• Fashion
  • Jewels & Watches
  • Beauty
  • BAZAAR Man
  • Life
  • Exclusives
  • BAZAAR TV
  • Fashion
    • Fashion
    • News & Trends
    • Street Style
    • Red Carpet
    • Shopping
    • Accessories
    • Designers
    • Fashion Week
  • Jewels & Watches
    • Jewels & Watches
    • News & Trends
    • Watches
    • Jewellery
  • Beauty
    • Beauty
    • News & Trends
    • Fragrances
    • Hair, Makeup & Nails
    • Skincare
    • Health & Wellness
    • Spas & Salons
  • BAZAAR Man
    • BAZAAR Man
    • Fashion
    • Accessories
    • Grooming
    • Lifestyle
    • Watches
  • Life
    • Life
    • Celebrities
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Culture
    • BAZAAR Art
  • Exclusives
    • Exclusives
    • Magazine
    • BAZAAR Events
    • BAZAAR NewGen Award
    • BAZAAR Art Prize
    • Giveaways
  • BAZAAR Junior
    • Junior
    • News & Trends
    • Fashion
    • Health & Wellness
    • Enrichment
    • Culture
    • Awards
  • BAZAAR NewGen
  • BAZAAR Art
  • BAZAAR TV
  • Subscribe
Subscribe Now!
  • Also available at:
Privacy Menu
  • CONTACT US
  • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • ABOUT US
  • CONDITION OF ACCESS
  • PDPA
  • PRIVACY POLICY
SPH Media

MCI (P) 056/12/2021. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2022 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

  • Fashion
  • Jewels & Watches
  • Beauty
  • BAZAAR Man
  • Life
  • Exclusives
  • BAZAAR TV

Beauty

Does “Instant” Skincare Really Work?

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Skincare

Does “Instant” Skincare Really Work?

Science and technology may have improved beauty formulas, but skin takes time to reap the benefits. Just how long? We break it down for you

by Ruth Chew  /   January 1, 2022

Photo: 123rf

In today’s #insta world, we expect things to happen fast. Research and development (R&D), active ingredients and skincare formulations have improved so much, with some even promising instant results. However, there are also products whose effectiveness depend on the skin’s renewal cycle of 28 days.

So just how long does it take for skincare to work? We speak to two dermatologists, Dr KS Lim, consultant dermatologist and medical director at The Dermatology Practice, and Dr Teo Wan Lin, dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, to find out.

Related article: BAZAAR Beauty Awards 2021: The Best Pampering Body Care Products

Understanding instant results

Understanding your skin and how it responds to various products and ingredients is important. Dr Lim believes that some of the “instant” claims are just hype: “Some of these products use subjective measures where results are based on how you feel versus what’s been scientifically measured.”

Dr Lim also says it takes three to six months on average to see real progress. He adds: “Ultimately, it depends on the product. Some prescriptive items may take a few days. For cosmeceutical ones, it usually takes between six to 12 weeks.” Even with R&D advancements, take these “instant” claims with a pinch of salt.

Dr Teo states: “Cosmetic claims are not regulated by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is no one global regulation to ensure that all cosmetic claims are scientifically backed.” So just how long does skincare take to work? Here’s our Instant Results Cheat Sheet.

Related article: Reese Witherspoon’s Skincare Secrets

https://www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/gallery/does-instant-skincare-really-work/
Does “Instant” Skincare Really Work?
Cleansers
image

Anywhere from immediately to four weeks

Cleansers have a primary function of cleansing your skin, so they should do that fairly quickly. If it includes a secondary function, like brightening dull skin, it can take up to four weeks to show results.

Related article: Indulge In These 10 Facial Cleansers For The Best Cleansing Experience

Getty Images
Serums
image

From six to eight weeks, depending on the actives used

Antioxidant serums may show quicker and more obvious results as they neutralise free radical damage on skin. This can be seen after a week, and most visibly after one month.

Others, like those that lighten pigmentation, will require more time. We recommend applying your serum regularly for six to eight weeks. Any benefit you see earlier on your skin is a plus.

Related article: BAZAAR’s Skincare Beginner’s Guide To Antioxidants

Getty Images
Moisturisers
image

As moisturisers function to hydrate skin, they will show results fairly quickly

Dr Teo Wan Lin says: “Moisturisers are the closest to an ‘instant’ product – especially if you have dry skin. You’ll see an improvement in your skin texture and symptoms.”

If your moisturiser promises functions like lifting and reducing lines, it will require more time to work.

Related article: The 9 Best Korean Skincare Products for Your Entire Routine

Getty Images
Eye Cream
image

From six to eight weeks

The concentration of ingredients in eye products are at different levels compared to that of serums and moisturisers, considering how delicate the area is. Often, to see real change, it will take slightly over a month.

Dr Teo warns that the “instant results” are sometimes caused by cosmetic pigments such as micas, a lightreflecting mineral, and orange pigments that counteract dark circles. Both doctors agreed that beyond instant results, it’s more important to look at the function of the skincare.

A bit of research goes a long way too: Start with knowing what ingredient does what and then, take note of how your skin responds. If nothing happens after three months or so, try something new.

This article originally appeared in Her World

Read Next

Samantha Sort Of Returned on 'And Just Like That...'

Squid Game Season 2 Is in the Works—Here's What to Know

Gucci And The North Face's Second Collab Celebrates The Great Wintry Outdoors

123rf
  • TAGS:
  • Beauty Tips
  • instant skincare
  • Skincare
  • Skincare tips
SHARE THIS ON

Highlights
  • Fashion Italian Luxury Meets Heritage In Gucci’s New Line Of Blon...
  • Beauty RATIONALE's EpiNova Brilliance Facial Combines Mindfulnes...
Newsletter Subscribe
Get the latest fashion news, trends, street-style snaps and more from HarpersBAZAAR.com.sg straight to your inbox!

By signing up, you indicate that you have read and agreed with our Privacy Statement
Footer Menu
  • CONTACT US
  • ADVERTISE WITH US
  • ABOUT US
  • CONDITION OF ACCESS
  • PDPA
  • PRIVACY POLICY
?>
SPH Magazine

MCI (P) 056/12/2021. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2022 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.