A:
Trying out new skincare and not instantly seeing the expected results can be disheartening. As much as the internet loves to tell you so, there isn't always a 'quick fix' for every skin concern. Here at Q+A, we preach the importance of building a simple regime that works for you. In this week's blog, I'm here to give you the low-down on how long it takes to achieve the results you're looking for.
The cell turnover for the skin on your face is between 40 and 56 days, so it’s unlikely you’ll see major changes in your skin before this time is up! It’s also important to remember that as we age, cell turnover time increases. Some ingredients, like AHA’s and BHA’s, as well as physical exfoliants, encourage cell turnover, which is why your skin may feel instantly softer or brighter after first use.
With most skincare, on application you’ll see an instant change in your skin – perhaps it looks more glowy or less red. However, it will take time for active ingredients to take full effect. Sometimes you must be in it for the long haul for the best skin transformations – great skin takes time and consistency!
So, let's dive into the answers you've been after.
Hyaluronic Acid
Instant impacts:
You may see improvements in your skin's hydration as soon as 15 minutes after your first application of Hyaluronic Acid. The Q+A Hyaluronic Acid Face Mist is the perfect skin pick-me-up for when your skin feels lifeless or dehydrated.
Long-term benefits: 4-6 weeks
From long-term use of Hyaluronic Acid, you should notice an improvement in the appearance of fine lines, skin plumpness and overall hydration.
Vitamin C
Instant impacts:
Instant results from Vitamin C are less visible. However, the hybrid serum/moisturiser formula of our Vitamin C Brightening Serum means you can expect increased hydration levels from first use.
Long-term benefits: 4-6 weeks
After continuous use of Vitamin C, you will hopefully start to notice a more even skin tone and radiant complexion, along with a reduced appearance of fine lines.
Glycolic Acid
Instant impacts:
Glycolic Acid gets to work immediately in helping to improve your complexion radiance and gently exfoliating to hopefully achieve a silky-smooth skin. After first use, your skin could feel instantly softer to touch! Our Glycolic Acid Daily Toner gets to work from the first swipe in helping to work towards a renewed complexion.
Long-term benefits: 8-12 weeks
Consistent use of Glycolic Acid should help achieve a radiant complexion with a reduced appearance of pores and fine lines. As the speed of cell turnover increases, you should notice improvements to your skin’s overall texture.
Azelaic Acid
Instant impacts:
From the first application, Azelaic Acid gets to work at helping to calm redness and improve the appearance of angry blemishes. If you struggle with stressed skin, our Azelaic Acid Balancing Serum could be the perfect addition to your skincare regime.
Long-term benefits: 8-12 weeks
The end goal with Azelaic Acid is to achieve a brighter, clearer, and more even complexion. Continued use will help prevent future skin congestion.
Zinc PCA
Instant impacts:
When used as a topical treatment for angry blemishes, Zinc PCA can get to work straight away to help calm the area. The PCA brings the moisturising element to prevent drying out the skin. This makes our Zinc PCA Facial Serum and Daily Moisturiser perfect for oily, normal, combo or stressed skin.
Long-term benefits: 8-10 weeks
Since Zinc PCA is a natural astringent, consistent use of this ingredient will help reduce the appearance of and tighten pores. It will also help reduce redness and achieve a healthy oil balance to keep future breakouts at bay.
Niacinamide
Instant impacts:
The instant impacts of Niacinamide are less obvious, but you may notice improvements to your skin's hydration and instant help with calming redness and blemishes.
Long-term benefits: 6-12 weeks
After consistently using Niacinamide, one of the first noticeable improvements to your skin should be reduced sebum levels. After this, you should start noticing a reduction in the appearance of pores and improvements to your skin's texture and tone.
Before signing off, I want to add that these timelines for results will vary from person to person. It all depends on your skin type, as well as your age. If you take one thing from this blog, it’s the message that consistency is key when it comes to skincare! Don’t give up on your regime if you aren't seeing the results you expected straight away.
If you have any questions you'd like answered, please don't hesitate to get in touch! Feel free to leave us a comment below or drop us a message on Instagram.
Charlee @ Team Q+A
