How long does it take?

[makeupchicky]

So how long does it usually take for you to know that a product is not right for you (like breaking you out)? I always wondered about this because I heard that it takes 2-4 weeks for pimples to come to the surface of your skin...so does this mean that it can take 2-4 weeks for you to realize that the products you're using aren't right for your skin? Or, what if you're just breaking out due to other reasons....like stress, PMS, etc...I always get confused because I never know if it's me or just the new products!!!

 

[Aquilah]

I generally know somewhat within 30 minutes after application... Some things kick in even quicker, and others take longer. It depends on what it is, and how it's applied.

 

[makeupchicky]

wow, really? that's quick...i guess i just never know unless it's a rash or redness...my biggest concern is breakouts and sometimes i think it takes awhile for them to kick in...someone tells me 2-4 weeks! YIKES

 

[Dragonfly]

I agree that a reaction can occur quickly. I had a friend that applied my Bonne Bell toner, to her face. Within minutes she was breaking out like crazy.

My dermatologist told me it takes at least 2 weeks for a pimple to form.

Perhaps stress is causing the skin to create more acne so it appears that pimples arrive sooner than 2 weeks - just a guess.

Surprisingly, I can't recall having an allergic reaction to skin/make up products.

But my scalp is quite sensitive. At least half of the shampoo/conditioners I have tried have left my scalp very itchy and "burning". These sensations happen within a few hours of use. Hope my info helps.

 

[4getmeNot]

I think you should give acne products at least a few weeks to see if they help clear up, but you can tell sooner if they're going to irritate you or you're having a bad reaction. I agree it's hard to tell when stuff is working, actually you're supposed to give a new regime 8 wks. but I usually can tell before then if it's working or not.

 

[Leony]

Around two to three weeks for me.

 

[jmschlich]

I've seen products give me break outs within days. and I've had bad reactions almost instantly with moisturizers in the past.

 

[beautynista]

It depends. With breakouts, I can usually tell within a week (the hardest part is figuring out which product is breaking me out). In terms of a product's effectiveness, I'd say about 2-3 weeks.

 

[madison729]

Originally Posted by beautynista /img/forum/go_quote.gif It depends. With breakouts, I can usually tell within a week (the hardest part is figuring out which product is breaking me out). In terms of a product's effectiveness, I'd say about 2-3 weeks. Totally agree!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mabelwan]

Originally Posted by beautynista /img/forum/go_quote.gif It depends. With breakouts, I can usually tell within a week (the hardest part is figuring out which product is breaking me out). In terms of a product's effectiveness, I'd say about 2-3 weeks. Ditto!

 

[fickledpink]

Originally Posted by Leony /img/forum/go_quote.gif Around two to three weeks for me. I agree

 

[pieced]

I would say it takes about a night to see how the cream works...

 

[janetsbreeze]

usually only a few hours if i am going to have an allergic reaction.

for breakouts, i would say 2 weeks for my skin. to see if a product is working, 3-4 weeks for my skin.

 

[usersassychick0]

Its 6 weeks to 6 months!

 

[xkatiex]

About a few minutes after I've applied it (but I have very sensitive skin) I know because my cheeks will go redder and start to sting.

 

[girl_geek]

I've always heard you should try each new product for 2 or 3 months before trying a new one -- it does take a while for pores to clog, and it also takes a while for your skin to adjust to a new product. If you keep switching products too much, it can actually irritate your skin because your skin doesn't know how to react to all the new products! (Of course, if you get an immediate allergic reaction to a product, you should stop!)

My dermatologist always made me use each new product 6 months before deciding whether I should keep using it or switch to a new one... I've noticed that it always takes my skin at least several weeks before I notice any change (good or bad)!

 

[TKelly]

I usually do a patch test to see what will happen with the products. This has saved me from problems several times.