Cypress Quay

How long does it take for a new skincare product to work?

One of the most common skincare mistakes is expecting instant results, but most active ingredients need time to truly make a difference.

Here’s a realistic timeline:

🧴 0–7 days:
Your skin is adjusting. You might notice texture changes, dryness, or purging (especially with actives like retinoids or acids).

🌿 2–4 weeks:
Skin cell turnover starts to improve. You may begin to see subtle changes in brightness, hydration, and breakouts starting to settle.

✨ 4–8 weeks:
This is when most products start showing visible results — smoother texture, more even tone, and improved clarity.

⏳ 8–12+ weeks:
Deeper changes become noticeable (acne reduction, pigmentation fading, fine lines softening).

💡 The key: consistency is everything.
Skincare works in cycles, not overnight.

And remember, introducing too many new products at once can confuse your skin and slow progress.

Stick with it, stay consistent, and give your skin time to respond 💙

Skincare product of the week - Retinol Resurfacing Serum 0.25

Encapsulated for time-release, our retinol serum diminishes the look of wrinkles and firms the skin with minimal irritation.

Transform your skin with our gentle 0.25% Retinol serum, targeting fine lines and wrinkles while promoting radiance, clarity, and resilience.

The time-released formula, suitable for new users of retinol, ensures continuous rejuvenation while you sleep, while niacinamide minimises irritation and a clinically proven peptide unveils a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Recommended for first-time retinol users. We recommend booking a skin consultation with one of our professionals ahead of starting a routine with retinol, to ensure the best concentration for your skin's tolerance levels.

We recommend speaking to a professional ahead of starting a routine with retinol, to ensure the best concentration for your skin's tolerance levels.

All products are:

- Dye Free
- Paraben Free
- Sulfate Free
- Phthalate Free
- Animal Cruelty Free
- Artificial Fragrance Free
- Chemical Sunscreen Filter Free

Want to know what your skin needs? Book a skin consultation with one of our specialists for a full skin analysis + homecare recommendations ✨

Cypress Quay is proud to be the leading independent skin clinic in Manchester, find us just outside of MediaCity in Salford Quays 🐝

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✨ Can I wax between my hair removal treatments? ✨

NO! But why?

Both laser and electrolysis target the hair follicle beneath the skin. When you wax or pluck, you remove the hair from the root, leaving nothing for your practitioner to treat.

⚡ If you're having laser hair removal:
The laser needs pigment within the hair follicle to effectively target and damage it. Waxing removes the hair root, making treatment less effective and potentially delaying your results.

✨ If you're having electrolysis:
Your practitioner needs a visible hair to accurately treat the follicle. If hairs have been waxed or plucked, treatment may not be possible until they grow back.

✔️ So what can you do between appointments?

Shaving is the only option. It removes the hair at the skin's surface while leaving the follicle intact, allowing your treatments to remain effective.

⏳ Hair removal is a process, and while it can be tempting to wax between sessions, sticking to shaving can help you achieve your results faster and more efficiently.

If you're unsure about what's suitable between treatments, always ask your practitioner for personalised advice 💡

Testimonial Tuesday 🌟 our highest priority is making sure our clients feel comfortable and love coming to see us for their treatments, after all, you should always look forward to self care 🧖♀️

Have you visited the clinic recently? Have your say by heading to the link in our bio to leave a review 🫶

✨ Retinol: the gold standard for skin renewal ✨

If you're looking to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and achieve a brighter, more even complexion, retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients available.

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that works by encouraging skin cell turnover. As new skin cells are brought to the surface more quickly, the skin can appear smoother, fresher, and more radiant over time.

✨ Helps Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, collagen production naturally slows down. Retinol helps support collagen production, which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and contribute to firmer-looking skin with consistent use.

🌟 Helps Improve Skin Texture and Tone

Uneven texture, roughness, and dullness can make skin appear tired. By promoting skin renewal, retinol helps refine the skin's surface, leaving it looking smoother, brighter, and more even.

🤍 Helps Fade the Appearance of Post-Blemish Marks

Retinol can help improve the appearance of pigmentation and post-acne marks by encouraging the turnover of older skin cells. Over time, this can help reveal a more balanced and uniform complexion.

🌿 Helps Support Clearer-Looking Skin

Because retinol helps prevent pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells, it can be beneficial for those prone to breakouts and congestion. Regular use can contribute to smoother, clearer-looking skin.

💡 Start Slowly

Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so it's important to introduce it gradually. Begin with a lower strength a few times per week and always follow with moisturiser. Daily SPF is essential, as retinol can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.

Like many skincare ingredients, consistency is key. Results take time, but with regular use, retinol can become one of the most transformative products in your skincare routine.

Have you incorporated retinol into your routine yet? Tell us about your experience below. 👇

what a time to be alive 🥲🥲🥲

Skincare product of the week - Ultimate Boost Serum 🚀

Give your skin the ultimate boost! A hydrating, skin-strengthening serum infused with a clinically proven peptide that unveils a smoother, firmer, and more youthful complexion.

Rejuvenate your complexion with the hydration powerhouse, revitalising your skin for a resilient, youthful appearance.

Bid farewell to fine lines and wrinkles as it restores your skin's natural moisture barrier, leaving you with a smooth, luminous complexion.

All products are:

- Dye Free
- Paraben Free
- Sulfate Free
- Phthalate Free
- Animal Cruelty Free
- Artificial Fragrance Free
- Chemical Sunscreen Filter Free

Not sure which serum is best for you? Book a skin consultation with one of our specialists for a full skin analysis + homecare recommendations ✨

Cypress Quay is proud to be the leading independent skin clinic in Manchester, find us just outside of MediaCity in Salford Quays 🐝

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✨ What is the best hair removal method for transgender people? ✨

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer depends on your hair type, skin type, and your long-term goals.

For most transgender clients, there are two main options for long-term hair removal:

⚡ Laser Hair Removal
Laser targets the pigment within the hair follicle, making it particularly effective for dark, coarse hair. It can significantly reduce hair growth and is often the fastest way to tackle larger areas such as the face, chest, back, or legs.

💡 However, laser doesn't work well on blonde, red, grey, or white hairs because these hairs contain little to no pigment.

✨Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal and can treat all hair colours and skin types. Each hair follicle is treated individually, making it ideal for lighter hairs that laser cannot target.

💡 Because it treats one follicle at a time, electrolysis is often a longer process than laser, but it offers permanent results.

🤝 For many transgender clients, the most effective approach is a combination of both treatments.

A common treatment plan is:
✔️ Start with laser to reduce the bulk of dark hair
✔️ Follow with electrolysis to permanently remove any remaining hairs, including lighter or stubborn hairs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The best treatment plan is the one tailored to your unique hair growth, skin type, and transition goals.

🌈 Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to complete your hair removal treatment, a consultation can help determine the best path for you.

Testimonial Tuesday 🌟 have you visited the clinic recently? We always love hearing your feedback, head to the link in our bio to leave a review 🫶

💧 Hyaluronic Acid: The hydration hero that your skin loves 💧

If your skin feels dry, tight, dull, or dehydrated, hyaluronic acid could be the ingredient your routine is missing.

Despite its name, hyaluronic acid isn't an exfoliating acid. It's actually a powerful hydrating ingredient that helps your skin attract and retain moisture, leaving it looking plumper, smoother, and more radiant.

💦 Helps Deeply Hydrate the Skin

Hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet, drawing water into the skin and helping to keep it there. This boost in hydration can leave skin feeling softer, more comfortable, and visibly refreshed.

✨ Helps Plump the Appearance of Fine Lines

When skin lacks moisture, fine lines can become more noticeable. By improving hydration levels, hyaluronic acid helps plump the skin, making fine lines appear softer and the complexion look smoother and healthier.

🌿 Helps Support a Healthy Skin Barrier

A strong skin barrier is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Hyaluronic acid helps support the skin's natural barrier by keeping it hydrated, which can improve softness, smoothness, and overall skin resilience.

🤍 Suitable for All Skin Types

One of the reasons hyaluronic acid is so popular is that it's suitable for almost everyone. Whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or mature, it can help boost hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.

Healthy, glowing skin starts with hydration. Adding hyaluronic acid to your routine can help your skin look fresher, feel more comfortable, and maintain the moisture it needs to thrive. ✨

Have you tried hyaluronic acid yet? Let us know your favourite hydrating skincare product in the comments below! 👇