Is it just me or do you get overly excited when trying out a new skincare product?  Anxious to see if the benefits will live up to the claims, every time a jar is opened or a bottle dispenses, I hope the contents will be my face’s new best friend. While what’s inside is very important to this determination, another key component is time and so I want to encourage you not to expect an overnight transformation.

Our skin cells take approximately 28 days to turnover, which is why I always advise clients that visible results take about a month to show.  Sure, there are some products that can offer instant brightening, however these are often one-time or non-daily applications.  When you’re using a new moisturiser or eye cream, let’s say, we need to apply with patience.

This applies even when products are focused on active ingredients, like retinol; true improvements take a few weeks to be seen. A serum is unlikely to be applied one evening and deliver metamorphosis by morning.  However, after a solid month of use, you should be able to determine whether this is your new skincare bestie.

And while patience and dedication are important, another indicator is how many products are being introduced at the same time.  Alongside the 30-day rule, I encourage clients to add just one new product to a routine at a time.  With this approach, it’s easier to determine how your skin is reacting and whether the product really is helping.

This means if you introduce a serum and a moisturiser at the same time, it will be harder to understand what your skin is liking and what it’s not.  This is particularly important if your skin, like mine, takes time to adjust to new.  If you’ve introduced two or more products at once, it can take longer to determine what is solving (or causing) problems.

I truly believe there can be hope in a jar, we just need to keep in mind a few guidelines with each new offering.

What’s your latest can’t live without product?