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Let’s be honest, and I'm sure you can relate – 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 – both as a customer, and now as a skincare brand founder. I think that about everything really – shampoo, supplements, a new foundation, the list goes on.
And I don't blame you - why else would you buy something? Getting results are the whole point. But it's also nuanced.
Before I started creating formulations for Beauty by Ané Skincare I also stood in front of my bathroom shelf many, many times, full of hope and expectation, trying product after product, waiting for some kind of transformation that didn’t happen fast enough, or obvious 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 promising product, convinced I just needed something different, often something stronger.
But 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 our own expectations and what we expect our skin and products to do within a certain time period.
We often 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 by my own skin, especially now as I'm heading towards my fifties, with hormonal changes and slower skin response and recovery, has taught me the opposite.
It's also super clear when we work on our Ané formulations. It can be so tempting to create formulations packed with more and more strong actives in high percentages because we have access to so many options we can use.
But for what purpose?
Chasing quick results with stronger products 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 over time, not against it.
So today, in case you've been having doubts about your products and routine, 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 big event like a wedding or a special holiday 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. That way you can speed up your skin's renewal processes in a safer way.
Think of in-clinic treatments as the accelerator, and your skincare as the steady engine that keeps the results going.
But for the purposes of this blog, we're talking about your day-to-day routine, the one you can follow for life and still get the result plus the maintenance you need.
As with pretty much anything to do with skin and skincare, the answer to almost every question is: "It depends".
Not all skincare takes weeks or months to show change. It depends on many factors, and one of the most important is that we are all completely different, with unique skin stories, histories, and everything that comes with them.
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 deeper changes. There’s nothing wrong with surface improvement. That’s a result in itself when you see your complexion change from very dry to more glowy because you're replenishing lost lipids with a good face oil or moisturiser.
The longer timelines, such as 8–12 weeks or beyond, apply to more 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: your skincare routine isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon.
You have years and decades ahead of you to work on it.
And while we're at it – if you'll allow me to stick with the marathon analogy – 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 a bit longer.
I'm saying this a little bit tongue in cheek, but it is true.
Before we even talk about how long it takes to see results, it’s worth asking:
What results are you actually looking for?
Are you hoping for fewer fine lines? Less pigmentation? A stronger barrier?
Or do you just want your skin to feel calm, comfortable, and hydrated again?
Defining more clearly what you want from your routine will help you make better product and ingredient choices, and in turn it will be much easier to notice the progress you want, even the small, early signs that show your skin is responding.
If you’re looking for brightness, for example, you might see that first as a subtle clarity to your skin rather than instant, overall evenness.
If you’re working on firmness, that takes longer because it involves collagen and elastin renewal. These are processes that need weeks, not days.
It’s also important to know that results and maintenance are part of the same story.
Getting brighter, clearer skin is one result. Keeping it that way is another.
Reducing pigmentation is one phase; preventing new pigmentation from forming is the next.
Both matter equally, and both are results worth celebrating.
Saying this - it is also important to remember that skincare can only get results up to a certain point. I know for sure that some of my pigmentation will only be removed through an aesthetic procedure like laser for example; over the counter skincare will simply not be strong enough and that is how it should be. We need to manage our expectations accordingly.
Listening to your skin helps you understand which phase you’re in.
Is it asking for recovery and support, or ready for active ingredients and change?
Your skin gives you constant feedback in texture, tone, and comfort if you slow down enough to notice.
That’s why I always say: skincare is as much about awareness as it is about application.
The more you know what you want, and what your skin needs from you, the easier it becomes to build a routine that truly works for the long run.
One of the biggest mistakes we make, often unknowingly, is assuming that skincare delivers the same results on the same timeline for everyone.
But the truth is, your starting point influences how and when you see change.
Take something like introducing a retinoid serum in your routine.
Starting it at 35, when your cell turnover is still relatively quick (around 28–35 days), means your skin will typically respond faster, not necessarily with fewer challenges, but with more visible results in a shorter window.
Now compare that to starting the same product at 55.
At this stage, your cell turnover might take 45–60+ days, your collagen production has already begun to decline, and hormonal shifts may have made your skin more reactive or delicate.
That doesn’t mean it won’t work, it absolutely will, but it will move slower and may require more time to build tolerance, consistency, and visible change.
This isn’t a sign of failure. It’s physiology.
And understanding this can be one of the most powerful ways to stay consistent and patient.
Your results aren’t someone else’s.
Your skin has its own timeline, its own history, and its own needs.
So if your friend saw brighter skin in 3 weeks, and yours took 8, that doesn’t mean your routine is “wrong.”
It simply means you’re on different journeys with different skin.
To shift from chasing quick fixes and miracle promises to embracing lasting results, we need to understand the three core timelines that influence how and when skincare delivers visible change:
Your 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 (or two).
Your Skincare Routine: Why consistency, patience, and managing expectations matter 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. This is not a quick process.
As we age, this renewal process can slow down 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.
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 and 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.
As you can see above, 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 finished formulations and the products you can buy.
In clinical skincare testing, the 56-day mark (8 weeks) is the recognised gold standard.
It represents a full skin cell turnover cycle (or two), 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, and measurements are of course taken at intervals, such as 14, 28, and 56 days. It’s also true that some results can become visible sooner than the full 56-day cycle.
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 represent 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 have been proven to be most effective after 8 weeks is not helpful.
Even the most advanced formulation can’t perform if it’s not used correctly and 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, introducing a new active product into our routine too quickly, layering high-strength actives, or combining too many products at a time.
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 plenty of times (I can be impatient), and I still need to catch myself sometimes when testing a new formula.
My skin often reminds me: less and slower is better.
Your skin doesn’t respond to pressure. It responds to patience and consistency.
Stronger isn’t always smart.
Gentle, steady progress almost always outperforms intensity.
Instead of chasing miracles, let’s align with your skin’s natural pace and manage expectations.
| 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.
When we talk about “visible results,” what we’re really hoping for is proof, a sign that the time, care, and products are doing something.
But often, early improvements are so subtle, we miss them entirely,especially when we’re looking at our own face in the mirror every day, under different light, and often with a critical eye.
That’s why one of the most effective ways to build trust in your skincare routine is simple: take pictures.
✨ Try this:
Take a photo of your bare skin (no makeup, no filter) once a week
Use the same angle, lighting, and time of day
Don’t over-analyse it daily — just keep the record
After 4, 6, or 8 weeks, compare the photos.
You may be surprised by how much progress you haven’t noticed - smoother texture, more clarity, less dullness, or improved barrier recovery.
Without these visual check-ins, we tend to dismiss the small wins.
And yet, they’re often the earliest signs your skin is responding and improving.
Remember: skincare results aren’t always about dramatic “before and afters.”
It's also about the "during" - the slow, steady shifts - the kind you might miss unless you’re looking back with clarity.
We often expect one new product or routine to be the “magic fix,” but the reality is: skincare results are always influenced by what’s happening outside the bottle, too.
Using a beautifully formulated retinoid serum is a powerful step.
But how often you apply it, how you buffer it, whether you protect your skin with daily SPF, what your diet and hydration look like, how well you sleep, your stress levels, your medication or hormonal changes - all of these play a role in how your skin responds.
For example:
You could use the most advanced brightening serum on the market - but if you’re not using sunscreen daily, your pigmentation may return just as quickly.
You might introduce a powerful active ingredient - but if your barrier is compromised from overuse of exfoliants or not enough moisture, your skin will struggle to tolerate it.
You may want smoother, firmer skin - but if chronic stress is spiking inflammation and disrupting your sleep, it may take longer to see that change.
Skincare works best when your whole system is supported.
It’s not about perfection — it’s about consistency, awareness, and gently doing your part inside and out.
So next time you’re evaluating your progress, ask yourself:
“Am I giving my skin the full support it needs to respond?”
It might not be about the product at all. It might be about creating the environment your skin needs to thrive.
Skincare isn’t about the perfect routine; it’s about progress, however slow.
Real change takes time because it’s biology, not magic.
The good news? When you give your skin that time, the transformation is deeper and longer-lasting than any “3-day glow” claim.
Patience isn’t passive; it’s powerful.
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.
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.
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.
How long does retinol (or a retinoid) take to reduce fine lines and wrinkles?
With consistent use 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. It also depends on the strength of your retinoid, how you introduce it, how often you use it, and how your skin responds.
How quickly will vitamin C fade pigmentation?
With consistent use you’ll likely see brighter tone and a fresh glow within 3–8 weeks, while stubborn dark spots or discolouration can typically take 3–4 months to fade noticeably.
How long until acne treatments show results?
BHA or salicylic acid treatments can generally take 2–12 weeks to calm breakouts and regulate oil production. A temporary purge may occur before results stabilise.
How long do peptides take to show firmness or lift?
Peptides work gradually. Expect initial hydration benefits within a few weeks, and with consistent use, visible firming within 3–6 months.
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.
I missed a few days of my routine – 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.
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 fails to amaze me how incredible our skin truly is.
Every second of every day, it’s working quietly to renew, repair, and protect 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 over-corrected; 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.
