The Correct Order for Your Skincare Routine
From anti-aging skincare products to acne treatments, you can find tons of products on the market all claiming to give you the perfect skin. However, no matter how massive your skincare collection is, not knowing the right order and time of applying the products onto your skin will make them largely ineffective.
According to skincare experts and dermatologists, the order of application is incredibly important to ensure that your skin receives maximum benefits of each product.
We have broken down the correct order to apply your skincare, along with some star products that can help you with your skin issues. So, let’s begin.
Morning Routine
Morning routine is all about protection from sun, oxidation. Here are the steps you should follow in the a.m.
1. Cleanser
Start your day by splashing your face with lukewarm water and using a gentle face cleanser that’s designed for your skin type.
2. Toner
Back in the day, toners were considered very harsh for the skin but that’s not the case anymore. Today’s toners are filled with gentler, hydrating ingredients. They essentially just prime your skin so that other skincare products are better absorbed. For acne prone skin, however, toners made with AHA/BHAs work best.
3. Anti Oxidant Serum
For the day time, you should choose a serum that is packed with antioxidants to neutralize daily damage from the sun and environmental pollution.
Check out this amazing Vitamin C serum that combines the antioxidant power of vitamin C with other skin loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins B and E, and ferulic acid. The best part is that it can double as a toner as well!
4. Moisturizer
All types of skin need a moisturizer for all times. Choose a good day time moisturizer that suits your skin type.
5. Sunscreen
It goes at the end but is unarguably the most important step for your morning skincare routine. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Night Routine
Here’s the correct order for you night time skincare routine.
1. Cleanser
If you’re wearing makeup, it’s best to first remove all the makeup using an oil based cleanser and then wash your face with your regular cleanser. The two-step cleansing ensures that all oil and makeup residues have been properly removed.
2. Toner or Facial Mist
These will again nourish and boost your skin and prepare it to absorb all the products better.
3. Eye Cream
Not only do these creams hydrate the delicate eye area and address issues like crow’s feet and dark circles, they can also protect your eye area from other skin care products that may be too harsh to be used around the eyes.
4. Serums or Hydrating Face Oils
If your skin is on the drier side, you may want to add a hydrating organic oil or serum to your regime. Rosehip oil, carrot seed oil, etc. are some good options.
5. Moisturizer
The final step is to apply your night time moisturizer. The best ones come with plenty of hydrating ingredients as well as anti-aging action.
Try this retinol face cream to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles and give your skin a boost of hydration.
Skincare Routine for Sensitive Skin
For individuals with sensitive skin, a skincare routine should prioritize gentleness and minimalism to avoid irritation and maintain skin health. Starting with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser is essential; it should be effective enough to remove dirt and makeup, but gentle enough not to strip the skin of its natural oils. After cleansing, applying a soothing, alcohol-free toner can help balance the skin's pH and prepare it for further skincare steps.
The choice of moisturizer is critical; it should be hypoallergenic and free from irritants like fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are beneficial as they strengthen the skin barrier, provide deep hydration, and reduce redness and inflammation. It's also advisable to incorporate a physical sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher into the morning routine. Physical sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are generally better tolerated by sensitive skin compared to chemical sunscreens.
In addition to daily cleansing and moisturizing, sensitive skin requires special attention to avoid triggering irritation. Exfoliation should be approached with caution; opt for a mild exfoliant and limit its use to once a week or less. Avoiding harsh ingredients like alcohol, astringents, and strong acids is crucial. Products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea can be beneficial. When introducing new products, it's important to do so one at a time and perform a patch test to check for reactions.
In terms of makeup, mineral-based products are typically more suitable for sensitive skin as they contain fewer preservatives and synthetic ingredients. Finally, maintaining a consistent routine and avoiding frequent changes in products can help keep the skin calm and prevent adverse reactions. This gentle and steady approach is key to managing sensitive skin effectively, ensuring it remains healthy, calm, and clear.
So, were you missing any of these steps or doing something wrong? Let us know in the comments section below.
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About Author:
Christine Wright is a trusted beauty expert and an esthetician who is loved by editors and bloggers. She is a prolific writer on the topics of natural, chemical-free skin and body care. She also does reviews on store brand beauty products, with fairness and a real point-of-view. She is well-known of creating products for specific skin types, especially to those with ultra-sensitive faces.
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