Getting new skin care products can be exciting. Especially if you are about to try something that has the potential to fix a very vexing problem for you and your skin. Have you ever noticed that upon application of a new product, your skin actually looks worse rather than better for the first week or so? Maybe at that point you threw the products away, assuming it just did not work well with your unique skin. However, this is a very normal process for skin to experience when a new product is introduced.
In essence, the skin has to get worse before it can get better. It is called the acclimation phase. If you have been unaware of this typical reaction, it might be beneficial to rethink the products that you assumed were just not right for you. It is very possible that you just did not give the products and your skin a long enough adjustment period.
What does acclimation really mean?
Ingredients like retinoids (derivatives of vitamin A), alpha hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide accelerate cell turnover. This means when you use these ingredients on the skin for the first time, your skin will react by releasing old skin cells faster than usual. This is the conditioning or acclimation phase, which is also known as skin purging. Put simply, your skin is getting used to a new product. When you stop seeing these reactions, your skin has finally acclimated and you will begin to see the true result of the product you are using.
What is typical in the acclimation period?
Action causes reaction and this is something you need to keep in mind when buying new products. However, if your skin is stinging, if redness occurs, if your skin feels dry and tight, these are not the desirable changes you’re looking for. These types of reactions indicate you should slow down with the new product. Reduce usage to once a day every other day and gradually ramp back up to daily usage.
Experiencing a breakout when using a new product is normal. Breaking out is not the result of the product, it is the result of cell turnover drawing out comedones that were already forming under the surface.
When can you expect to see results when using a new product?
There is no certain answer to this question and while it would be nice to know an exact time period for acclimation, unfortunately everyone is different. Most products will state that it is good practice to use their product for at least one month before assuming the product is not working with your skin. One month is the length of time it takes for a complete natural cycle of cell turnover. Any less and you won’t get a true picture of your results. However, every product is different and may take more or less time to start working properly after the acclimation phase.
Some products do not need an acclimation period
While having an acclimation period is normal for a lot of products, it is a nuisance. Not only does it get in the way of us having the glowing skin we desire, it can be painful. It is rare to find brands that offer products that do not require this phase to be taken into consideration. However, MDSUN is a leading skin care brand that was created around the concepts that no acclimation periods should be required and all products should be safe for long term use.
“MDSUN products do not require a peeling or acclimation phase in order to enhance the appearance of skin. They are safe to use pre- or post-treatment, or in conjunction with surgical procedures.”
This skin care brand offers an extensive range of products that help with numerous skin concerns of the face, achieving superior skin enhancing functions through unique proprietary technology. Each of MDSUN’s products features a custom formulated base designed with ingredients that provide clinical efficacy and long-term improvement. MDSUN offers products that are able to improve not just the look, but also the overall feel of the skin on the face.
One of the most incredible aspects of the brand is that the products were created such that they are mild enough for long term use even on sensitive skin. While there are several product lines that are able to offer solutions to those with sensitive skin, most of those products are only able to be used for a short period of time. MDSUN’s products are able to be used on sensitive skin for a lifetime without ever drying the skin or creating new troubles or problems due to long term use.