How Long Does a Skincare Regimen Take to Work

Episode #18 / Jun 4, 2009
OTHER VERSIONS:
Instant gratification is a part of our culture. But does it really make sense to toss a skin care product after just three days if you don't yet see the results you want? It takes time for a skincare regimen to start working (and a different amount depending upon whether you're looking for help with acne or facial rejuvenation). But it might not take as long as you think. Dr. Schultz will share his thoughts on how long it really takes for different skincare regiments to start producing noticeable results.
Liza on August 18, 2009 at 12:42pm

I just found your videos and am so happy I did. Your advice is great, thanks a lot for these videos.

I wonder if it's normal for my skin to get worse before it gets better when I start a new skincare regimen. I have noticed this happening with everything I've tried and am not sure if it's a common occurrence or if the products just aren't right for me. I recently started using the Dr Lewinn's Puressence range and while it feels great on my skin, I've actually started getting a bit more pimples coming up around my T-zone than I normally do. I've been using the products for about 4-5 days so far and am not sure if I should stick with it and see if it gets better.

Thanks again!

Neal Schultz, M.D. on August 24, 2009 at 5:10pm

@Liza: It's never normal or acceptable for your skin to get worse before it gets better when you start a new skincare regimen. The problem in deciding what to do is: would your skin have been getting worse if you didn't start the new products (i.e., is it getting worse despite the new products, not because of them)? For four to five days of a slight worsening, I would continue the products and give them a little more time. Since it is now six days from when you asked, how are you doing?

nadine on November 18, 2009 at 10:38am

could it be possible that when using products for acne - it is bringing out all the underlying problems in the skin? I started a new regimen 2 weeks ago and seem to have more red spots than i did before, should i be patient or find something else? I am trying to be patient.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on November 20, 2009 at 3:52pm

@Nadine: When you start a new skin care regimen, if appropriate for you, your skin should never need to get worse before it gets better. That being said, those red spots shouldn't be a problem if they're all that's left of your acne (they should eventually disappear). Then again, if they're new red spots, it sounds like irritation and you should discontinue the new regimen.

Josh on December 3, 2009 at 3:00am

Hello and thank you for your videos! I was wondering, when trying to treat a blackhead problem, which is a safe time to assume that your regimen won't yield results? Does the one week mentioned in the video apply to all types of acne? I've just started on Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser with 2% salicylic acid but I fear that might not be enough.