When it comes to your skincare it’s easy to get confused and wonder whether or not your products are effective. You might even be wondering if your skincare routine is making your skin worse. Having realistic expectations is important. Knowing what results to realistically expect and why you might not be seeing exactly what you were hoping for is critical.

Is It Me…or My Products?

There’s so much misinformation in the world of skincare. It can be difficult to know what you can realistically expect from a product.  If the products you use are truly formulated for your skin type and concerns, then here’s the results you can expect: Cleanser: Face looks clean after rinsing. Skin feels smooth, not dry and tight. Dirt, oil, and makeup should be removed from the skin. Results should be immediate. Toner: Skin looks radiant, feels softer and smoother. Redness is calmed and last traces of dirt oil and makeup are gone. Pores appear less noticeable. Within 1-2 weeks you should see improvements in redness and pore size. Exfoliant: Surface of skin looks and feels smoother. Dullness fades and skin tone appears more even. Previously enlarged pores should appear smaller. Ongoing use is required to maintain results. You should see improvements overnight. Increased improvement after 2 weeks of continued use. Acne Treatment: Blemishes are significantly diminished. Frequency and severity of breakouts decreases. Skin becomes clearer, congested pores and white bumps are diminished. Overall improvement in acne should be apparent after 4–12 weeks of consistent use. When using products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid you may see immediate results. Dryness, flaking or other signs of tenderness/redness should be minimal, if they occur at all. Moisturizer (Combination/Oily Skin): Skin feels fresh and hydrated, not greasy. Product is lightweight and absorbs quickly. Pore congestion should decrease. Improvements may happen overnight. Enhanced results occur within 2–8 weeks. If your skin appears too dry or too oily by midday, consider switching formulas. lightweight serums, and liquids work best for oily/combination skin. Moisturizer (Normal/Dry Skin): Skin feels fresh and hydrated, not greasy. Skin has a smooth, radiant texture. Hydration lasts throughout the day.  Fine lines from dryness are diminished. Age-related fine lines and wrinkles appear plumped. Improvements may happen overnight.  Enhanced results occur within 2–8 weeks. Dry skin requires a more emollient and enriched formula. Try using facial oil after a lightweight moisturizer. Anti-Aging Products: Visible signs of aging should diminish. Skin looks smoother and more radiant. Skin begins to look and feel younger. Increased firmness. Uneven skin texture should become less apparent. You should see results after twice daily usage for 2-4 weeks. Ongoing use is required for improvement. Do not expect to look significantly younger or to see results similar to a cosmetic procedure. Skin-Brightening Product: Discoloration fades to be almost completely invisible. Skin tone evens out. When used twice daily, results are produced for most in 6-12 weeks. Discolorations may return if you stop using the product and do not apply sun protection daily. If you don’t see results after 12 week consider a chemical peel, or a laser-light treatment.

Have Realistic Expectations 

We want you to understand what’s possible and what isn’t. The truth is, realistic expectations plus the consistent use of outstanding skincare products is the only way to have the best skin of your life. Keep in mind that you should discontinue use of any product if you experience continued redness, flaking, increased dryness, stinging, or discomfort. And remember, without daily use of sunscreen, signs of aging and discoloration will increase no matter what product you use.