How To Know If Your Skincare Is Working

Skincare is my passion, so it’s no surprise that I love trying new things and switching up my routine from time to time. And by “time to time” I mean constantly! When I see a label that claims to take years off your skin or offer a flawless complexion, you can bet I’ll be putting it to the test. While I know that not everyone shares that same passion for skincare, I’m sure most people can relate to the excitement behind trying something that claims to “make your pores disappear.” But how do you know if these products are actually working? While you can’t always expect to see results overnight, there are a few things you can do to put your routine to the test. This article will quickly cover how to assess the effectiveness of the products you are using.

• Start Fresh
• Track Your Progress
• Wait At Least One Month For Results
• One At A Time
• Healthy Skin Takes Time

Start Fresh

Before we dive in, let’s get the most important thing out of the way first. A good, consistent skincare routine is essential if you want to see results. You can invest in the best high-end serums and the most powerful tools on the market, but if you’re not properly cleansing your skin, you won’t be getting the full benefit of your treatment.

• Cleanse: Cleansing your skin correctly is what paves the way for the rest of your skincare products to reach their full potential. I highly recommend washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser for a full two minutes. If you’re not able to do this, double cleansing once in the evening is a good option. Whether you’re looking for gel or foaming cleansers, we have a wide range of options.
• Exfoliate: Exfoliation helps soften dry skin by clearing dead skin cells and surface debris that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. It can also help promote better product absorption to ensure you get the most out of your serums. Find a chemical or physical exfoliator to add to your routine.
• Moisturize: Last but not least, don’t forget to hydrate! A good moisturizer is essential for everyone, whether you have dry or oily skin. From lightweight gels to heavy creams, there are plenty of options to choose from on our website.

Okay, now that we have a clean base to start with, let’s get into it.

Track Your Progress

First and foremost, get your camera out! I know you might not be thrilled at the idea of taking pictures of yourself right now, but trust me. Progress happens slowly, so it can be difficult to see change when you’re inspecting your skin in front of a mirror every day. Not to mention, when you’re so focused on all the imperfections, you probably won’t notice anything else. Taking before and after photos can really help you put things into perspective. Don’t forget to take photos in consistent lighting to ensure you can see your progress clearly!

Wait At Least One Month For Results

If you want to create lasting changes, patience is key. Most products need at least 30 days of consistent use before they can start to create visible changes. This is because your skin cells have a life cycle that lasts several weeks. After dying, they begin to shed and make way for new cells.

Although this process, known as cellular turnover, happens on a regular basis, it slows down considerably as we age. For example, in babies, the skin renews itself every 14 days, whereas this process takes about 28 days for teenagers. As you reach adulthood, it can take your skin anywhere from 28-42 days to renew itself. For folks who are 50 or older, this process can take up to 84 days.

Tip: This is why regular exfoliation is so important! A gentle scrub will help speed things up and keep your skin looking fresh.

Sure, there are some products that can offer instant results, though they’re typically best used as a quick fix before photos and events. Ingredients like glycolic acid and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can offer temporary plumping and pore-tightening effects that seem great at first, however, these are only short term solutions. If you want to create lasting changes, it takes patience and consistency.

One At a Time

Keep things simple and try to introduce no more than one new product at a time. Believe me when I tell you, I know how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement of trying new things. However, it’s important not to get too carried away. Introducing multiple ingredients at once can overwhelm your skin and potentially cause damage. Not to mention, it can make it difficult to determine which products are helping, hindering, or doing nothing at all.

For this reason you’ll want to be especially cautious when using stronger correctives like acids or retinol. While these actives are usually great for your complexion at first, they can damage your skin’s barrier if overutilized. If you start to notice dull, dry, or lackluster skin, this could be a sign that it’s time to take a break. Generally, its best to save actives for the fall and winter months. You can always re-introduce them at the end of summer or once your skin has had time to rest and recover. 

Healthy Skin Takes time

While you’re certainly not going to get head-turning results overnight, you shouldn’t let that discourage you. Healthy skin takes time, and regardless of whether you’re on a journey to clear your breakouts or smooth some fine lines, a little patience goes a long way. Sticking to a routine long enough to see results can be hard, but if you trust the process, the results will be well worth the wait!  

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If you’re still struggling to get the results you want, reach out to us via email any time and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.