Skincare involves following a strict routine so as to achieve the desired results. This includes applying skincare products in the right order – often referred to as a skincare routine. It’s not enough to have the best skincare products if you don’t apply them correctly. There are certain ingredients that should not mix. Additionally, applying products out of order could irritate your skin. Once you’ve got the products you need for your skin, the next step is to learn how to apply them correctly so as to ensure they’re fully effective. Here’s a beginner’s guide to applying skincare products in the right order.
Morning Routine
- Cleanser
You’ve probably heard that you should never apply makeup or skincare products on a dirty surface. Therefore, the first step in any skincare routine should be washing your face. Cleansers cater to different skin types and needs. For dry skin, you should go for a gentle, non-foaming cleanser so as to avoid stripping the skin off its natural oils. For acne-prone skin, choose a cleanser that contains salicylic acid which helps in controlling breakouts. You can also use facial oil as your initial cleanser especially if you need to remove makeup. Check out Beauty: 6 Benefits Of Using Cleansers
Product Review: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Rice Bran Foaming Cleanser
- Toner
Toners are used as exfoliants and double cleansers. As such, it should follow the cleanser in your skincare routine. After cleansing, dab the product over your skin then let it sit for 5 minutes or until it dries. Look for a toner that has salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid as they’re more effective in fighting acne and unclogging pores. 6 Benefits Of Using A Toner In Your Skincare Routine
Product Review: Neutrogena Fight & Fade Toner
- Serum
Naturally, the next step should be applying a nutrient-filled serum to your skin. Serums have become extremely popular over the years which led to many people stocking them up. They are the best way to deal with specific problems as they perform certain functions. For instance, serums containing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used to plump and brighten the skin.
Pro Tips: Everything You Need To Know About Facial Serums
- Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is usually light and more prone to wrinkles than other parts of the face. Eye creams are specially formulated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles. It’s preferable to use eye creams during the day since you’re exposed to the sun and other pollutants that can cause the appearance of wrinkles. 7 Benefits Of Eye Masks And Eye Creams
Product Review: The Innisfree Jeju Orchid Eye Cream
- Spot Treatments
If you don’t have a problem with acne or blackheads, you can skip this step. It also works for the occasional pimple breakout. If you suffer from frequent breakouts, you need to consult a dermatologist. Spot treatments help loosen or dissolve the blockage within the pore which gets rid of pimples quickly.
Beauty: How To Take Care Of Acne Prone Skin
- Moisturizer
It’s time for the moisturizer. This should come before the face oil as some moisturizers are water-based and may not penetrate the skin if applied after. Just like face oils, moisturizers keep your skin well-hydrated. If you can, try to invest in a good quality day cream that offers protection from environmental factors. Day creams also tend to contain more moisture thus keeping your skin well-moisturized for longer.
6 Benefits Of Incorporating A Moisturizer Into Your Skincare Routine
- Face Oil
Face oil simply gives your skin a hydration boost. This product is essential whether you have dry skin or not as it gives you a beautiful, long-lasting, and natural glow. If you’re wary about the product clogging your pores, especially for oily skin types, go for a lightweight oil that absorbs quickly. Apart from keeping your skin well-hydrated, some face oils contain ingredients to boost your skin’s appearance. 7 Benefits Of Using Face Oils In Your Skincare Routine
Beauty: 5 Benefits Of Jojoba Oil Vs Coconut Oil
- Sunscreen
Lastly, you must not forget to wear sunscreen. Though many moisturizers contain SPF, sunscreen is still important to protect your skin from UV rays. Additionally, sunscreens are more powerful as they contain higher SPF levels than most moisturizers. Depending on your needs, you can go for a stronger sunscreen if you’re exposed to stronger UV rays or if you’re of a fairer complexion. However, sunscreen is a must regardless of skin complexion or the weather. The Benefits Of Sunscreen And How To Apply It Properly
Skincare: 5 Ways You Are Making Your Sunscreen Less Effective Without Even Realizing It
Night Routine
Nothing much changes for a night routine except some products like sunscreen are not necessary for the nighttime. You can also add a few products that are more effective to use at night. For instance, you can treat yourself to a mask every now and then. They’re great as they offer a concentrated amount of nutrients that will rejuvenate your skin and keep it healthy for longer. This step comes right after cleansing the skin. Beauty: 5 Amazing Benefits Of Face Masks
The steps remain the same until you apply your moisturizer. Here, you can switch to a night cream. After that, you should apply retinol. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A which is a key ingredient in fighting acne, wrinkles, and blemishes. As such, you should include it in your nighttime routine. Benefits Of Vitamin A And Retinol For Skin
You can then finish off with face oil. You can consider sleeping with an eye mask – Health: 6 Benefits Of Sleeping Eye Masks
Depending on your age you might also need a night cream for extra moisturization. Check out this article on what you need at different points in your life. Beauty: Ageing Skin Concerns & How To Take Care Of Each
For more information on how to apply skincare products in the right order, check out Cosmpolitan‘s article. The Korean skincare routine is more extensive you can check out here – Beauty: Try This 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine For Great Skin
Wondering how to create the perfect skincare routine? Check out 4 Celebrity Skincare Routines You Should Try Out
