When it comes to skincare, we often want immediate results. Many products on the market are advertising just this–instant results with one magic product! The fact of the matter is, we need products that will work with our skin over time to not only treat our current concerns but to prevent premature aging in the future. During this process, you may find yourself wondering how to know if your skincare products are working.
Whether you are practicing a full 10-step skincare regimen or have just purchased your first toner, there are some tried and true ways to be able to tell if the products you are using will make a lasting difference in the condition of your skin.
Dry, Damaged Skin Cells are Flaking Off
Within the first 1-3 weeks of using a new serum or exfoliant, your skin should begin letting go of and shedding dead skin cells. This can result in pinkness, dryness, and sometimes tightness. These are signs that your skin is getting acclimated to a new serum. Within 3-4 weeks, flaking will subside and you will notice a new glow to your skin.
For acne-prone skin, this process is key to unblocking clogged pores and allowing the antibacterial ingredients in your skincare to get to work. Concerned with fine lines and aging? Excess skin cells that reside on the surface of your face actually accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. They also block the absorption of nutrients and beneficial skincare ingredients.
When your skin is in this acclimation process, don’t shy away from moisture! Being dry will not help the flakiness end sooner. Hydrated skin cells turnover easier and faster, which helps shorten the amount of time it takes for your skin to go from flaky to glowing. If the flaking bothers you, you can use a gentle enzyme such as Rhonda Allison Derma-Zyme or NeoGenesis Enzyme Creme Mask to gently digest away the dead skin cells.
Of course, there is such a thing as too much peeling and redness. If it feels excessive and your products are stinging for longer than 2 minutes, reduce product usage to every other day or reduce the percentage. You can always reach out to us for help as well, at AOS Live.
Stick With It For 30 days
The truth is, quality products that change your skin in the long run will take time to renew your skin. It takes 4-6 weeks to begin seeing the full results from a new product regimen. This is because our skin cells have a natural life cycle of about 30 days. Breakouts that are forming beneath the surface take 3-4 weeks to show up. This means that your current pimples were created a month ago!
Consistently using your products for an entire month gives your skin time to acclimate. Pimples will come to the surface and heal and fresh skin cells will make their way to the surface. It’s not just correctives and exfoliates that need a full 30 days. Even a new moisturizer needs a full month to truly change the hydration levels of your skin.
Take Before and After Photos
Sometimes our memory doesn’t quite do us justice. It’s always a good idea to take photos before starting a new routine or product. Be sure to take several photos in good lighting, then recreate these exact photos, in one month, at the same time of day and at the same angles. If you don’t see a difference, then it’s time to begin rethinking your routine!
People Will Notice
The best way to know if your skincare products are working is when those around you begin to notice the changes. Receiving compliments about your glowing, clear skin is inevitable when you are using the correct products!
