Facial care: how long does a cosmetic active ingredient take to work?
When we talk about facial care, we often refer to cosmetic actives, which are specific ingredients found in various products such as creams, serums and lotions. The aim of these active ingredients is to act on the skin to deliver the desired moisturizing, anti-wrinkle or purifying effect. But how long does it take for these active ingredients to really work on our skin? That's what we're going to discuss in this article.
The different types of cosmetic active ingredients
There are a multitude of cosmetic active ingredients, depending on the desired skin care effect. Here are a few examples of active ingredients commonly used in facial care products:
- Retinol : Derived from vitamin A, retinol is highly effective in treating skin problems such as acne, dark spots and signs of aging.
- Niacinamide : Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide has numerous beneficial properties for the skin, such as reducing redness and inflammation, eliminating blemishes and maintaining hydration.
- Exfoliating acids: Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) exfoliate the skin, stimulate collagen and can increase the absorption of other active ingredients.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates collagen and reduces melanin.
- Hyaluronic acid : this active ingredient is more of a humectant than a real active ingredient! It is naturally present in our bodies and is ideal for combating skin ageing. It helps maintain skin hydration, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Variable action times depending on the asset used
The time it takes for a cosmetic active ingredient to take effect depends on a number of factors, including its concentration in the product, the frequency with which the product is used, and the type of skin to which it is applied. Some active ingredients have an immediate action, while others require regular use over a longer period to achieve results.
Fast action:
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a fast-acting active ingredient. In fact, its moisturizing effects are felt from the very first application. However, to maintain this hydration and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it is necessary to regularly use products containing this active ingredient.
Exfoliating acids:
They have a rapid action on complexion radiance
Progressive action :
Retinol
Retinol, on the other hand, requires longer-term treatment to achieve convincing results. We recommend starting with products containing low levels of retinol (around 0.1 to 0.3 %) and applying them once a week. Once accustomed, the skin will be able to tolerate higher concentrations and more frequent use. The first visible effects may appear after a few weeks of regular use.
Exfoliating acids:
Collagen stimulation with AHAs can take from three to six months to show results.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) acts as an antioxidant, stimulates collagen and is a melanin inhibitor. It often takes several months to see results on hyperpigmentation.
Intermediate action: Niacinamide
Niacinamide has an intermediate action on the skin. Initial benefits, such as the reduction of redness and inflammation, can be observed after just a few days' use. However, its anti-aging and antioxidant effects require more regular and prolonged use to be truly noticeable.
Patience is key
In short, cosmetic active ingredients act at different speeds, depending on their nature and concentration in skin care products. To achieve visible, long-lasting results, it's important to be patient and follow the recommendations for use to the letter. Finally, we mustn't forget that good facial care also involves daily cleansing of the skin and the adoption of a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients to maintain healthy, luminous skin.