We all want to have beautiful, glowing skin, but it can be confusing to know which products are effective and when to expect to see a difference. We all know what a deflating experience it is when a product we had high hopes for doesn’t deliver immediate results. Recently I’ve noticed the rise in popularity of hybrid skincare products that combine makeup with skincare benefits. These often promise the satisfaction of immediate visual results, giving the look of improved skin initially via dewy hydrators, pigments, or light-reflecting elements, but don’t always offer much in the way of lasting benefits due to low concentrations of actives. In general, I would be wary of overly ambitious products that claim to do it all. For example, a product that claims to be a full-coverage foundation, potent anti-aging serum, and sunscreen might not necessarily excel in any one area. 

With that said, there are multi-tasking actives and synergistic formulations that can provide both short and long-term benefits, but it’s important to choose products with supporting ingredients at effective concentrations. These ingredients work in tandem to address immediate concerns and the underlying causes of skin problems, such as wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation, and they will gradually improve your skin's health and appearance over time with consistent use. Read more about skincare synergy.

When to Expect Results

Here is a general idea of when you can realistically expect to see results for some of the most popular skincare actives available.

Fast-acting (results within days to weeks):

• Hyaluronic Acid: Instant hydration and plumping. Fine lines may appear reduced immediately.  
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs like glycolic acid): Brighter, smoother skin within a few days.
• Vitamin C: Initial brightening and radiance within a week or two.
• Niacinamide: Improvement in redness and oiliness within a few weeks.

Moderate timeline (results within 4-8 weeks):

• Retinoids (like retinol): Improvements in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne can take 4-8 weeks to begin to see results.
• Salicylic Acid (BHA): Noticeable reduction in acne and blackheads within several weeks.
• Azelaic Acid: Improvements in redness, acne, and hyperpigmentation can take several weeks.  

Longer timeline (results within 8-12 weeks or more):

• Peptides: Increased firmness and elasticity can take several months of consistent use.
• Ceramides: Strengthening the skin barrier and improving hydration can take time.
• Antioxidants (like green tea, resveratrol): Long-term support of protection against environmental damage and appearance of premature aging.

For both right-now results and long-haul payoff, here’s what I recommend:

For the Eye Area

This is the thinnest skin on the body and it would benefit from specialized care. The long-term solutions should include peptides and antioxidants to help promote collagen production and repair, support improved strength and flexibility of fragile capillaries, and even stimulate improved circulation around the eyes. The goal is visibly firm skin and reduced appearance of fine lines. On the surface, light minerals, niacinamide, and caffeine can provide an immediate relief from dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles with fast-acting brightening and tightening effects. Peptide Eye is a great product for reducing the look of crepey skin, rejuvenating the appearance of skin in the delicate eye area, and evening out skin tone. It reinforces firmness and tone, resulting in brighter and fresher-looking eyes. For even more dramatic long-term anti-aging results in the eye area, you can add CE+HPR Eye to your routine, which contains gentle retinoids along with important supporting antioxidants. Read more about caring for your eyes.

For the Entire Face

One of my favorite multi-tasking actives is Vitamin C. In the short-term, this powerhouse antioxidant helps neutralize dullness-causing free radicals, which results in a more radiant and luminous look to start your day with. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation. It can even help to smooth out and improve texture. Long-term, consistent vitamin C use leads to increased collagen production resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin with improved elasticity. Vitamin C can also help inhibit melanin production, which can reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and acne scars - otherwise known as hyperpigmentation. Most importantly, it offers enhanced protection from environmental damage caused by pollution and UV rays. All of which help to prevent the signs of premature aging. My Brightening Vitamin C Serum is an excellent option to use in the morning every day before you apply sunscreen. 

Another antioxidant-rich product that’s especially perfect for this time of year is the Pore Refining Pumpkin Mask. This gentle yet powerful multi-tasker combines pumpkin enzymes (packed with vitamins C and A for increased long-term collagen synthesis) and kaolin which helps exfoliate and refine pores, improving cellular regeneration, with time-released Vitamin E micro-beads that activate upon contact with the skin to replenish moisture. So you’re getting immediate brightening and hydrating benefits, in addition to all of the long-term antioxidant benefits. I recommend using this mask 2-3 times a week to keep your skin hydrated, refined, and radiant.

The Importance of Patience

The key to achieving long-term results with any skincare is consistency and patience. You need to use your products regularly and give them time to work. It can take several weeks or even months to see noticeable changes in your skin.

Here are some tips for maintaining a consistent skincare routine:

• Keep it simple. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start with a simple routine and gradually add more products as needed. 
• Use your products every day, even when you're tired or don't feel like it. Studies have shown that it takes about 2 weeks of sticking to a new routine to create a habit.
• Be patient. It takes time to see results from skincare. Don't get discouraged if you don't see changes overnight.
• Listen to your skin. If a product is irritating your skin, you may want to stop using it, or reduce frequency of application. Patch testing is a good way to make sure your skin can tolerate a new active.
• Talk to a dermatologist. If you have any concerns about your skin, talk to a dermatologist. They can help you develop a personalized skincare routine that will meet your individual needs and can guide you through that potentially discouraging time before you begin seeing results. 

Bottom Line: Remember, skincare takes time for lasting results. By being consistent and patient, you can achieve beautiful, healthy skin, that lasts.