With so many skincare products promising amazing results, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The order in which you apply products is more important than chasing trends if you want real results.
It’s like a symphony – the wrong order can ruin the whole performance and even irritate your skin.
The General Rule: Thin to Thick
Applying your skincare from thinnest to thickest ensures maximum absorption, allowing each layer to penetrate fully and preventing thicker products from forming a barrier.
Here’s a general guide to the ideal order of application:
1. Cleanser
Start with a clean canvas! Gently cleanse your face with a cleanser suited to your skin type. This removes dirt, oil, makeup, and pollutants that have accumulated throughout the day.
2. Toner (Optional)
Optimize your skincare routine by including a toner, which will balance skin pH, remove remaining cleanser, and improve product absorption.
3. Treatments
This is where you address specific skin concerns.
Serums: For targeted treatment of specific skin concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration, apply serums next, as their lightweight and potent formulas are designed for this purpose.
Spot treatments: If you’re dealing with acne, apply spot treatments to affected areas.
Exfoliants (chemical or physical): Exfoliate 1-2 times per week after cleansing.
4. Eye Cream
Apply a small, pea-sized amount of eye cream around the eye area, using the gentle pressure of your ring finger.
5. Moisturizer
The primary function of a moisturizer is to seal in the benefits of previously applied products. Therefore, select a moisturizer that aligns with your skin type: a lightweight gel for oily skin and a richer cream for dry skin.
6. Face Oil (Optional)
If using a face oil, apply it as the last step in your routine.
7. Sunscreen (Daytime Only)
Always finish your daytime routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Important Considerations
Skin type: Although this is a good general guideline, it’s important to personalize the order of your skincare based on your skin type and any specific concerns. For instance, if you have oily skin, you might find that applying a light moisturizer before a heavier serum works better for you.
Product texture: Application order is also determined by the texture of your skincare products.
Active ingredients: Some active ingredients, like retinol and vitamin C, can be sensitive to sunlight. Apply these at night.
To see noticeable results, you must consistently follow your skincare routine for at least 4-6 weeks.
Optimizing your routine for healthy, radiant skin means following these guidelines and paying close attention to your skin’s unique needs.