Last month I was dealing with a hair trigger skin that seemd to develop red splotches at the slightest provocation. It went on for weeks until I tried Metrogel and the problems ended overnight. This was obviously great news but it set me thinking– “how long should it take to get results from a skin care treatment?”
The answer obviously depends on the problem and the cure:
1. Tretinoin ( aka Retin A) — Tretinoin is approved for both acne and anti-aging, but the time frame is significantly different. Its no secret that I am a big fan of tretinoin and I feel that its the foundation of an anti-aging plan. It clarifies the surface, fades dark spots, encourages collagen growth and stimulates circulation. Used 4-7x/ week, you may start seeing benefits after 3 weeks. By six weeks, most women should see a pinker, softer skin. It will take two months to start seeing a change in hyperpigmentation and three to six months to notice a lessening of fine lines.Current guidelines recommend using tretinoin nightly for 48 weeks, then 2-3X/week for maintenance to preserve gains.
For acne management, Retin A is a very different timetable. At first, many people report that acne worsens for at least the first month. But by three months, if this is the right treatment for you, the acne should be under control. It may take another 3-4 months for acne discolorations to fade.
Skin Lighteners– Ingredients like hydroquinone, Kojic acid, snd Lumixyl are all proven to lighten skin discoloration, but they are not quick. They act by either blocking melanin production or by slowly breaking down existing melanin deposits. Its necessary to wait until the melanin-rich skin cells grow old and drop-off, to see a lighteing hyperpigmentation — and the skin growth cycle is 6-8 weeks. To deliver results, the skin needs to be treated nightly with skin lighteners and protected each day with a 50SPF sunscreen.
Glycolic Acid- Found in sugar cane, glycolic acid has both short term and long term benefits for the skin. An office based 50-70% glycolic peel dissolves and removes the dead dry skin cells and stale oil that coat the skin. Five to ten minutes on the skin, followed by a neutralizer and rinsed off, the skin feels soft and feels fresh. For about 24 hours, you’ll look amazing making glycolic peels a great tool for special events. ( ie a reunion where you’re likely to see your ex who is coming with his new girlfriend). A series of five peels provides a big long lasting change, but it can be pricey.
Moisturizers, pads and home peels with 10% glycolic acid can provide lasting benefits that include skin lightening, younger firmer collagen and thicker skin. You” start to see freshening within two weeks– and a maximum of benefits within three months.
No Nonsense Beauty Blog
