If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered more than once about the right order to apply all those skincare products sitting on your bathroom shelf. Don’t worry—I’ve been there, too.
It can feel a bit like a puzzle, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Let’s walk through the steps together to make sure you’re getting the most out of your skincare routine.
1 Cleansing
Cleansing is where it all begins. Think of it as laying down the foundation for everything that follows. In the morning, a gentle cleanser is all you need to wipe away any oils or sweat that built up overnight. It’s like a fresh start for your skin, prepping it for the day ahead.
When night rolls around, it’s time to up your cleansing game, especially if you’ve been wearing makeup or sunscreen. That’s where double cleansing comes in.
Start with an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup and sunscreen, then follow with a water-based cleanser to clear out any lingering dirt. It’s an extra step, but your skin will thank you for it.
When choosing a cleanser that suits your skin type and concerns, it’s important to consider the variety of options available, such as those discussed on Vivabyela, Nivea or Aveeno.
2 Toning
Next up is toning, which is all about getting your skin ready for the good stuff. Toners help balance your skin’s pH and remove any leftover impurities. Consider it like getting the canvas ready before you color.
According to Epicuren Discovery insights, toners can help remove dead skin cells and residual impurities left after cleansing.
The toner you choose should match your skin’s needs. Got dry or sensitive skin? Reach for a hydrating toner. Dealing with oil or acne? An exfoliating toner with AHAs or BHAs might be your best bet.
It doesn’t matter if you apply it with a cotton pad or just pat it on with your hands, your skin is now prepped and ready.
3 Serums and Treatments
Now we’re getting to the fun part: serums! Serums are like the superheroes of your skincare routine—they’re packed with active ingredients designed to target specific concerns.
Here’s a quick rundown of when to use what:
- Vitamin C Serum: Use it in the morning for its protective antioxidant properties.
- Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Also a morning favorite, this one keeps your skin hydrated all day long.
- Retinol Serum: Save this for nighttime. Retinol helps with cell turnover, tackling fine lines and acne while you sleep.
With serums, a little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it—just a few drops will do.
4 Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive, so it needs some extra TLC. Eye creams are specially formulated to tackle issues like puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.
When applying, use your ring finger—it’s the gentlest and will apply just the right amount of pressure. Gently tap the cream around your orbital bone, being careful not to get too close to your eyes.
5 Moisturizer
Moisturizing is crucial no matter your skin type. By retaining moisture, it keeps your skin soft and moisturized.
Your skin type will determine which moisturizer is best for you:
- Gel-based: Great for oily or combination skin.
- Cream-based: Perfect for dry or mature skin.
- Lightweight lotion: Ideal for normal skin.
In the morning, you might want to grab a moisturizer with SPF—two birds, one stone!
6 Sunscreen
Unscreening is a daily necessity, not only for beach days. UV rays are always around, even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors by a window. Ignoring sunscreen can result in dark patches, early aging, as well as skin cancer.
Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it generously to your face and neck. And if you’re outside for long periods, don’t forget to reapply every couple of hours.
The research by Cleveland Clinic highlights that regular application of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, by protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
7 Night Cream or Sleeping Mask
Your skin works hard while you sleep, repairing and regenerating itself. That’s why your nighttime routine should focus on helping it out. After your regular moisturizer, you can apply a night cream or sleeping mask.
Look for ingredients like peptides, ceramides, or niacinamide in these products—they’re great for supporting your skin’s natural repair processes.
8 Extras
Once you’ve got the basics down, there are some optional steps you can add to give your skin a little extra love.
Exfoliation
Sloughing off dead skin cells 1-3 times a week helps keep your skin fresh. You can go with a physical exfoliant like a scrub, or a chemical one with AHAs/BHAs, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
Masks
Whether it’s a hydrating mask for dry skin or a clay mask for oily skin, masks are a great way to treat yourself once or twice a week.
Spot Treatments
Got a pesky pimple or a dark spot? Apply a spot treatment after your serums and before your moisturizer for targeted care.
Consistency is What You Really Need
Here’s the thing: Consistency is key. If you stick with your routine every day, you’re more likely to see the results you’re after. It might take a few weeks to notice changes, especially with treatment products, but patience pays off.
Adapting Your Routine as Life Changes
Your skin’s needs aren’t set in stone—they can change with the seasons, as you age, or due to hormonal shifts. Be ready to tweak your routine as needed.
- Seasonal Adjustments: In winter, your skin might crave extra moisture, so you might switch to a richer cream. Summer could call for lighter products and more sun protection.
- Aging Skin: As time goes on, you might want to add more anti-aging products like retinoids or peptides into the mix.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of trying new products, but there are a few things to watch out for:
- Product Overload: More isn’t always better. Piling on too many products can overwhelm your skin, leading to irritation or breakouts.
- Skipping Sunscreen: Seriously, don’t skip it. Even if it’s cloudy or you’re indoors, those UV rays can still sneak in.
- Mixing Ingredients That Don’t Play Well Together: Some active ingredients can cancel each other out or cause irritation when used together. For example, using retinol and vitamin C at the same time might be too much for your skin.
When in Doubt, Ask a Pro
If you’re feeling unsure about which products are best for your skin type or if you’re dealing with specific concerns like severe acne, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalized advice and suggest treatments that are tailored just for you.
Final Thoughts
Following a skincare routine can feel a bit like an art form, but once you get into the groove, it’s incredibly rewarding. It all comes out to giving your skin and yourself the attention they deserve. By using the right products in the right order, you’re setting yourself up for a healthy, glowing complexion.
So, take it one step at a time, listen to your skin, and don’t be afraid to seek out professional advice if you need it. Your skin’s state is unique, and with a little consistency and care, you’ll start to see the benefits unfold.
