A basic skincare routine includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection. However, sometimes there are extra steps, like applying serums and night creams.
Do you know the order of when you should use these products? Is there an order? What comes after a cleanser? An extensive skincare routine can come with a lot of questions. But that only means that you want to get your routine right.
Sometimes, when you feel like a specific product isn’t working for you, you may be applying it in the wrong order or time of day. You may have products with vitamin C and some with retinol. By layering these products, you can address multiple skin concerns at once.
You must apply your products in the correct order. If you don’t, you may be wasting your time and money. You need to layer skincare products correctly to have healthy skin, especially since each person has unique goals. For example, you may have a skincare routine for sensitive skin or dry skin. Find out how you can effectively layer skincare products below.
The Correct Order of Your Skincare Routine
When you properly layer skincare products, you can seep into your skin better, providing you with its potential benefits. It would be best to wait at least a minute before applying the next product. This will give it enough time to soak into your skin and do its magic. But, what should you use first and last? Here are the correct steps of a skincare routine:
- Cleanser | When: Day and Night
Free your skin of oil and grime by washing your face using a cleanser. A clean base is essential for skincare ingredients to get absorbed by your skin. You can start with a cleansing oil to break down your makeup, then follow up with a gentle cleanser.
- Toner | When: Day and/or Night
You use a toner to prime your face for other skincare ingredients. It’s best to get one that’s gentle and hydrating and skip those that are alcohol-based.
- Serum | When: Day and/or Night
Serums contain concentrated antioxidants and nutrients. As soon as you apply them to your skin, they give you an instant boost.
- Eye Cream | When: Day and Night
The golden rule of applying skincare is to start with the thinnest formulas to the thickest. Eye creams are lighter than face creams, so after your skin has soaked in your serums, apply eye cream.
- Spot Treatment | When: Day or Night
Spot treatments are usually applied at night since it’s the time when your body starts to heal itself. However, if you’re already using an acne-fighting toner at night, applying spot treatments in the morning may be best to avoid overwhelming your skin.
- Moisturizer | When: Day and Night
Always use a moisturizer. Whether your skin is oily or breaking out, there is a moisturizer formula for all skin types. You just have to find the right one for you.
- Retinol | When: Night
Retinol speeds up cell turnover. As a result, it helps your skin look fresh by fading dark spots, brightening skin, and smoothening scars.
- Oil | When: Day and/or Night
Oils should be one of the last products you apply because they are skincare sealants. They lock in everything you used beforehand and keep them from evaporating.
- Sunscreen | When: Day
Sunscreen should be the absolute last step in your routine. It doesn’t try to penetrate your skin, so it’s fine slathering on top. Remember: SPF 30 should be your minimum SPF level.
Find a Routine that Works for You
You don’t need to have a nine or 12-step skincare routine. You can simplify your skincare routine by starting with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Your regimen will naturally expand as you add treatment products like serums and toners. It’s best to listen to your skin and what it needs. Skincare is all about experimenting, so have fun with it, and don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t work out.
