New Skincare Regimen: How Long Until I See Results?
While some skincare products have fast results, the most impactful benefits come from long-term, continued use. Here is what to expect, and when, from your regimen.
One of the most common questions guys have about skincare products is: “How long until I see results from using this?” And it’s not that anyone is impatient, but it can be frustrating to use a product and not see results immediately. We all want that clear complexion and smooth skin, stat!
Think of skincare like a daily workout: You can feel great after one workout, and you might even see your muscles swell up momentarily, or feel “the burn” hours later. Your metabolism goes up, as do your serotonin levels. But you’re also working out for the long-term benefits: staying healthy, looking and feeling your best… and skincare should be approached in the same manner.
Oftentimes, when people buy a skincare product, they think it’s going to change everything, and that it’ll happen overnight. “If I use this moisturizer with SPF, I’ll look five years younger than my friends!” or “This product will undo all the sleepless nights and hangovers!” The good news is that there are some products that can help reduce the visual effects of last night’s restlessness or binge drinking—a dark-circle eye serum, chief among them. (It also helps prevent wrinkles long term.) And SPF moisturizers can indeed help you look five years younger than your friends—but that’s after many years of use. On a daily basis, they can prevent things like sunburns, skin cancer, and sun spots, too.
So, the first thing to do when building a skincare regimen is to set your expectations accordingly—and to frame it as “skin fitness.” Some products may offer short-term benefits, but the regimen itself plays a longer game (lifelong, that is). The idea is that you’ll build an everlasting routine, so that you enjoy results on a daily basis for the rest of your years.
That being said, here’s a general timeline of what to expect when you begin a skincare regimen.
The Sample Regimen
Level 1: Basic Skincare
For the sake of things, let’s imagine that you’re building a mid-level regimen. This will incorporate everything from the baseline regimen, which includes:
A gentle cleanser: To remove grime and excess oil, while unclogging pores and preventing over-dryness. Used morning and night, at minimum.
An exfoliating toner: To balance pH level and help regulate oil production. Look for one that can also help exfoliate to remove dead skin.
An SPF moisturizer: To defend the skin from skin-aging UV rays and pollution, while providing nourishing and hydrating nutrients. Used in the morning after cleansing, and throughout the day. (SPF lasts two hours.)
A nighttime moisturizer: To help skin rejuvenate while you sleep, by synchronizing with the body’s regenerative cycle. Applied before bed, after cleansing.
Level 2: Intermediate Steps
In addition to these core products, let’s assume you add the following “Level 2” steps.
A daily serum or weekly hydrating mask: To seep deep into the skin and correctively smooth fine lines or reduce blemishes, while also boosting hydration and firmness.
A daily eye serum or cream: To minimize or mitigate short-term issues (like dark circles and puffiness), while minimizing and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
An exfoliating agent (physical scrub or chemical serum): To lift or dissolve dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and clearer (by preventing clogged pores and reducing rough patches).
Optionally, you might also incorporate a prescription-level retinol (like tretinoin) from your board-certified dermatologist. Applied nightly, it can significantly smooth skin, stall signs of aging, boost cellular turnover, and prevent acne. Read more about the best ingredients you can incorporate into your routine, depending on your skincare concerns, here.
The Skincare Regimen: How Long Until You See Results?
How Long Until You See Results?
Same day / Next Day benefits
If you use this regimen, you’ll notice lots of immediate results. These include more “alert” skin around the eyes, and smoother, soothed skin around the face. You can treat conditions like oily skin and excessive dryness by balancing the Level 1 cleansing and hydrating steps. The nourishing ingredients in these products work quickly to calm skin and provide hydrating, softening benefits. If you've developed a pimple overnight, you can look for pimple patches with salicylic acid and dissolvable microneedles to target your pimple at it's source.
Note, if you do use retinol (especially a prescription-strength one), you might notice slight peeling at first. This is because your skin is adjusting to the harsh ingredient, and over time it will stabilize. But there might be redness and irritation at first.
Within 3-4 Weeks
By following this regimen for a few weeks, you should start to see some of the extended benefits, in addition to those you’re experiencing on a daily basis. If you are acne-prone, then you should be seeing fewer blemishes and breakouts. If you had any dark spots or lingering acne marks, then perhaps they are starting to disappear gradually, especially with the addition of the Level 2 steps and the rejuvenating night cream from Level 1. Any sensitivities (particularly to retinol or exfoliating products) should start to ease up, too.
Your skin replenishes itself approximately every 27 days, so by giving your regimen enough time to work itself into this turnover cycle, the newer cells (which have been bolstered by your efforts) should start showing through, too. You’ll have generally brighter skin—the word many use is “radiant.” However, you still need to maintain healthy habits in order to maximize these benefits. (Like minimizing alcohol and smoking, eating healthily, staying hydrated and active, and sleeping 7-8 hours each night.)
Within 3 months
This is the general “sweet spot,” where your long-term regimen begins rewarding you with permanent results (you will need to continue using all of these products). Your skin will have replenished itself a few times over so the corrective products like night creams, serums/masks, eye products, and retinol will have provided noticeable boosts to your overall appearance. Plus, the continued use of the daily SPF moisturizer and cleanser, and weekly exfoliator, will have provided significant benefits in terms of protecting the skin against outside threats, and mitigating breakouts. This is also the period where nightly retinol use really expresses itself in your complexion: Smoother and firmer skin, smaller pore appearance, balanced oil levels, lessened acne, fewer dark spots...the benefits pile on.
Again: Continued use is imperative to keep these results. Skin fitness is a lifelong game, and a habit to build and maintain—exactly like maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Years later
Citing the long-long-long term benefits of a skincare regimen is sometimes like congratulating someone for avoiding a big mistake. You don’t see the results of the mistake—in this case, tired-looking, plus sun- and pollution-aged skin. But you might notice that your friends appear to be “aging less gracefully” than you, by contrast. And that’s when you can reveal the big secret to them: Those things that seem so trivial, like daily applications of SPF and eye creams and retinols, provide far more benefits than just the same-day/overnight results that so many expect. It’s truly an investment in yourself.
Shop skincare routines
Beginners
Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Essentials Skincare Set
good for:
Everything you need, nothing you don’t—the Essentials Set is your skincare starter pack. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect. We took the guesswork out of developing a skincare routine. This is all you need for everyday skin health.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
seller
Anti-Aging Skincare Set
good for:
Life comes at you fast. That’s why we developed our Anti-Aging Skincare Set full of just what you need to tackle fine lines, rough texture, and other signs of aging in the skin.
From protecting skin all day long to boosting its ability to repair and rebuild overnight, your past, present, and future selves will thank you.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Anti-Aging Skincare Set
good for:
Life comes at you fast. That’s why we developed our Anti-Aging Skincare Set full of just what you need to tackle fine lines, rough texture, and other signs of aging in the skin.
From protecting skin all day long to boosting its ability to repair and rebuild overnight, your past, present, and future selves will thank you.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Hair + Body Shower Set
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! The Hair + Body Shower Set has everything you need for an invigorating showertime routine, going beyond cleansing to strengthen, repair, and soothe your hair and skin. You—and your houseguests—will thank you for ditching the 3-in-1 for this trio.
*Vital Body Wash – winner of the 2022 GQ Grooming Awards
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Hair + Body Shower Set
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! The Hair + Body Shower Set has everything you need for an invigorating showertime routine, going beyond cleansing to strengthen, repair, and soothe your hair and skin. You—and your houseguests—will thank you for ditching the 3-in-1 for this trio.
*Vital Body Wash – winner of the 2022 GQ Grooming Awards
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Dark Circles Skincare Set
good for:
All work and no play makes for dull skin.
The Dark Circles Skincare Set is perfect for those looking to brighten and revive dull and tired looking skin. Cleanses debris and grime from the day, depuffs and treats under eye bags, and rehydrates while soothing the skin in your sleep.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Dark Circles Skincare Set
good for:
All work and no play makes for dull skin.
The Dark Circles Skincare Set is perfect for those looking to brighten and revive dull and tired looking skin. Cleanses debris and grime from the day, depuffs and treats under eye bags, and rehydrates while soothing the skin in your sleep.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Dry Skin Set
good for:
Skin feeling a bit thirsty? The Dry Skin Set was crafted specifically for those with a dry skin type.
If you deal with flakiness, dull complexion, visible fine lines, red patches, or any combination of the above, this set was made for you. This is all you need to hydrate your skin—and keep it hydrated.
Includes Steps:
- 01
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 05 Cactus Soothing Face Mask
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Dry Skin Set
good for:
Skin feeling a bit thirsty? The Dry Skin Set was crafted specifically for those with a dry skin type.
If you deal with flakiness, dull complexion, visible fine lines, red patches, or any combination of the above, this set was made for you. This is all you need to hydrate your skin—and keep it hydrated.
Includes Steps:
- 01
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 05 Cactus Soothing Face Mask
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
NEW
NEW
Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Cleanse + Refresh Set
good for:
Hit refresh! The Cleanse + Refresh Set gives you the ultimate cleanse from head to toe with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Strengthening Shampoo boosts hair volume, Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts, and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect set for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or pore-clearing clay mask. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 03 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
NEW
NEW
+ Hair
+ Body
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Head-to-Toe Set
good for:
We've got you covered head to toe, literally. This set comes with a complete skin and hair care routine.
Includes our invigorating shampoo and conditioner to prevent hair loss, refreshing body wash to treat body acne, clay-infused face wash to deeply cleanse the face from debris, and lightweight gel moisturizer to soothe, rehydrate and repair skin while you sleep.
It's about time you treated the rest of your body as good as you treat your face.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
- 03 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 04 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
- 05 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
EDITION
GIFT BOX
Limited Edition Gift Set
good for:
This gift set is complete with our bestselling anti-aging products to protect skin all day long, while repairing skin overnight. Targets dark circles, fine lines, and other signs of premature aging.
*Comes gift wrapped and in our signature gift box.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
"There is no better present to give an older brother than the gift of perfect skin care. I don't know who will like it more him or his wife. And, of course, I bought more for myself." - David N. | Age: 45-54
Limited Edition Gift Set
good for:
This gift set is complete with our bestselling anti-aging products to protect skin all day long, while repairing skin overnight. Targets dark circles, fine lines, and other signs of premature aging.
*Comes gift wrapped and in our signature gift box.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 02 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 03 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
"There is no better present to give an older brother than the gift of perfect skin care. I don't know who will like it more him or his wife. And, of course, I bought more for myself." - David N. | Age: 45-54
Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit
good for:
NEW! Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit with Dopp Kit.
With our new Jet Set Travel Kit, you can ditch the hotel samples for an on-the-go routine built with your skin in mind. These five simple steps cover all the bases– from cleansing your face to hydrating your lips– and they're all you need to pack before you hit the road. And, yes, it’s TSA-approved.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
- 05 Matte Lip Balm
"I am a 55 years old and I have started to show my age on my face. After a long day in an aircraft cabin, this is exactly what my skin needs. It doesn’t take much time to complete and the results are worth it." – Jerri P
Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit
good for:
NEW! Limited Edition Jet Set Travel Kit with Dopp Kit.
With our new Jet Set Travel Kit, you can ditch the hotel samples for an on-the-go routine built with your skin in mind. These five simple steps cover all the bases– from cleansing your face to hydrating your lips– and they're all you need to pack before you hit the road. And, yes, it’s TSA-approved.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Daily SPF + Moisturizer
- 02 Dark Circle Eye Rescue
- 03 Clay Cleanser Sample, 15ml
- 04 Hydro Boost Gel Sample, 15ml
- 05 Matte Lip Balm
"I am a 55 years old and I have started to show my age on my face. After a long day in an aircraft cabin, this is exactly what my skin needs. It doesn’t take much time to complete and the results are worth it." – Jerri P
Hair Loss
Healthy Hair Duo
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! Teamwork makes your hair dreams work.
Our highly-rated Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner teams up to get to the root of hair loss, strengthening and nourishing hair starting right at the scalp. Achieve thicker, healthier follicles with the help of our protein and vitamin-packed formula.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
"I love this shampoo and conditioner. After six weeks of use, I can say that this combination really helped my dry scalp and to reduce itch.” - Alex L.
Healthy Hair Duo
good for:
New + Improved: Same thickening formula now with biotin! Teamwork makes your hair dreams work.
Our highly-rated Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner teams up to get to the root of hair loss, strengthening and nourishing hair starting right at the scalp. Achieve thicker, healthier follicles with the help of our protein and vitamin-packed formula.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Shampoo
- 02 Hair Thickening + Strengthening Conditioner
"I love this shampoo and conditioner. After six weeks of use, I can say that this combination really helped my dry scalp and to reduce itch.” - Alex L.
NEW
NEW
Cleansing Duo
Hit refresh! The Cleansing Duo gives you the ultimate cleanse with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect duo for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or clay mask treatment. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Cleansing Duo
Hit refresh! The Cleansing Duo gives you the ultimate cleanse with highly-effective skincare-grade formulas. Vital Body Wash fights dryness and breakouts and Purifying Clay Cleanser keeps your skin clear and balanced. It's the perfect duo for a fresh, confident look every day!
Pro tip: Use Purifying Clay Cleanser as a spot treatment for pimples or clay mask treatment. Apply to the affected area or the full face and rinse off after 10 minutes.
Includes Steps:
- 01 Purifying Clay Cleanser
- 02 Vital Body Wash
Never go empty! Subscribe + Save 15%
Cardon Products Are
Easy to Use
We never create two products when we can achieve the same results with one. Cardon products are designed to be easy to use every day.
Backed By Korean Innovation
Korean R&D is two decades ahead of the rest of the world. Cardon products use the highest quality, most effective ingredients out there.
Non-Toxic
Finally, an ingredient label you can feel good about. Every ingredient in Cardon products is good for your skin, and easy on the mind.