Countdown to Great Skin: Here’s Your Real Results Timeline

judit masco spanish model
Reading: 3 minutes

You’ve RSVP’d yes, blocked your calendar, and bookmarked a collection of perfect outfits to choose from. You’re already well on your way to looking and feeling your best on the big day. Now all that remains is getting your complexion ready to glow.

Our golden rule? Good skin comes to those who prepare. Along with dermatologists and skincare experts, we’ve created a beauty calendar to help you dazzle the day of the occasion (and every day after).

Get familiar with retinal

The countdown begins. And where else to start than with one of the most powerful rejuvenating ingredients? Retinaldehyde, better known as retinal, helps boost skin turnover for a smoother, firmer look.

If it’s your first time using a retinoid, your skin may need some time to adjust — AKA the retinization period. That’s because retinal kicks skin turnover into overdrive. And when your skin works quickly to regenerate itself, you might see more texture come up to the surface at first.

The good news? Any setbacks should be temporary. “Using retinal can be a process. But the end goal is smooth, youthful-looking skin. Keep at it, and you’re likely to start seeing visible results in just a few weeks,” advises Martina Trabacchi, pharmacist and ISDIN Medical Communication Specialist.

Start with supplements

Antioxidants aren’t just for serums — they can do a world of good for your skin from the inside out. Research suggests that diet plays a significant role in skin health. And a higher intake of antioxidants may help combat oxidative skin damage — a known contributor to the visible signs of aging.

Antioxidant vitamin E has a significant role to play when it comes to well-aging. “We tend to produce less sebum as we age, so the amount of vitamin E that naturally makes its way up to the skin’s surface decreases with age,” explained Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, on LovelySkin.

Adding a supplement to your diet can give your skin the boost it needs from within. Opt for a blend rich in antioxidants (like vitamin E), polyphenols, and carotenoids. These help neutralize free radicals and defend the skin against oxidative stress for radiance that has staying power.

30 days out

Resurface with glycolic acid

Your skin’s turnover cycle takes 21–28 days, making now the time to start exfoliating. This process helps to remove dead skin cells and promote turnover.

Glycolic acid has excellent exfoliating and restoring benefits thanks to the way it supports skin’s natural renewal processes — although it’s best to start off in moderation. Kick things off with a low concentration, increasing as your skin adjusts.

Our gentlest formula gets a mention from Dr. Deanne Mraz, board-certified dermatologist. “In the form of a nourishing cream, Glicoisdin®️ 8 Soft delivers both exfoliation and hydration to improve uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and rough skin texture,” she shares on StyleCaster.

Another thing to keep in mind? Plan to give it some space from vitamin C products. Try using vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. As for retinal, consider alternating nights using the skin cycling method.

The big day

Time for touch-ups

Outfit: on. Hair: done. On-the-go beauty essentials: packed? Dr. Engelman continued, “In my bag, I keep the ISDIN Mineral Brush Daily Protection Powder for re-application throughout the day. I love this because it helps absorb excess oil and can be applied over makeup.”

isdin mineal brush filter

Every day

Protecting your skin is the best way to keep it happy and healthy. That’s why there’s one product forever invited to dermatologists’ and skin specialists’ routines: broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen.

Dr. Caroline Robinson shared her experience with Eryfotona Actinica with Allure, “I love that this sunscreen is lightweight, 100 percent mineral, and combines zinc oxide with peptides, antioxidants, and [plankton-derived] DNA Repairsomes®️, which repair and protect the skin.” Take it from the experts — sunscreen is the ultimate party guest.

Lights. Camera. Glow!

Now’s your time to shine. Whether you’re months out and still putting together the perfect skincare routine or only have 48 hours to go, a little preparation can go a long way toward results. And remember, love your skin, care for it, and protect it, always.

judit masco spanish model

Rating: 5.0/5. From 1 vote.
Please wait...

Article written and reviewed by:

Amy Ingraham ISDIN Author

Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What's in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.