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Only having great skin care products is not enough. In order for your skincare routine to be the most effective, you’ll need to apply the products in the correct order. This means you’ll need to create a routine, but by doing so, you must consider your skin type and the ingredients of the products. Apply the products from thinnest to thickest, so the thinner products won’t infiltrate thicker ones.
The Perfect Skincare Routine
No matter your skin type, you need to consider building a skincare routine. When following a skincare routine, the order of applying the products is the most important. You’ll want to start by cleaning your face, using a toner, then applying more concentrated, active ingredients, finishing off with a layer of moisturiser. And, of course, don’t forget to apply SPF during the day!
Here are the steps for following a good skincare routine.
Cleansing your face
The goal for a perfect skincare routine is different for everyone and depends on your skin type, from moisturising dry skin to mattifying oily skin. According to skin care specialists, with the help of a beauty care routine, you will notice how your skin changes. Your skin changes as you grow older, and thus, so will your choice of skin care products.
Washing your face every morning and night is important – take a small amount of cleansing gel between your palms. Massage your face and wash it off using gentle movements. Rinse the face until the cleanser is completely removed. If you wear makeup, use micellar water first, and then do the cleansing part.
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Applying toner
If you choose to use a toner, which is not mandatory, you must do it after cleansing your face and before applying any other product. Pour a few drops on a clean cotton pad and gently wipe on your clean face. Still, if you use an exfoliating toner, which is harsher to the skin, you might consider using it only at night. Use hydrating formulas during the day, and retinoids, tretinoins, or other exfoliators at night. However, make sure you don’t combine retinoids and exfoliators simultaneously, they can damage the skin.
Applying serums
If you’re looking for a skincare product to use after cleansing your face, serums are a great choice. They tend to have a liquid consistency, which leaves a minimal residue, therefore, making them excellent for layering. They contain active ingredients, like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and more, which help protect your skin from free radicals. Serums also contain exfoliants like AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) or lactic acid, which are very used in anti-ageing treatments. Whatever types you choose, make sure you consider the following:
- Water-based serums go underneath the moisturiser.
- Oil-based serums go after the moisturiser.
Applying eye-cream
Eye cream might sound like something for older people, but the truth is, even teenagers and young-adults must use eye cream. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest, most sensitive, and thus, most fragile. This means that it easily dehydrates. The dryness of the skin is also a sign of ageing, like wrinkles or fine lines. Don’t use the moisturiser you use on the other parts of your face as an eye cream. The products you use on the rest of the face aren’t meant for the eye zone. You must use a product that is formulated for the eyes, so you are sure you get the most hydrating and best anti-ageing results. With that in mind, try an eye cream with a metal roller applicator and put it in the fridge – it’s the best remedy for puffy eyes.
Using spot treatment
If your doctor advised you to use an acne spot treatment, it’s best to do it at night, when your body naturally repairs itself. Don’t apply excessive layers, as they might cause irritation. Instead, make sure you ask your dermatologist how to use it properly, and make sure you’re doing your best to keep your skin calm and hydrated.
Finally, moisturising the skin
Moisturiser hydrates skin, blocking in all the other layers of products applied. Use a lightweight lotion in the morning, ideally an SPF with at least 30% concentration or higher. In the evening it’s best to use a thicker cream. Dry skin can occur as a result of frequent cleansing, using harsh soaps, ageing, from cold and dry winter air, or other medical conditions. However, your skin needs protection and special care. Moisturising the skin, regardless of its type, is essential as moisturisers put a barrier between your skin and the air.
Usually, the thicker the product, the more effective it will moisturise your skin. However, a person with oily skin might not like the consistency and sensation of an even oilier and greasier skin. Thus, it’s important to choose a moisturiser according to your skin type.
Last, but not least, apply retinoid
Retinoids can help reduce breakouts, dark spots, and fine lines. They’re used to increase collagen. However, they can be very irritating, especially for sensitive skin. If you use a retinoid, make sure you stay away from the sun or choose to use it at night. Also, they can make your skin extra sensitive, so be sure to always apply sunscreen.
Protecting your skin from UV rays can greatly prevent skin cancer or signs of ageing. There is a rich science and history behind skincare products, so you will need some time to read more about what products are best for your particular skin type, and how to keep up with a regular skincare routine.
