We have all been there. You spend a fortune on new skincare products, you wait a week or two to see results, get frustrated, switch to another product, and repeat. 

While the quality of your skincare products is definitely important the real reason you’re not seeing any results maybe you’re not being patient enough.

We know that’s not what anyone wants to hear when it comes to clearing up acne, reducing lines, or finally balancing your dry-then-oily-then-dry again skin.

Quality Ingredients Go Deeper

Cosmeceutical grade skincare (like the ones in our products) is designed to work on the deeper layers of the skin so immediate results are not always visible. While over the counter skincare (*ahem* drugstore brands) work solely on the surface of your skin, so it may immediately feel soft but long term benefits will never live up to the hype. 

Ok, But How Long Will It Take?

So, why does it take longer than a few days to see real results and a transformation of your skin? 

Well, it all has to do with your skin’s natural life cycle. 

The skin cycle is the process where a new skin cell is formed at the deepest layer of the epidermis and works it’s way up to the surface of the skin. At this point, the skin cell has matured, died and ultimately flakes off- gross but also yay.

Skin cycles can vary with each individual and are affected by all sorts of factors like age, hormones, skin condition/health and stress. On average a skin cycle is 5-6 weeks. When you are in your teens, the process can take 14-21 days compared to a middle-aged adult where it is estimated to be 28 days or more.  As we grow older, this skin cycle slows to about 45-60 days in our 40’s and 50’s and slows even further to about 60-90 days in our 50’s and 60’s.

What This Means For Your Skin

As we age our skin cycle slows down and dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin causing fine lines and wrinkles. Bacteria, oils, and dirt can become trapped causing blemishes and breakouts. Discolored, sun-damaged and irregular cells can also become trapped causing dark spots and discoloration. It’s important to choose quality skincare products that can accelerate this cellular turnover and keep fresh new skin cells moving steadily to the surface.

It’s All About The Routine

When starting a new skincare regiment, it’s advised to wait for approximately 2-3 skin cycles (12– 18 weeks) to see improved results. This gives the skincare products and their active ingredients a chance to work on making changes to the cell’s health, condition, vitality, and strength. After that period of time, the outer surface of the skin is made of newer skin cells, the skin feels softer and looks healthier and youthful.