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Let’s be honest — one of the first questions that crosses your mind when you buy a new product is:
Will it work? And how long will it take to see results?
I’ve asked myself that question countless times.
Before I started creating formulations for Beauty by Ané Skincare I was standing in front of my bathroom shelf full of hope, trying product after product, waiting for a transformation that didn’t happen fast enough (in my mind anyway).
When I didn’t see visible changes within a few weeks (sometimes less!), I’d move on to the next one, convinced I just needed something different - often 'stronger'.
Over the years, I’ve learned that this is one of the biggest reasons we feel our skincare “isn’t working.”
It’s not always about the product; it’s often about expectations and timing.
We give up too soon.
We forget that skin biology doesn’t operate on the same instant-gratification timeline we’ve grown used to.
We live in a world where marketing often tells us that “stronger is better” and “faster is proof it’s working.”
But everything I’ve learned, and keep being reminded about my own skin, especially now in my late 40s, with hormonal changes and slower recovery, has taught me the opposite.
When we work on formulations, it can be tempting to create high-percentage, aggressive actives that promise visible results in days.
But for what purpose?
Chasing quick results often backfires, damaging the skin barrier and leaving you worse off than before.
My own skin constantly reminds me that it prefers a gentle, supportive, and consistent approach,one that works with its natural rhythm, not against it.
So today, I want to help you set realistic expectations and understand what’s really happening beneath the surface, because your skincare is working.
You just need to give it, and your skin, the time it needs.
That said, I completely understand that sometimes there’s a sense of urgency, maybe you’ve got a wedding, a reunion, or an important event on the horizon and you really do want quicker results.
In those cases, I’d always suggest working with a trusted aesthetician or dermatologist who can safely guide you through the right professional treatments and support your products at home.
Think of in-clinic treatments as the accelerator, and your skincare as the steady engine that keeps the results going.
Important Note: Not ALL Results Take Weeks or Months
Not all skincare takes weeks or months to show change.
Some products can make your skin look and feel different almost instantly, especially if your barrier has been depleted or your skin is parched.
For example, a well-formulated moisturiser or face oil can replenish lipids and hydration right away, softening fine lines and giving an immediate glow.
Similarly, an exfoliating acid toner can make skin feel smoother and look brighter within days by lifting away dead cells on the surface.
These instant or short-term effects are absolutely real, but they’re mostly about surface improvement and comfort, not deep cellular change.
The longer timelines, such as 8–12 weeks or beyond, apply to structural improvements,like collagen synthesis, pigmentation fading, or firmness restoration.
So, yes, it’s entirely possible for skincare to feel like it’s working quickly, even while the deeper transformation is still underway.
The key is knowing the difference, and managing your expectations for both.
Remember: skincare isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. You have years and decades ahead of you.
And while we're at it - you have to run your own race and stop comparing your progress to someone else’s photos online, especially if she’s 29 with the collagen and cellular turnover rate of a 29 year old, and you’re 52 and your skin is just taking longer.
To shift from chasing quick fixes to embracing lasting results, we need to understand the three core timelines that govern how and when skincare delivers visible change:
The Skin’s Biology: The rate at which your skin renews itself (cell turnover), which slows with age and hormonal changes.
The Ingredient Science: Why clinically tested products show visible results after 56 days,a full skin renewal cycle.
The Skincare Routine: Why consistency, patience, and managing expectations matter far more than the strength of your actives.
We’ll also look at why some products, like moisturisers or face oils, can make your skin feel instantly better, while others, like retinoids, peptides, or vitamin C, require months to reveal their full potential.
Every visible change in your skin begins deep within it.
Your skin is constantly regenerating through what’s known as the cell turnover cycle, where new skin cells form at the base of the epidermis and gradually move to the surface, replacing old, dead cells.
This biological process is the foundation of all visible transformation, and it’s also the reason why change takes time.
As we age, this renewal process slows dramatically.
By our 40s and 50s, our skin’s metabolism and hormonal support decline, meaning new cells take far longer to appear at the surface.
| Age Group | Approximate Skin Cell Turnover Time |
|---|---|
| 20s to Early 30s | Around 28–40 days |
| 40s | Up to 60 days |
| 50s and Beyond | Often 90 days or more |
This natural slowdown explains why results from skincare in your 40s or 50s can’t be compared to those of a 25-year-old influencer.
It’s not that your product isn’t working, it’s that your skin’s timeline is different.
This is why I say: run your own race.
Comparing your results to someone younger, with a different skin type or hormonal profile, only leads to disappointment not trusting your own process.
Instead, focus on consistency and long-term change.
When you give your skin enough time to complete its renewal cycles, you’ll start noticing real improvement, the kind that lasts.
The second factor is ingredient science, how long active compounds need to show measurable results.
I can tell you that “results in 3 days” claims are rarely realistic unless we’re talking about hydration or barrier comfort as examples.
True transformation takes place deeper within the skin, at a cellular and structural level, which takes time.
There are many clinical and other kinds of tests in the cosmetics industry - for raw ingredients as well as finalised formulations and the products you can buy.
For the purposes of today's blog, I want to specifically highlight a typical benchmark in the clinical testing of ingredients and final formulations.
In clinical skincare testing, the 56-day mark (8 weeks) is the recognised gold standard.
It represents a full skin cell turnover cycle; the time it takes for newly generated cells to reach the surface.
This is when scientists measure meaningful, statistically significant changes in texture, pigmentation, or elasticity.
Active ingredients like Retinoids, Vitamin C, Peptides, and Exfoliating Acids all need this window, sometimes longer, to visibly influence collagen synthesis, cell communication, and pigmentation regulation.
That said, not every study runs for 56 days.
Consumer perception studies,where participants report visible or sensory improvements, often run over shorter periods such as 7, 14, or 28 days, and can still offer valuable insights into early product performance.
For instance, many users report seeing a fresher, more hydrated complexion or improved radiance within the first few weeks.
These early improvements are completely valid, they just represent the signs of better skin health, while deeper, more lasting transformation continues below the surface.
As tempting as it is to expect faster results, pushing for speed often leads to irritation or barrier disruption, exactly what we want to avoid in midlife skin.
Being impatient with your skin and expecting results after 5 days when the active ingredients in your product and / or your product has been proven to be most efficacious after 8 weeks is not helpful.
Even the most advanced formulation can’t perform if it’s not used correctly or consistently.
The best product in the world can’t make up for impatience.
When we chase quick results, we tend to use more than our skin can handle, layering high-strength actives or combining too many products.
This can lead to barrier damage, inflammation, and that frustrating “start again from scratch” cycle many of us know too well.
I’ve done this myself, and I still need to catch myself sometimes when testing a new formula. My skin often reminds me: less and slower is better.
Our skin doesn’t respond to pressure. It responds to patience and consistency.
Strong isn’t always smart.
Gentle, steady progress will always outperform intensity.
Instead of chasing miracles, let’s align with your skin’s natural pace and manage expectations.
Here’s how long common actives typically take to show results when used consistently:
| Ingredient / Category | Primary Benefit | Typical Time to See Results |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoids (Retinol, Derivatives) | Boost Collagen, Refine Texture, Smooth Lines | Texture: 2–4 weeks; Visible Anti-Ageing: 3–6 months |
|
Peptides |
Stimulate Collagen, Improve Elasticity | Initial: 8–12 weeks; Full Firming Effect: 6+ months |
|
Ceramides / Barrier Lipids |
Strengthen Barrier, Reduce Dryness, Calm Sensitivity | Initial Hydration: Days; Full Repair: 4–8 weeks |
| Chemical Exfoliants (AHA / PHA) | Smooth Texture, Brighten, Refine Tone | Initial Glow: 2–4 weeks; Visible Clarity: 6–8 weeks |
Consistency beats speed every single time.
Combine this with daily SPF, proper hydration, and lifestyle support, and your results will compound beautifully over time.
Skincare isn’t about the "perfect" routine, it’s about progress.
Real change takes time because it’s biological, not magical.
The good news? When you give your skin that time, the transformation is far deeper and longer-lasting than any “7-day glow” claim.
At Beauty by Ané, we design every product to work in harmony with your skin, supporting its natural renewal rather than forcing it.
Patience isn’t passive; it’s powerful.
So, manage your expectations, give your skin consistency, and remember: this is your race, not anyone else’s.
Stay the course, trust the process, and your skin will thank you with resilience, vitality, and quiet confidence that no filter can replicate.
1. What is the minimum time I should wait to see if a new product is actually working?
Allow at least 4 weeks (one skin cell turnover cycle) to see initial changes like smoother texture or hydration. For products targeting collagen, pigmentation, or deep lines, expect 8–12 weeks for visible improvement.
2. Why do some products work instantly while others take months?
Moisturisers and face oils act on the surface — instantly hydrating and sealing the barrier. Serums with active ingredients like Retinol, Vitamin C, or Peptides must work deeper, where true repair and renewal take place, which naturally takes longer.
3. Does my age affect how quickly my skincare works?
Yes. As skin cell turnover slows with age, results take longer. A 25-year-old might see changes in 4 weeks; at 50, it may take 8–12 weeks or more. That’s normal — it’s biology, not failure.
4. How long does Retinol (or a Retinoid) take to reduce fine lines and wrinkles?
You may notice smoother texture and improved clarity within 4–8 weeks, but visible collagen-boosting and wrinkle reduction take 3–6 months of consistent use.
5. How quickly will Vitamin C fade pigmentation?
You’ll likely see brighter tone and a “fresh glow” within 4–8 weeks, while stubborn dark spots or discolouration typically take 3–4 months to fade noticeably.
6. How long until acne treatments show results?
BHA or Salicylic Acid treatments generally take 4–12 weeks to calm breakouts and regulate oil production. A temporary “purge” may occur before results stabilise.
7. How long do Peptides take to show firmness or lift?
Peptides work gradually. Expect initial hydration benefits within a few weeks, and visible firming within 3–6 months.
8. Is my skin purging or reacting?
Purging (common with actives) happens in your usual breakout areas and resolves within a few weeks. Irritation causes redness, burning, or itching in new areas — stop use or reduce frequency if that happens.
9. I missed a few days — do I have to start over?
No. Just return to your routine. Consistency matters most, not perfection. Think of it like exercise — missing one session doesn’t undo your progress.
10. How do I know my skincare is working before I see big results?
Look for subtle signs: smoother texture, softer touch, reduced tightness, more even tone, and makeup that applies more seamlessly. These are early signals your skin is responding well.
It never stops amazing me how incredible our skin truly is.
Every second of every day, it’s working, quietly renewing, repairing, and protecting us.
Even when we think nothing’s happening, it’s busy below the surface, rebuilding itself cell by cell.
Topical skincare aside - let's look at quite an extreme example - think about what happens after an intensive resurfacing treatment like a CO₂ laser.
The top layers of skin are intentionally removed, leaving it raw, swollen and vulnerable, and yet, within days and weeks, new skin begins to resurface.
Over time, it becomes stronger, smoother, and more refined than before.
That’s not magic. That’s biology.
Our skin has a remarkable ability to heal, adapt, and regenerate when given the right support, both inside and out.
It doesn’t need to be forced, rushed, or overcorrected; it just needs the right tools, time, and care to do what it already knows how to do.
That’s why I always say: believe in your skin and your body's intelligence. Support it. Nourish it. Protect it.
Because the possibility for renewal is always there, and that, to me, is one of the most extraordinary things about being human.
It’s easy to feel impatient, especially when marketing and social media promise overnight miracles.
But if there’s one more message I hope you take from this:
Good skincare takes time because good skin takes care.
Stay consistent. Manage your expectations. Run your own race.
The glow will follow, and it will be real - and consistent.
You've probably seen the terms "hydration" and "moisture" used interchangeably everywhere, used as if they're the same thing. One adds water to your skin, the other seals it in, and both are essential, especially after 35 when our natural processes start to slow down.
While it may be true that both refers to water levels in the skin, there is a difference in terms of the mechanisms, as well as product formulation practices and ingredient choices - and therefore the product choices in your routine.
If your skin feels tight, dull, or dry no matter what you use, the missing link might be knowing whether you need (more) hydration, moisture, or both.
In this blog guide, I’ll unpack the science and show you how to balance hydration and moisture for smoother, stronger, more radiant skin.
Could hidden inflammation accelerating your skin ageing without you realising it?
In this comprehensive guide, I unpack the science of inflammaging, what it is, how it impacts your skin and overall health, and why it’s especially important for women 35+.
This is following on from the previous blog where I share more about my recent personal exprerience and discoveries.
You’ll discover 9 key triggers behind chronic, low-grade inflammation and 12 practical, evidence-based steps to help calm it.
Small, consistent changes can make a visible difference, building stronger, healthier, more radiant skin from the inside out.
Many women in midlife assume that struggles with weight, energy, and hormones are simply “part of ageing.” But often, there’s something else quietly driving these changes: hidden, low-level inflammation.
This type of silent inflammation doesn’t always show up as obvious skin problems or dramatic allergic reactions. Instead, it works beneath the surface — disrupting hormones, draining energy, locking weight in place, and slowly accelerating the ageing process in both body and skin.
Food intolerances, gut imbalances, and hormonal shifts are all connected. Addressing inflammation and gut health is just as vital as supporting hormones if we want to feel better and protect our skin health in midlife.
This blog explores how hidden inflammation impacts hormones, metabolism, and skin, and what practical steps can help calm it down. If you’ve been doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, this may be the missing piece.
