Yes, there is a correct order of using skincare products. And you might have been doing it wrong the whole time! Just finding suitable products is not enough. You need to know exactly when to apply it.
Through this article, we are going to help you with the ideal sequence of using skincare products to extract the maximum benefits from them. Read on for the details.
What Is The Correct Order of Using Skincare Products?
The ideal way to apply your skincare products is starting with the lightest and finishing with the heaviest. At first, you need to apply the product made with ingredients that need to go deep into the skin. The last step should be a product that needs to sit on top of your skin.
1. Morning Routine
Your morning routine aims to protect your skin from sun damage while helping you look fresh and clean. Thus, it consists of basic skincare products like cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer and toner.
Step 1 - Cleanser
Be it night or day, the first step of every skincare routine has to be cleansing your face. When you get ready for the day, start with a face wash or cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansing will prepare your skin for the next steps by removing the dirt and dead skin cells.
Use cold or lukewarm water to wash your face. Then gently apply the cleanser and rub in a circular motion. Rinse it well once you are done. Use a soft cloth to pat your face dry.
Step 2 - Toner
Toner should always be the second step in your morning routine. Toners enriched with antioxidants or essential vitamins are extremely beneficial. After you have cleansed your face, your skin is ready to absorb the beneficial ingredients. Being extremely light in texture, toner penetrates deeply into your skin and gives you the ultimate nourishment while balancing your skin’s pH.
Choose your toner wisely, considering your skin type, current skin condition and the issues you are currently facing. Avoid alcohol based toners. Also, it is not mandatory to use a toner after a cleanser. But, the cleanser-toner duo can be a great choice for cleansing your skin efficiently.
Step 3 - Moisturizer
Moisturizing your skin is the most important part of your skincare routine irrespective of your skin type. You cannot go wrong with skin hydration. Apply a gel or water-based moisturizer if you have oily or combination skin, as too much oil can clog your skin pores and lead to acne. In case of dry skin, go for heavy moisturizers such as shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter or any oil-based products.
Take a small amount into your palm and apply it all over your face. Skin experts suggest applying a moisturizer on slightly damp skin. Apply the moisturizer immediately after you cleanse your face. It helps to retain maximum moisture and lock it into your skin.
Step 4 - Sunscreen
As we have already mentioned, sun damage is a major concern during day time. Thus, preparing your skin to keep it safe from harmful UV rays is equally important. Thus, sunscreen has to be the last step in your morning skincare routine.
However, using a chemical sunscreen after moisturizer may not give you sun protection. Chemical sunscreens need to get into your skin to block the UV rays. The moisturizer coat on your face will not let it get absorbed completely. Also, if you apply moisturizer after sunscreen, your moisturizer will not be effective. Therefore, we recommend that if you are using a chemical sunscreen, go for a product that has moisturizing benefits as well. Physical sunscreens can be used on top of your moisturizer.
2. Night Routine
During sleep, your skin gets the maximum time to repair itself as your body rests. Hence, keep all the treatment-based products for your night skincare routine.
Step 1 - Cleanser
To get rid of the entire day’s stress and tiredness, your skin needs intense rejuvenation. If you had applied make-up, begin with using a makeup remover. Opt for a soothing wash face to cleanse all the dirt your skin is covered with. Now, your skin is ready for the next product.
Step 2 - Treatment products/Serum/Peel-off/Face Oil
Once your skin is clean, it’s time to apply the treatment product you use. It can be an acne control serum, dark spot cream, face oil or any product to treat a particular skin issue.
If you are using a peel-off mask, then nighttime is the best time for it as well. Apply the mask all over your face and let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Once it is completely dry, peel it off and clean your face with a damp cloth.
In case of a treatment-oriented product like SkinKraft Acne Total Clear Serum, use the serum only on the affected areas of your face. For skin conditions like tanning, you need to use the concerned serum all over your face. Leave the serum for 30 minutes before you apply moisturizer and eye cream. Do not wash off the serum. Let your skin absorb the treatment ingredient.
Step 3 - Eye Cream
An eye cream filled with antioxidants and vitamin E helps you improve the appearance of your under-eye area. Issues like dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles and fine lines can be addressed with an eye cream. Use a small amount of the cream or gel and apply it on the under-eye area. Avoid contact with the inner part of your eyes.
Step 4 - Moisturizer
You can use the same moisturizer in both the routines or you can go for a night cream. Night creams are normally thick in texture and stay on your skin for a long time for repair work. Take a pea-sized amount of the night cream or moisturizing lotion and gently massage it on your skin. Leave it overnight for the best result.
3. Weekly Routine
A. Exfoliation:
Exfoliating your skin to get rid of dead skin cells is necessary. Do it once a week right after cleansing. It will make your skin appear smoother and brighter. Also, your skin pores would be cleaned, reducing the chances of acne breakout. You can apply your serums/moisturizers/eye creams after exfoliation.
B. Face Mask:
Face masks are made for occasional use. Choose your face mask according to your skin type and skin concerns. The frequency of the application depends mostly on the products.
Few face masks are meant for only once-a-week use, while many can be used up to three times a week. Clean your face before using any face mask. You can also apply a mask after exfoliation. After you are done with your face mask application, keep it for some time and then remove it as instructed on the product label. Apply a gentle moisturizer after that to keep your skin hydrated.
4. Bodycare Routine
While we all focus on our face, we forget about the rest of our body, which is equally important and needs a lot of attention. These easy steps will help you fulfil the need of your body skin:
A. Cleanse:
Cleansing remains the first step for body care as well. Use a mild, chemical-free body shower gel or body wash and apply it all over your body every day. Most body soaps contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which may cause skin irritation among people with sensitive skin. Go for a sulphate-paraben-free product that offers a soothing effect after the shower.
B. Exfoliate:
Get a body scrub that suits your skin type and exfoliate your entire body once a week. That's how the dead skin cells of your body will shed away, giving you a smoother surface. If you are not comfortable with a scrub, you can opt for products containing AHAs and BHAs (alpha and beta hydroxy acids). These acids can also exfoliate your skin and improve its texture.
C. Treatment Products:
Just like your face, the rest of your body may also go through some skin issues, which may need treatment. Vitamin C body serum, body creams containing retinoids or antioxidant serums can be a part of your body care routine. Once you are done with the cleansing, apply your treatment cream and leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes. Avoid washing off the product.
D. Moisturize:
The third step of your body care routine is moisturizing. Your body needs a heavier moisturizer compared to the face products. If you have dry skin, use body butter for the best results. People with acne-prone skin should stick to a light body lotion. Also, choose a product that has hyaluronic acid and ceramides in it to lock the moisture inside your skin.
E. Sunscreen:
End your daily body care routine with a sunscreen only on the exposed areas, if you are going out in broad daylight. Apply a water-proof sunscreen if you are oing swimming.
Wrapping Up
We understand that it takes a lot of effort to choose the right products and build an ideal skincare routine. To simplify your work, SkinKraft offers you a customized skincare regimen to address your individual skin needs, along with clear instructions on when and how to apply them. Sounds wonderful, right? Book your first order today and let us worry about the rest!
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