Exactly how long it takes different skincare products to 'work', according to a dermal clinician.

In the fast-paced world we live in we tend to want everything now - including glowy skincare results.

Sadly however, that's just not how skincare (or the skin!) tends to work.

The thing is, there's so much to skincare, and if you're not seeing results from your skincare straight away there's no need to toss it in the bin because newsflash: skincare actually takes time to work. Although there are other factors that can be at play, too.

Sometimes people don't apply their products correctly, the products aren't right for them, people aren't using any sun protection (tsk tsk), or maybe they're not strong enough to treat their individual concerns?

Watch: The science behind salmon DNA in skincare products. Post continues after video.

However, it's super important not to dismiss dietary and lifestyle factors that can play a role with the overall health of the skin as well. Generally though, I like my clients to be on a proper skincare routine for at least 8 - 12 weeks to see the desired results.

Plus, our skin cell turnover is generally around 28 days - and for some it can be even slower so it pays to be consistent (and patient).

Also; I promise you with time (and the right skincare) - results will come. Some skincare products and ingredients may prove to work a little quicker though, and some you will know straight away if your skin likes them or not.

So to help you manage your expectations, here's a little cheat sheet on the average time it might take before you see results for a bunch of different skincare.

How long does it take for Retinol to work?

What vitamin A does for skin: This is an ingredient that's often used to treat acne, age management and even pigmentation concerns.

How long before you can expect visible results: Three to six months of consistent use before you will see visible results with OTC (over-the-counter) vitamin A. Prescription retinoid results may be a little quicker.

Product to try: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 is a retinaldehyde formula, meaning it has less conversion steps to retinoic acid so it is a great way to incorporate vitamin A into your skincare routine that's effective - and will likely work quicker than OTC retinol.

Pro tip: It is super important to find the right strength and derivative of vitamin A to treat your skin type and concerns. If you're unsure, I would always recommend a skincare consultation with a dermal therapist.

How long does it take for chemical exfoliants to work?

What chemical exfoliants do for skin: Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) stimulate cellular turnover to improve skin texture, brighten the skin and can treat concerns like pigmentation, ageing and acne.

How long before you can expect visible results: You will see instant brightening of the skin with chemical exfoliants.

Although to fade concerns like pigmentation, it can take four to eight weeks. You should be noticing improvements in texture and pore size within two to four weeks.

Product to try: Cosmedix Defy Age-Defying Treatment; I love this alpha hydroxy acid serum as a nightly exfoliating serum for many skins. It's AHA-based, very gentle and great at brightening the skin and improving dullness.

How long does it take for niacinamide to work?

What niacinamide does for skin: Improves uneven skin tone, helps minimise pore size, strengthens the skin barrier and can help fight dullness.

How long before you can expect visible results: Results from a niacinamide-based serum can be seen within two to 12 weeks.

Product to try: Aspect Extreme B 17 is a great niacinamide serum to help regulate oil production and brighten the skin. It layers beautifully and can be used twice a day.

How long does it take for hyaluronic acid to work?

What hyaluronic acid does for skin: Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds to water molecules; it increases the water content of the skin and helps to hydrate and plump.

How long before you can expect visible results: Hyaluronic acid will work straight away. However, skin results will improve with regular use as well.

Product to try: Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum is a double whammy HA serum (because it also contains 7% niacinamide) that is very affordable. Use it both AM and PM to help hydrate and plump the skin.

How long does it take for vitamin C to work?

What vitamin C does for skin: Provides antioxidant protection to fight free radical damage, helps fade discolouration and brightens the skin.

How long before you can expect visible results: Vitamin C tends to work a little more behind the scenes, so don't expect instant results.

However, it is constantly working to protect our skin from free radical damage and can take anywhere between six to 12 weeks to see results.

To treat skin concerns like pigmentation, you do want to be using it in conjunction with retinoids and chemical exfoliants, too.

Product to try: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum; one of the best vitamin C serums on the market and I will forever keep talking about it.

It brightens, protects the skin from free radical damage and there are different formulas to suit different skin concerns. The OG formula is best for general ageing normal/combination skin.

How long does it take for peptides to work?

What peptides do for skin: Peptides boost the skin with collagen, which can help fight ageing, plump the skin and help with firmness, smoothness and keeping the skin barrier healthy.

Peptides are amino acids that are the building blocks of certain proteins needed by the skin, like collagen and elastin. So using them can = younger-looking skin.

How long before you can expect visible results: Again, these serums tend to work a little more behind the scenes, so you won't notice visible results straight away.

However, you will notice your skin stays bright and youthful with consistent use and that's generally between one to three months.

Product to try: Medik8 Copper PCA Peptides is the ultimate shield against skin ageing. Use it if you haven't been able to find an A or even if you can't tolerate a vitamin C.

It helps lift and smooth the skin and will leave your skin looking healthy and glowing with consistent use.

Pro tip: Peptides are also great during pregnancy when not using vitamin A!

This article originally appeared on Adore Beauty's Beauty IQ and has been republished with full permission.