Skin Care Order
When it comes to taking care of our skin, countless skin care products and techniques are available, making it easy to become overwhelmed and confused about what to use and when. However, following the correct order in applying your skincare products is crucial to ensuring that they work effectively and efficiently.
In this blog, we'll go through the correct order of applying skincare products, explain the benefits of each step, and provide some tips to help you achieve healthy and glowing skin. Whether you're a skincare novice or expert, understanding the correct order of your skincare routine can help you achieve your desired results and make the most out of your skin care products.
The Correct Order to Layer Your Skincare Products
The correct skin care routine order is as follows:
Step 1: Cleanser
Use a facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
Step 2: Toner
Apply a toner to help balance your skin's pH level and prepare it for the next steps.
Step 3: Serums/Treatments
Apply any serums or spot treatments to address specific skin concerns such as dark spots, fine lines, or acne.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Gently apply eye cream to the under-eye area to moisturise and minimise the appearance of fine lines.
Step 5: Moisturiser
Apply a moisturiser to hydrate and protect your skin from environmental damage.
Steps 6: Sunscreen
During the day, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your skin from UV rays.
Cleanser
The cleanser goes first in a skincare routine because it helps to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin's surface.
When these impurities are left on the skin, they can clog pores, cause breakouts, and prevent other products from penetrating the skin effectively.
By cleansing the skin first, you create a clean canvas for the rest of your skincare routine, allowing the other products to work more effectively.
Cleansing also helps to improve the absorption of the other products and allows them to penetrate deeper into the skin, maximising their benefits. Therefore, cleansing is a crucial first step in any skincare routine.
What sort of cleanser should I use for my skin type?
Here are some recommendations for each type of skin:
Normal skin:
Look for a cleanser that doesn't contain harsh ingredients or strong fragrances that can irritate the skin. A gentle, non-foaming cleanser that maintains the skin's natural pH balance is best for normal skin.
Acne-prone skin:
Cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can reduce breakouts by unclogging pores and reducing oil production. However, using these cleansers sparingly is essential, as they can dry out the skin and cause irritation.
Sensitive skin:
People with sensitive skin should use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cleansers that are gentle and soothing. Avoid cleaners with harsh ingredients, such as sulfates that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Oily skin:
Foaming gel or clay-based cleansers effectively control oil production and remove impurities. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Combination skin:
A gentle, non-foaming cleanser that balances the skin's oil production is best for combination skin. Look for a product that removes impurities without drying out the skin and is suitable for both the oily and dry areas of your face.
Dry skin:
Creamy or oil-based cleansers that hydrate and nourish the skin while removing impurities are best for dry skin. Look for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, which help to maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. Avoid cleansers with harsh surfactants that can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Toner
Next in the skin care routine order is a toner. A toner is used after cleansing because it helps restore the skin's natural pH balance, which can disrupt when using some cleansers.
Cleansers can sometimes leave the skin's pH slightly more alkaline than it should be, making the skin more vulnerable to bacteria, dryness, and irritation. Applying a toner after cleansing helps to rebalance the skin's pH and prepare it for the next steps of the skincare routine.
Additionally, a toner can help remove any remaining traces of dirt, oil, or makeup that may have been missed during cleansing. This ensures that the skin is thoroughly cleaned before applying other products.
In summary, a toner is used after cleansing to restore the skin's natural pH balance, remove any remaining impurities, and prepare the skin for optimal absorption of the following skin care products.
What sort of Toner should I use for my skin type?
Here are some recommendations for each type of skin:
Normal skin:
Look for a gentle, alcohol-free toner that helps balance the skin's pH. Ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera can be beneficial for normal skin.
Acne-prone skin:
A toner containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Tea tree oil is also a natural anti-bacterial agent that can be effective for acne-prone skin.
Sensitive skin:
People with sensitive skin should use a toner that is alcohol-free and fragrance-free and that contains soothing ingredients like chamomile or green tea extract.
Oily skin:
An astringent toner can be helpful for oily skin, as it helps to remove excess oil and minimise the appearance of pores. Look for toners containing ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, or tea tree oil.
Combination skin:
A gentle, alcohol-free toner that helps to balance the skin's pH is best for combination skin. Look for a toner suitable for your face's oily and dry areas.
Dry skin:
A hydrating toner that contains ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera can help to soothe and hydrate dry skin. Look for toners that are alcohol-free and fragrance-free to avoid further drying out the skin.
Serums
Serums are applied after toners because toners help to prepare the skin by removing impurities and restoring the skin's pH balance, which enables serums to penetrate the skin more effectively. Toners also help to hydrate the skin, making it more receptive to the ingredients in the serum.
Serums are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients that target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, dark spots, or uneven texture. These can usually be used both morning and night.
These active ingredients are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin and provide more significant benefits. By applying the serum after toning, the active ingredients in the serum can penetrate more effectively into the skin, providing better results.
In summary, toners help prepare the skin for optimal serum absorption. In contrast, serums provide a concentrated dose of active ingredients that can penetrate deep into the skin and address specific skin concerns.
What sort of serum should I use for my skin type?
Here are some recommendations for each type of skin:
Normal skin:
A lightweight serum that hydrates and provides antioxidants can benefit normal skin. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid, which help to brighten and plump the skin.
Acne-prone skin:
Serums that contain salicylic acid or retinol can help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Look for lightweight, oil-free serums that won't clog pores or cause breakouts.
Sensitive skin:
People with sensitive skin should look for fragrance-free serums that contain gentle, soothing ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or green tea extract. Avoid serums that contain harsh chemicals or acids that can irritate the skin.
Oily skin:
A serum that helps to control oil production and minimise the appearance of pores can be beneficial for oily skin. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil, which help to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation.
Combination skin:
A lightweight serum that balances the skin's oil production and provides hydration can benefit combination skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or niacinamide, which help to maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Dry skin:
A hydrating serum that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or vitamin E can help to soothe and hydrate dry skin. Look for oil-based serums or emollients like squalane or jojoba oil, which help lock in moisture.
Face Oils
Face oils are typically used as the last step in a skincare routine because they help seal the moisture from previous products and create a protective barrier on the skin. When used after serums, face oils can lock in the active ingredients, preventing them from evaporating and allowing them to work more effectively.
In addition, some face oils contain beneficial ingredients that can help to hydrate, nourish and improve skin tone. For example, oils such as rosehip oil or jojoba oil can help to soothe dry, irritated skin and provide essential fatty acids that can help to repair the skin barrier.
Overall, applying face oils as the last step in a skincare routine can help seal the benefits of the previous products and provide additional nourishment to the skin. However, it's essential to choose a face oil that's suited to your skin type, as some oils can be too heavy or pore-clogging for some people.
What sort of Face Oils should I use for my skin type?
Here are some recommendations for each type of skin:
Normal skin:
A lightweight, non-comedogenic face oil high in antioxidants and fatty acids can benefit normal skin. Look for jojoba oil, argan oil, or rosehip oil, which helps nourish and protect the skin.
Acne-prone skin:
People with acne-prone skin should look for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils that won't clog pores or cause breakouts. Oils like tea tree oil, grapeseed oil, or rosehip oil can help to reduce inflammation and unclog pores.
Sensitive skin:
A face oil that is hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and preservatives can be beneficial for sensitive skin. Look for oils like squalane, jojoba oil, or argan oil, which are gentle and non-irritating to the skin.
Oily skin:
Lightweight, fast-absorbing face oils can be beneficial for oily skin, as they help to regulate oil production and minimise the appearance of pores. Look for oils like squalane, grapeseed oil, or rosehip oil, which are non-greasy and won't leave a residue on the skin.
Combination skin:
A lightweight face oil that helps to balance the skin's oil production and provides hydration can be beneficial for combination skin. Look for jojoba oil, rosehip oil, or argan oil, which helps nourish the skin without clogging pores.
Dry skin:
People with dry skin should look for face oils rich in emollients and nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or omega-3 fatty acids. Oils like avocado, rosehip, or argan oil can help hydrate and nourish dry skin.
Moisturiser
Moisturiser goes after serum and face oil in a skincare routine because it helps to lock in the benefits of the previous products and provides an additional layer of hydration to the skin.
Serums are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. They are typically applied after Toner to help those active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively. Face oils are often used after serum to help seal in the moisture provided by the previous products and create a protective barrier on the skin.
After applying a serum and/or face oil, a moisturiser can help to provide hydration to the skin's surface by trapping water in the skin's outermost layer, which helps to prevent moisture loss and keep the skin soft and supple. It can also help to nourish the skin further and provide a protective barrier against environmental stressors.
Overall, the combination of serum, face oil, and moisturiser can provide nourishment and hydration to the skin, resulting in a healthy, glowing complexion. It's essential to choose products that are suited to your type of skin and avoid overloading the skin with too many products, which can lead to clogged pores and other issues.
What sort of moisturiser should I use for my skin type?
Here are some recommendations for each type of skin:
Normal Skin:
A lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser with antioxidants and nourishing ingredients like vitamin E or ceramides can help maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
Acne-Prone Skin:
A lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser that contains ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide can help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts.
Sensitive Skin:
A gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser that contains soothing and hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile can help to calm and nourish sensitive skin without irritating it.
Combination Skin:
A lightweight, hydrating moisturiser that helps to balance the skin and control oil in the T-zone can be beneficial. Look for ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid, which can help to maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
Dry Skin:
A rich, nourishing moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides can help deeply hydrate and replenish dry skin, leaving it soft and supple.
SPF
SPF is typically the last step in a skincare routine because it forms a protective barrier on the skin and shields it from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is designed to sit on top of the skin, and applying it as the final step in a skincare routine helps to ensure that it's not diluted or rubbed off by other products.
In addition, using SPF as the last step can help to prevent any potential interactions between the sunscreen and other products, which can reduce its effectiveness. By applying it as the final step, you can be sure that the SPF is working at its full potential to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays.
Overall, SPF is a crucial part of any skincare routine, as it helps to prevent premature ageing, sun damage, and the risk of skin cancer. It's essential to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high enough SPF for your skin type and reapply it throughout the day to ensure maximum protection.
What sort of SPF should I use for my skin type?
Here are some recommendations for each type of skin:
Normal Skin:
A lightweight, non-greasy SPF 30 or higher that absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a white cast should work well for normal skin types. Look for a formula with antioxidants like vitamin C or green tea to help protect against environmental damage. Here are some specific SPF recommendations for each skin type:
Acne-Prone Skin:
A lightweight, oil-free SPF with a matte finish can help to protect the skin without clogging pores. Look for a mineral-based formula with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which can help to reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts.
Sensitive Skin:
A gentle, fragrance-free mineral-based SPF with a physical barrier like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can help to protect sensitive skin without causing irritation or allergic reactions.
Oily Skin:
A lightweight, oil-free SPF with a matte finish can help to control excess oil production while protecting the skin. Consider using a mattifying primer or setting powder over the top to help control shine. Look for a formula with a non-comedogenic rating.
Combination Skin:
A lightweight, non-greasy SPF with a matte finish can help to protect the skin without causing excess oil production in the T-zone. Look for a formula with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help balance and nourish the skin.
Dry Skin:
A hydrating, nourishing SPF with added ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides can help to protect and hydrate dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Look for a formula with a non-greasy texture that won't exacerbate dryness.
Other Steps
Exfoliating
Exfoliating should generally be done after cleansing and before applying toners, serums, or moisturisers to your skincare routine. This will help to ensure that any dead skin cells or other debris on the surface of your skin are removed, allowing the products you apply afterwards to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively.
However, it's important to note that only some people need to exfoliate regularly. Over-exfoliation can damage the skin and cause irritation, so using exfoliants in moderation is essential based on your skin type and individual needs. As a general guideline, most people can exfoliate 1-2 times per week. However, some may only need to exfoliate every other week, while others may be able to tolerate exfoliating more frequently.
If you are new to exfoliating, starting slowly and using a gentle exfoliant that is appropriate for your skin type is essential. Avoid using scrubs with large or sharp particles that can damage the skin. Instead, opt for chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that can dissolve dead skin cells without needing physical scrubbing. Always follow the instructions on the product label and be gentle when applying exfoliants to avoid causing irritation or redness.
Eye Cream
Eye creams should typically be applied as the last step in your skincare routine after cleansing, toning, and applying any serums, moisturisers, or oils.
To apply eye cream:
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Gently dab a small amount of product around the eye area using your ring finger, the weakest finger and less likely to tug at the delicate skin around the eyes.
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Be careful not to apply the cream too close to your eyes, as it can irritate them.
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Allow the eye cream to absorb fully before applying makeup if desired.
Not everyone needs to use an eye cream, as the skin around the eyes can often be adequately moisturised by using a regular facial moisturiser. However, you may have specific concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, or fine lines. In that case, an eye cream formulated for those issues may be beneficial.