Rufus R. Noble The one thing that a bride-to be lacks is time. Wedding planning is time-sensitive. The checklist must be completed before the big day. This is also true for the beauty section. It doesn’t matter if you have a year or a few weeks to prepare for the big day. Knowing how long it takes to get your skincare products to work will help you pinpoint when you’ll be able to achieve that flawless skin.
We spoke with a few dermatologists about what products can give brides the beautiful glow they desire.
Cleanser
While we see the immediate benefits of a cleanser when we remove dirt, oil and makeup, Michele J. Farber, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group, New York City says that choosing the right cleanser is crucial to establishing a healthy skincare routine. Your long-term goals will determine the effectiveness of the cleanser. To soothe your skin and protect it from future damage, use a mild cleanser with ceramides such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. Farber recommends a glycolic acid and salicylic acid cleanse if you have acne or want to even your skin tone. Face wash is crucial for skin health.
Retinols and Retinoids
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “The first signs of the benefits can take weeks, if not months, to begin to see.” As the skin adjusts to the product over the next few weeks, irritation and peeling can be common side effects. Zeichner advises that you only use it as often as it is tolerated, and to stick with it.
Zeichner recommends that you choose a stabilized retinoid product if you aren’t ready to buy a retinoid. It is crucial to use a stabilized product such as one from RoC. Your dermatologist will be able to prescribe a product if your skin is at a point where it has reached its limit.
Exfoliation
Exfoliating can remove dead cells that block light reflection. A physical product like a scrub manually removes dead skin cells from the surface. However, a chemical exfoliant uses an acid to break down the bonds between skin cells and allow them to shed. Farber says that exfoliation is a great way of evening out skin tone. However, the results can take up to several months to see. Exfoliation works in conjunction with other products because it allows creams to penetrate more deeply. Depending on the skin type you have and what type of exfoliation you can tolerate, your results will likely last for one to three months. For optimal results, it may take up to three months.
Dark Spot Treatments
Zeichner says that the only way to instantly lighten dark spots is with a laser or a skin peel at the dermatologist’s. Otherwise, topical brighteners can take several weeks before they start to show their benefits. He mentions that botanical ingredients such as Aveeno’s soy complex can help to fade dark spots.
Farber suggests that you also consider other active ingredients such as glycolic acid and vitamin C, kojic Acid, vitamin C, ferulic Acid, and azelaic Acid. She adds that it can take up to three months for these to show results. Any dark spot treatment should use SPF 30 or more, with UVA/UVB protection.
Moisturizer
“Moisturizers have ingredients that create a protective layer over the skin to prevent loss in hydration, pull-in water, and soften the rough skin cells on its surface,” Zeichner says. In a matter of minutes, your skin will feel soft and supple. To reap the immediate and long-term benefits of ceramides and hyaluronic acids, and glycerin, we recommend using a moisturizer with SPF protection if you are looking for a daytime cream.
Eye cream
Farber says, “A good eye cream should stimulate collagen and elastin formation and have ingredients that help reduce dark circles or puffiness.” Farber recommends looking for ingredients such as peptides and hyaluronic acids to plump the skin and vitamin C to reduce dark circles. “NeoCutis Micro Eyes Repair Cream is a combination of many powerful ingredients, and it is gentle on the delicate skin around the eyes. Usually, results will be visible in three to four weeks.
