Retinol Results: How Long Do You Have to Wait?
When it comes to retinol, you're probably already familiar with the benefits - increased cell turnover, collagen production, smoother skin and fewer breakouts. But how long does it take to see these changes in your skin?
Let's take a look.
Three Months Into Using Retinol
Although you may start noticing changes in your skin as soon as 2-4 weeks into your journey, it can take up to three months to see real results using retinol.
During your first three months you are more likely to notice side effects like purging, redness, flaking and peeling. Some people also experience symptoms like stinging and burning.
While this depends on several factors, including your skin type, frequency of use and the strength of the retinoids you are using, if you do start noticing these side effects, we recommend easing up on your retinoid use. Instead, drop it back to fewer nights per week. Focus on hydration in the meantime.
After using retinol consistently for 3 months, you should notice:
- An improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
- Fewer congestions and breakouts (including millia, blackheads and acne); and
- An increase in the thickness of the top layer of your skin, it's epidermis.
Take a look at these real, untouched results using this retinol serum on a stubborn milium in just three weeks:
Six Months Using Retinol
At this point in your retinol journey, any unwanted side effects should start easing up. Instead, you'll notice that your skin is stronger and smoother, with fewer visible fine lines and wrinkles than when you started out.
Your skin's tone and texture should also be improved, with a noticeable difference in pigmentation and bumps.
One Year Using Retinol
Studies show that retinoids continue to perform over the long-term. Some have shown improvements even up to 2 years post commencing retinoid use.
By the one-year mark, your skin should appear much more refined in texture, with pores that are smaller looking and less congested.
Your skin's tone should be brighter than before you started and look more uniform and even.
Want to try the benefits of retinol for yourself while minimizing the chances of irritating your skin? Try our Skin Cycling Set, which contains a high-powered retinol serum and a barrier-repair serum to ensure your skin stays in tip-top shape through your retinol journey.