When it comes to spa and medical spa procedures, knowing when to expect a result is key in order to manage clients' expectations. Oftentimes, the way to set our clients up for success in their beauty journey is to be clear about how long that journey will take.
Here are my expert tips on how long you can expect to see results from common esthetic products and procedures.
1. Lash growth serums
Prescription-strength and over-the-counter lash growth serums usually take six to eight weeks to render longer, thicker eyelashes. Typically, lash serums require consistent daily use for several weeks before any results can be seen.
Because all of the hairs on our body grow in cycles, be patient when using a lash growth serum and give it at least two months of continued use before you decide on its effectiveness.
2. Microdermabrasions and chemical peels
Clinical facials that include a physical exfoliation treatment like microdermabrasion or a chemical exfoliation procedure like a glycolic peel give instant and long-term results. Instantly, your skin will be hydrated, clean and rejuvenated.
However, if you are looking for long-term results like diminishing fine lines, fading sun spots and healing acne scars, you will have to get monthly facials for at least six to nine months. It takes several facials to see long-term results, so make it a part of your regular, monthly routine.
3. Botox
Many patients think injectables like Botox work instantly to relax the muscle movements that create wrinkles; but that is not the case. Immediately after a Botox injection, you will still have the same amount of muscle movement that you had pretreatment. It takes about two weeks for Botox to set in and completely relax the muscle groups that were treated.
This is extremely important in terms of timing the procedure to have an impact by a certain date or a special event. The other thing to keep in mind about Botox is that the effects of the injections will begin to wear off in about three to four months. After that time, muscle movement will return to normal.
In order to maintain long-term skin-smoothing results, injections should be performed by a qualified injector about four times per year.
4. Prescription or clinical-strength retinol
Many patients think retinol will be a quick fix for acne, sun damage and signs of aging, but it can take about four to six months to start creating lasting change in the skin. Moreover, the skin can have an adjustment period in the beginning of retinol use, which can discourage many patients from sticking to it.
It's imperative that you stay the course with retinol and follow the instructions given by your esthetician or physician when using it. Continued retinol use can really pay off in the long run by preventing acne breakouts, protecting collagen and correcting sun damage.
5. Skin brighteners
If your skin concerns include sun spots, dark acne marks or freckles, skin-brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, licorice root, arbutin and hydroquinone should be used. These ingredients should be in high concentrations in your product (i.e., listed in the first three ingredients on the label) and used once or twice per day.
Your healthcare provider and esthetician can give you timelines for expected results, but I recommend at least four to six months of consistent use to see significant brightening of the skin.
The other important factor, with any type of skin brightening protocol, is to wear mineral SPF everyday. Sun exposure stimulates and darkens hyperpigmentation on the skin, so be sure to protect your skin rain or shine for fastest results.
Follow my expert advice and feel more comfortable speaking to your patients and clients about typical result timelines for these common esthetic procedures. When you and your client are on the same page about outcomes, skin care success will flow easily everyday.
