In today’s world, there are so many skin care products on the market, such as toners, anti-age creams, and various serums, that it can sometimes be difficult to figure out which product to use and when. Each product has its time and place, so it is important to determine the correct order of skin care in the morning and evening, which will help you always remain full of youth and beauty.
Using products in the wrong order can reduce their effectiveness due to texture or ingredients. You can use all the newest and most advanced formulas, but if you use them incorrectly, it can negate their effects. The key to maximizing the benefits of your skincare products is to understand the proper sequence of application.
Basic Principles of Daily Skin Care
When introducing new habits into your lifestyle, including taking care of your facial beauty, start simple and move on to more complex routines gradually. Avoid introducing many new products simultaneously, as this can cause irritation and make it difficult to determine the effectiveness of each product.
Proper Skin Care Routine
To plan the perfect skincare routine, it’s important to understand the correct order to apply your skincare products. Apply the lightest, thinnest products first as they are formulated to provide the deepest penetration. Then apply thicker or creamier ones.
Cleanser:
Cleansing is the first step, day and night. In the morning, use a gentle cleanser to remove sweat and oil that accumulated overnight. Non-foaming or oil-based cleansers are great for gently preparing your skin for the day.
The choice of cleanser depends on your skin type:
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: Use a creamy, non-foaming, and hydrating gel cleanser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin hydrated while cleansing.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Choose a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to help prevent acne and breakouts.
- Combination Skin: Opt for a gel or cream-foaming cleanser to remove excess dirt, oil, or makeup without stripping natural moisture.
Toner:
Toner helps restore the skin’s pH balance after cleansing and prepares it for subsequent care stages. Apply immediately after cleansing.
Toners are particularly beneficial for:
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: Use toners with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Skip active ingredients if your skin is too sensitive.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Look for exfoliating acids like BHAs, AHAs, or PHAs to help unclog pores and reduce sebum production.
- Combination Skin: Choose a toner with both hydrating ingredients and gentle activities to prep your skin.
Serum:
Serums are highly concentrated formulas designed to treat various skin concerns. Apply morning serums like vitamin C and antioxidants to protect from UV rays and pollution. Choose your serum based on skin type:
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: Fragrance-free serums with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E, and aloe vera.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Serums with salicylic acid or retinol to exfoliate and regulate skin.
- Combination Skin: Niacinamide to regulate sebum production and support hydration.
Eye Cream:
Apply eye cream before moisturizer to address concerns like dark circles, wrinkles, or puffiness. Use hydrating formulas during the day and targeted treatments like retinol in the evening.
Moisturizer:
Use the right facial moisturizer to lock in moisture and support the skin barrier. Here’s what to look for:
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: Simple formulas with hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Fragrance-free and a shorter ingredient list are important.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers with a lightweight gel formula.
- Combination Skin: Lightweight, hydrating formulas.
Sunscreen:
Applying SPF 30 or higher every morning is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Choose according to your skin type:
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: Hydrating sunscreens with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Mineral sunscreens are great for sensitive skin.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Mineral sunscreens help prevent breakouts, and mattifying products avoid a shiny complexion.
- Combination Skin: Lightweight formulas or powder sunscreen for shiny areas.
Evening Skin Care Routine
Cleanser:
In the evening, a two-phase cleansing is ideal. The first product (usually oil-based) removes makeup and sunscreen, while the second removes remaining dirt and sebum.
Toner:
Apply toner after cleansing to balance your skin’s pH.
Treatment Products:
Apply any treatment or prescription topical medication for specific skin problems. Consult your dermatologist for advice on timing and application.
Retinol:
Use retinol only in the evening as it breaks down in sunlight, making your skin more sensitive. Choose products based on your skin type:
- Dry/Sensitive Skin: Start with retinol before moving to stronger formulas like retinoids. Use it with a quality moisturizer two to three times a week.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Use products containing adapalene, a stronger retinoid than retinol.
- Combination Skin: Start with mild retinol, then move to retinaldehyde, stronger than retinol but weaker than retinoids.
Serum:
Use hydrating serums or repairing serums at night to help your skin repair itself. Choose based on your skin type as mentioned earlier.
Eye Cream:
Use targeted eye treatments (like retinol or thicker creams) in the evening.
Moisturizer:
Apply a thicker night cream to provide intensive care and lock in moisture.
Weekly Care
Include products recommended for use 1-2 times a week, such as scrubs and masks. Scrubs remove dead skin cells and even out the skin’s microrelief. Masks can perform a variety of tasks: moisturizing, nourishing, or cleansing. Your weekly care should include:
Scrub
Use to remove dead skin cells and even out the microrelief.
Masks
Choose based on your skin’s needs, like hydrating, nourishing, or cleansing masks. Combine a moisturizing or restoring mask with a scrub, and on another day, use a cleansing or mattifying mask.
Special Steps and Additional Care
Pampering Face Mask:
- Clean your face first and use eye cream.
- Mix a teaspoon of night cream with a few drops of facial oil.
- Apply the mixture to your face, neck, and décolleté with a brush.
- Leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes, then remove with reusable cotton pads or a warm, wet towel.
Extra Anti-Pollution Routine:
Use skin-firming facial oil with 8 organic vegetable oils, including pomegranate, safflower, avocado, and argan oils. This oil nourishes the skin and supports cell renewal.
Conclusion
The correct sequence of facial care simplifies your beauty routine and ensures optimal results. The self-care regimen described is suitable for balanced, dry, or problematic skin. The key is to find the right products and take care of yourself regularly. The routines and steps outlined ensure that each product’s benefits are maximized, leading to healthier, more radiant skin. Remember, consistency and the right products are key to seeing positive results.
