone and texture, as well as a reduction in breakouts. regular use of retinol pays in long term. It improves fine lines and wrinkles,  as it also works to stimulate collagen production. “While skin cell turnover normally occurs every 28 days, using a retinol or retinoid helps to speed up this process to keep the skin looking youthful.”

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)
When you will see results– 8 weeks 
What It Does :

Beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid), can have some immediate anti-acne benefits, as it helps to reduce inflammation and may help to dry out a pimple. But if you’re dealing with hormonal breakouts regularly, for instance, you’ll need to wait a bit before you see those long-term, full-face benefits, as “unclogging the pores can take eight to 12 weeks to see improvement.

The moral of the story?
Good things take time — but clearly, it can be worth it.