Whether you follow a simple and quick routine or have time for a full regimen, the sequence in which you apply your products counts.
Why? Well, it’s because your skin care products only work the best when you use them in the correct order. Otherwise, a routine is no use if the products cannot penetrate your skin.
In the following discussion, we will discuss the exact steps to follow and how to use it, along with recommending which items to try based on your skin type.
What is the ideal skincare routine?
Here are the steps to a successful skincare routine:
1. Cleanser
Whether morning or night, face cleansing is the number one step in any skincare routine. This step is essential and needs to be done properly as it cleanses away all the dirt, impurities, and excess oil which can clog the pores and dull skin.
Here’s how to choose the finest facial cleanser for daily cleansing based on your skin type:
- Oily skin: Look for a foamy or gel cleanser. It will remove extra dirt and oil from your skin. Niacinamide and salicylic acid are two chemicals that can help control and remove extra oil.
- Acne-prone skin: If you have acne-prone skin, you must opt for a mild foamy cleanser containing acne-busting chemicals like salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
- Dry skin: To hydrate dry skin, look for a cream or balm recipe including ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical oils.
- Sensitive skin: Try a micellar-infused cleanser. It is an incredibly mild cleanser containing microscopic particles known as micelles for catching pollutants and lifting them away without drying your skin.
How to use it?
Wash your face with cool water and rub a small amount of gentle cleanser into your palms. After then, gently massage it into your wet skin and wash with clean running water until you have removed the cleanser and grime.
2. Toner
After washing the face with your cleanser, your second skincare step is applying a toner. They are designed to remove dead skin cells and dirt, balancing the pH level and hydrating the skin.
Depending on your skin type, the following substances are the ones you should search for:
- Acne-prone skin: If your skin is prone to acne, look for a toner with hydroxy acids, such as salicylic acid and lactic acid, which promote cell turnover.
- Dry/sensitive skin: For dry or sensitive skin, look for a moisturizing toner prepared without drying alcohol and with calming components like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
- Combination skin: A moderate exfoliation, hydration-improving ingredients, and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea are good for combination skin since they can fight off free radicals and prevent skin damage.
- Oily skin: Look for astringents that tighten pores, such as witch hazel.
How to use it?
Following a thorough cleansing, tap directly into the skin or onto a cotton pad and swipe it over your face in an outward motion.
3. Serum
Serums contain a high concentration of specific chemicals, which works actively as a skin shield from harm by unstable molecules known as free radicals.
Use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid serum at night to prevent your skin from drying out, mainly if you use acne or anti-aging products that might irritate and dry out your skin.
How to use it?
Put 3-4 drops on your hand and pat it on the face and neck.
4. Eye cream
Your eye area’s skin is one of the thinnest and most delicate. However, it is prone to aging symptoms like fine lines, puffiness, and dullness. Although it won’t resolve all problems, a good eye cream can tighten up, smooth, and brighten the area.
For lessening dark circles, look for niacinamide or vitamin C products; for puffiness, opt for caffeine-containing products. And to avoid wrinkles and aging, formulations with peptides and retinol are the preferable option.
How to use it?
Use your ring finger to dab a little bit onto the eye region.
5. Moisturizer
Next comes face moisturizer; they are used to calm and soften the skin while strengthening the barrier. Choose a cream or balm if you have dry skin. On normal or combination skin, thicker creams work best.
For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a lighter moisturizer during the day, such as a lotion or gel that absorbs fast and doesn’t peel beneath makeup.
On the other hand, if you have sensitive skin, look for formulations that are hypoallergenic and fragrance- and alcohol-free.
How to use it?
Take a portion slightly larger than a pea and warm it in your hands. Apply with upward strokes to the cheeks first, then move on to the rest of the face.
6. Sunscreen
This is the last step of your daily skincare routine. But it is equally important as any other above steps. From blocking the harmful UV rays to preventing skin cancer and aging signs—they play quite a big role.
You must use sunscreen as your moisturizer usually doesn’t have SPF. When choosing a sunscreen, look for one with a broad-spectrum SPF.
How to use it?
Massage it liberally all over your face. Apply it between 15 and 30 minutes before going outside. Never top-apply skin care over sunscreen because doing this can dilute/weaken the sunscreen.
Conclusion
Starting a skincare routine is never too soon or too late. Even young children can learn good skin care habits by washing their faces in the morning and before bed and wearing sunscreen during the day. Now that you know the ideal skincare routine follow and use them as instructed, along with the suggestions to enjoy healthy skin.
