Skincare products are a dime a dozen in the market today. So, no matter what skin care product you start using, it is imperative that you be patient and give it enough time to know whether the product has been fruitful or not. It’s the same with moisturisers, serums, facial oils, and others. Here, let’s talk about Serums.
A serum or facial serum is a lightweight skincare product that is made up of a high concentration of active ingredients that focus on specific skin concerns. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to treat acne, or how to get brighter skin, using a serum could help. Serums are made up of smaller molecules which penetrate your skin, providing more effective results than any other skincare product.
How Long Do Skincare Products Take to Work?
Generally, as a rule of thumb, it is said that for any new skincare product to show its effects, you need to give it a month or so. Only after a few weeks of religious application will you be able to see some noticeable difference. However, this period varies from product to product and person to person.
While some products give you instant results, some take a few days, and some a few weeks. However, to properly measure the gratification received from using a product, you need to use the said product for around three months. Only then will you be able to know for sure if the product has worked for you or not.
Factors that Affect the Performance of a Serum
Although most serums start showing results in a few applications or a few weeks, the speed of these results can increase or decrease, owing to certain factors. Some of them are enlisted below:
1. Type of Serum Used- The speed of your results depends on the type of serum you use. Currently, the market is filled with various types of serums such as brightening or anti-pigmentation serums, anti-ageing serums, acne-fighting serums, hydrating serums, etc. Every type of serum has a different time frame after which they show results.
2. Consistency- For any product to start showing effective results, it is imperative that you use it regularly. If you keep forgetting to use it, this may delay your results.
3. Way Of Application- How you apply your serum is also an extremely important factor in determining the speed of your results. If you apply it after a moisturiser or on skin that’s not cleaned properly, that may give you delayed results.
The Typical Timeframe for Getting Serum Results
If you’re wondering ‘how long does serum take to show results,’ there’s no single, definitive answer to this. While some serums take a few days, others take 4 to 6 weeks. All of this depends on the type of serum you use. Mentioned below are some serum types and the time it takes for showing results:
1. Exfoliating Serum- Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and this process doesn’t take long. It can start showing effects from the first use itself.
2. Hydrating Serum- Hydrating serums also show immediate effects. Hence, even 1-3 uses are enough to show results.
3. Brightening Serum- Brightening serums need time to seep into the skin and brighten it from within. This takes about 2 to 8 weeks of usage to show results.
4. Acne-fighting Serum- Acne or acne marks are pretty stubborn. Hence, it takes approximately 4 to 10 weeks for these serums to show results.
5. Anti-ageing Serum- Anti-ageing is a deep-rooted process. These serums need to heal your damaged skin from within and hence take around 6 to 12 weeks to work.
Tips for Maximising the Effectiveness of Serum
Everyone wants maximum effectiveness from any product they use, and serum is no different. Serum’s concentrated nature already offers you some high-quality effectiveness. However, there are some ways you can ensure that you get the best out of it. And some of them are as follows:
1. Apply your serum on a clean face
2. Use the right amount of serum, neither less nor more.
3. Always follow up with a moisturiser to lock in the serum.
4. Use the serum every day, without fail.
5. Incorporate a sunscreen in your skincare routine as several active ingredients make your skin more prone to sun damage.
It is said that everything comes to you at the right time. So just be patient and consistent, use your serum religiously, and soon you’ll start seeing your desired results.