I know how frustrating health challenges can be and how desperate you can often feel to see results or improvements. I also know that when patients come to see me, they have often already tried a number of things and not seen the results they were hoping for. This can be for a number of reasons – maybe it was the wrong treatment, or the wrong dose, or not enough time was given to see the results – and one of my priorities is that we set realistic expectations for how long it may take before you see results. Sure, there are lots of products, treatments and programs that promise results overnight, in a week or in just 30 days but the reality is that results can take time and more often then not, depend on a number of factors.
Here are some general guidelines about how long you should try something to see results:
Skincare products for preventing acne
Quite often it takes at least 3 months to see the results of a new product as many of the blemishes you are seeing today started developing 90 days ago as microcomedones so we need to clear what was forming before starting the product before you will see the desired results.
Skincare products that target active breakouts
These should start to calm the skin and clear active blemishes within 3-6 weeks. The cell cycle of skin cells is about 28 days (depending on your age and other factors) so it often takes at least that long to see an impact on skin health and condition.
Supplements and internal support to address hormonal imbalances or PCOS
Internal changes can take time and depend on a number of independent factors. Most things take 3-6 months to make an impact on hormone production, metabolism and balance.
If one of your main concerns is hair loss, it can take 6 months to a year to see significant change once hormones are supported and androgens are managed.
Products to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth
Products that help to reduce hair shedding should start to slow hair loss with consistent use after 2-4 months. This includes pharmaceutical interventions like Minoxidil and Finasteride. Hair regrowth can take even longer to see the results. Hair only grows about ½ inch a month so for your hair to look and feel thicker it can take 6-12 months after you reduce shedding to notice significant results. Results also depend on how we address the root cause of why hair is shedding or thinning.
Radiofrequency treatments to tighten skin
Most clients will notice a subtle improvement in skin laxity and sagging with the first treatment but a series of 3-6 weekly treatments to achieve desired results.
Barrier Repair Strategies
Repairing the dermal barrier can take 4-12 weeks depending on cause of damage and how long your skin has been inflamed, sensitized and irritated.
Microneedling for skin
Your skin may immediately feel tighter as collagen induction begins within 48 hours of treatment. The results will become more obvious 4 – 6 weeks later and continue to improve for 3 – 12 months. If you’re seeking treatment to ease the appearance of acne or burn scars, for example, you may need four to six treatments, each of which is spaced four to six weeks apart, and it may take six months to a year for your full results to develop. To treat early signs of aging in the face, just one or treatments may suffice, and your desired results could develop in as little as a month or two.
Microneedling for Hair Restoration
You should start to notice new hair growth in 3-6 months following treatment.
If you’d like to make some skin improvements and some more personal recommendations for skincare products and treatments be sure to book a personalized product prescription with Katie Erb and get your skincare routine really working for you!