Quick Question: How Long Should I Use a Skin Care Product Before Giving Up On It?
According to Dr. Kenneth Beer, a dermatologist in Palm Beach, FL, for the December 2007 Glamour: “The complete benefit of skin creams won’t be visible until after a full cycle of skin-cell turnover to take place, at least a month.” He adds that sun and smoke interferes with the results you get, so avoid the sun and cigarette smoking (bad for the skin, even in moderation) at all costs.
With that said, give your next skin care cream a full month before you decide it is (or isn’t) working! 
Love your blog, great articles for those of us overwhelmed by the various cosmetics options on the market. I appreciate how you describe the benefits of various ingredients.
I’d add a caveat to the “use it one month” rule of thumb — it’s best not used by those who are highly allergic or have rosacea. (I have rosacea and my face is extremely sensitive — if I have stinging or redness after applying a product, I’m best off washing it off immediately and then avoiding that product.)
Great article, btw! I’m planning to give Olay Regenerist Night Moisturizing Treatment a try… niacinamide + green tea seems promising.
Comment by karenclassic | December 25, 2007
[...] Use products for 4-6 weeks before judging a product. “People think they can get results in three or four days. Ideally, I’d like patients to try skin products for six to eight weeks before they judge, but I know that doesn’t fly…so I tell the four to six weeks and hope they do four.” Dr. Kenneth Beer, a dermatologist in Palm Beach, agrees: “The complete benefit of skin creams won’t be visible until after a full cycle of skin-cell … [...]
Pingback by Advice from Dermatologist Dr. David McDaniel - FutureDerm.com | February 25, 2008
Great post. Some of my friends give up on a product after a week-claiming that the product is not working because they still have acne, wrinkles, etc. HELLO! A week?
Karen-I agree. That is why product samples are so great. There isn’t enough in a sample to last you a month, although it is a great way for sensitive skin types to see how their skin reacts to a product before splurging on an entire bottle.
Comment by Danielle | June 5, 2008