Maybe our parents were actually right when they told us “all good things come to those who wait”. In a culture of instant gratification and hustle culture, patience feels like a long forgotten virtue.
The desire to achieve a flawlessly filtered, pore-free and eternally youthful complexion has overridden the simple pleasure and act of self care that we should be affording ourselves with when choosing our skincare routines.
It’s unrealistic to think that the first product you try will be the end of all other products for eternity when it comes to addressing your skin needs. In reality, you may need to consult with your local skin therapist, do your own research or learn through trial and error to understand fully how your skin responds to different ingredients.
But just like you wouldn’t jog around the park once a week whilst eating takeaway every night and expect to lose weight, you can’t expect to see good quality results from just one week of a new skincare routine.
So what is the key to achieving results? Consistency!
Why Consistency Matters
Your skin is a living organ, and like any other part of your body, it takes time to respond to new treatments. When you commit to a routine and use the same products consistently, you’re giving your skin the chance to adjust and benefit from those ingredients. Whether your goal is to clear up acne, increase hydration, or improve the appearance of ageing, it’s the regular use of targeted products that makes all the difference.
How Long Should You Stick To A Routine?
It’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately, but skincare is a long game. While you might notice surface-level changes within a few days, such as your skin feeling softer or more hydrated, most significant improvements take weeks, sometimes even months, to fully appear. For example:
- Acne treatments often need 4-6 weeks to start working, as your skin cells need time to regenerate.
- Ageing focused products like those that target fine lines or pigmentation can take up to 12 weeks to show visible results.
- Hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients typically offer more immediate relief but work best when used consistently over time to strengthen and protect your skin.
Why Switching Products Can Sabotage Your Progress
When you constantly switch products or introduce too many new ingredients at once, it can confuse your skin. Your skin needs time to acclimate to new formulations, and by frequently changing products, you may disrupt this process and cause irritation, breakouts, or a compromised skin barrier. Sticking to a consistent routine helps your skin to stabilise, allowing active ingredients to perform at their best without causing unnecessary stress to your skin.
How To Build A Consistent Routine
Start simple. If you’re just beginning your skincare journey, focus on the basics; cleanser, moisturiser, just one oil or serum and SPF. Once you’ve established this routine, you can gradually introduce additional targeted treatments like serums or exfoliants, always allowing time for your skin to adjust before adding something new.
Here are a few Bare Roots staples to help you build a routine that’s easy to stick to:
- Choose a Cleanser: If your skin is on the oily side or you wear everyday makeup, Gentle Foaming Cleanser might be your perfect fit to wash the day away. Or maybe your skin is on the dry side and needs some extra ceramides and support, best to go with Gentle Cleansing Milk for that added boost of nourishment.
- Address Your Skin Needs: You don’t need to choose every serum under the sun. Instead, opt for targeted solutions based on what your skin is asking of you. Acne or breakouts? Try Clarity Serum for a balancing approach. Fine lines or dull complexion? Give Curative Serum a try as a gentle alternative to retinol. Eczema or Dermatitis got you itching? Omega Oil can be a soothing option to deliver essential fatty acids to the skin.
- How To Hydrate: Picking a moisturiser that suits your skin type or condition is usually the best place to start. If you enjoy a lightweight, all rounder that hydrates and soothes, add Vital Cream to cart. When trying to address signs of ageing or if you simply enjoy a thicker balm, opt for Flora Cream for the additional plant based retinol alternatives.
Tracking Progress
One of the best ways to stay consistent is to track your skin’s progress over time. Take note of any changes, both good and bad, so you can better understand what works for your skin. Many people find it helpful to take weekly photos to see improvements that might not be obvious day-to-day. Keeping a log of your routine will also help you notice patterns, like which products are really working for you or how your skin reacts to certain ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Consistency is the secret weapon in achieving your best skin. By giving your routine time to work and sticking to it day in and day out, you’re investing in the long-term health of your skin. At Bare Roots, we believe that skincare is about steady, sustainable progress, so you can enjoy a complexion that not only looks great but feels healthy and balanced.
Remember, healthy skin is a marathon, not a sprint!
