Every skin type has its solution: a hyaluronic acid serum for optimal hydration, vitamin C to brighten the complexion, a glycolic acid treatment to reduce imperfections, or even retinol to fight skin aging… But, once you have found the right product, it is natural to want to see results quickly. But patience is essential. One of the common mistakes in skincare is not using a product long enough to give it time to work. Some ingredients, like retinoids or vitamin C, require several months of use before showing significant results.

So how long does it actually take to see visible effects? Here’s the answer.

How long exactly do you have to wait?

Usually we are told that we have to wait between three weeks to one month, to see the first effects of a cosmetic treatment. This theoretical duration is based on the natural cycle of cell renewal, that is to say the time necessary for the regeneration of skin cells. In general, it is between 21 to 28 days depending on age. This period allows the epidermis to benefit from the properties of the treatment and its active ingredients.

However, results may vary depending on each individual. Because if the skin works the same way for everyone, it does not always react identically depending on genetic predispositions, hormonal influences, the environment in which it evolves… In relation to all these elements, skin may be more or less receptive to this or that ingredient. For example, skin that is already weakened or dehydrated will not necessarily respond as well as healthy skin, which is why according to experts it is generally necessary to count up to 12 weeks of regular and continuous use of the product to see its effectiveness.

There is no absolute rule. Some ingredients act more quickly than others. In addition, an active ingredient can be available in different forms, more or less stable, more or less assimilated by the skin. In a serum , for example, the active ingredients are three to five times more concentrated than in a cream. 

AHAs or PHAs and retinoids, for example, can provide faster results due to their immediate exfoliating effects. In contrast, ingredients like natural moisturizing factors, niacinamide, and antioxidants have longer-term effects, contributing to skin health in a more gradual manner.

Focus on anti-imperfection active ingredients

Take anti-blemish products for example. You might be very happy with the initial results, but after two weeks, it's common to find that the effects seem to diminish, which can lead you to believe that the product is no longer effective.

It is essential to understand that anti-blemish products have two main objectives:

1. Cleanse and heal existing blemishes: Right from the start, these products are designed to provide visible improvement, quickly treating existing blemishes.

2. Preventing the appearance of new imperfections: this is often where patience is necessary. Products need at least 21 days of regular application to start showing noticeable results. The skin renewal cycle generally lasts between 21 and 28 days. It is therefore common for new imperfections to appear during this period, which can give the impression that the product is not effective. Above all, it is very common to observe a "purging" phenomenon at the beginning, even more so if you have just integrated a new active ingredient into your routine. Even if it is hard; don't panic, continue to use the product and wait at least 1 month to see if the purging effect continues.

In most cases, the product is indeed effective. After 28 days, you should notice smoother skin, better sebum regulation, and a reduction in new blemishes.

For example :

• Retinol: You may notice an improvement in skin quality after the first few uses. However, its effects on the dermis, where it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, are more gradual. It usually takes about three weeks to a month to see significant results, as the skin regenerates completely.

• AHAs: The effects on skin quality can be visible from the first days, with tighter pores, smoother skin texture and a more even complexion. In a minimum one-month treatment, and at higher doses, their action reaches the dermis, where they stimulate collagen production for a long-term plumping effect.

And anti-aging active ingredients?

What is certain is that a cosmetic product, no matter how effective it may be, will not be able to act overnight to make your wrinkles disappear, or even make them disappear completely. On the other hand, certain active ingredients can significantly improve the appearance of existing wrinkles by smoothing them and, most importantly, they help prevent the appearance of new ones. This is the case, for example, with the botox-like active ingredients that we have sourced for the TensioLift range; they inhibit the muscle contractions that cause expression lines.

Additionally, most anti-aging products contain active ingredients that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin to maintain skin firmness. This process does not happen instantly; it requires several weeks of application before you start to see visible results.

In summary, to obtain an immediate effect, fillers are ideal, while for lasting results, tightening and plumping products are more appropriate. Both types of products are effective, but it is important to choose according to your specific needs.

For example :

• Peptides like Argireline or Matrixyl: these peptides will have an effect on the connection between nerves and muscles and will therefore act little by little to limit muscle contractions. We see results from 28 days with a significant improvement. For our TensioLift serum we see -40% of wrinkles from 28 days for example.
  
  
• Vitamin C: it stimulates the production of collagen in the dermis, allowing the skin to regain its elasticity fairly quickly, generally after a month of regular application. However, its depigmenting effects, beneficial for brown spots, act more deeply. It is therefore necessary to wait about two months to observe the first results concerning the lightening of the complexion.
  
  
• Hyaluronic acid: It has an anti-aging effect, the effects of which can become visible after several days to several weeks. Many treatments contain both fast-acting and slow-acting types of hyaluronic acid, thus offering double-speed results: plumper skin in the short term and preserved youthfulness in the long term.

How to optimize the efficiency of an asset?

While it's hard to predict exactly how long it will take for a cosmetic active to take effect, a few simple steps can really optimize its results. A three-step routine is recommended: prepare, treat, and seal.

Prepare: Start by thoroughly cleansing your skin with suitable cleansers and toners. This step is essential to remove impurities and prepare the skin for subsequent treatments.

Treat: Then apply targeted serums that address your specific concerns. Be careful not to layer too many serums in the same routine.

Seal: Finish with richer moisturizers that will seal in the active ingredients applied and ensure their effectiveness. These products help maintain the action of the active ingredients and reinforce the skin's hydration.