In What Order Do I Apply My Skin Care Products?

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We asked skin experts the question - If you've ever wondered what order to apply your skincare products, or if it even matters, we've got you covered. As it turns out, it does indeed!

1. Here's why the sequence is important
2. A step-by-step guide to a layering skincare product
3. A Guide to Your Daytime Daytime Routine
       3.1. CLEANSER
       3.2. TONER
       3.3. ANTIOXIDANT SERUM
       3.4. EYE CREAM
       3.5. SPOT TREATMENT
       3.6. MOISTURIZER
       3.7. SUNSCREEN

4. A Guide to Your Nighttime Routine
       4.1. CLEANSER (Double)
       4.2. TONERS, ESSENCES, AND BOOSTERS
       4.3. EYE CREAM
       4.4. TREATMENTS, SERUMS, AND PEELS
       4.5. MOISTURIZER or NIGHT CREAM

5. The importance of timing cannot be overemphasized
6. Conclusion

Here's why the sequence is important

According to Dr. Heather Rogers, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, applying your skincare products in the proper order ensure that your skin receives the full benefits of each product.

“The order of application is incredibly important,” says Dr. Rogers. “The skin’s job is to keep things out, but many of the skincare products we use have ingredients we want to get in. Only a very small amount of these key ingredients can penetrate the skin, even when perfectly formulated and perfectly applied. If you don’t apply products in the correct order, you will not see the best results from your skincare regimen.”

A step-by-step guide to layering skincare products:

So which product goes on top of what, you ask? An easy rule of thumb to follow is to apply your products with the thinnest consistency to thickest, or from liquid to cream. “In general, think thin-to-thick, but you also want to first use the products with the ingredients that are most important to penetrate into the skin (like antioxidants in serums) and finish with the products that need to sit on top of the skin (like emollients and humectants in moisturizers),”.

A Guide to Your Daytime Daytime Routine:

Apply My Skin Care Products - Prosper Diet Program

The morning routine is all about protection from the sun, pollution, and the elements, so leave your peel pads and treatment products, like retinol, for the night.

#1 CLEANSER:

In the morning, start by splashing your face with warm water or, if you must wash with a gentle face cleanser designed for your skin type.

#2 TONER:

In part, this is because most people believe that most toners are harsh and irritate the skin. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. In addition to being able to deliver antioxidants, vitamin-B derivatives, and even toning acids, the new breed of toners can also be used as a delivery system for antioxidants and acids. There are several different types of toner, and it's important to use the right one for your skin concern.

However, if you have lived all your life without using a toner and your skin looks healthy. “Toners were created to help return the skin’s pH after it became too basic from harsh soaps,”. “Face cleansers are now so much better balanced than toners are not a required step for me.” If you have a toner that you like using, there’s no harm in sticking with it.

#3 ANTIOXIDANT SERUM:

It is best to keep serums as close to the skin as possible because they are highly concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address specific concerns. Because antioxidant serums provide a variety of benefits — from reducing inflammation to neutralizing UV rays and environmental pollutants — they are recommended for use during the day.

#4 EYE CREAM:

According to Dr. Annie Chiu, a board-certified dermatologist, it’s vital to apply an eye cream at least every night—if not twice a day—starting in your 20s. “It’s about maintaining the health and thickness of the eyelid skin. Improving the skin quality in this area early on ensures that the eyelid skin does not easily lose laxity and its smooth appearance later on.”

Consistency is essential for achieving the best results. In the long run, the regular use of eye cream will help to maintain the elasticity of the eyelid skin, as well as improve or prevent fine lines and collagen loss. Keep in mind that nothing is magical. Dr. Chiu adds that results do not appear overnight. Choosing an eye cream with SPF or applying sunscreen daily will help protect the delicate skin around your eyes. When going outside, Dr. Chiu advises people to wear sunglasses to protect themselves from UV damage and wrinkles that can form around the corners of their eyes from squinting.

#5 SPOT TREATMENT:

According to Dr. Diane De Fiori, a dermatologist at Rosacea Treatment Clinic, prescription medications, and acne spot treatments need to be applied as close to the skin as possible to maximize their benefits.

As acne spot treatments differ inactive ingredients, check your product packaging or consult your dermatologist for the best way to apply it. Prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, a common acne spot treatment ingredient, has a one-to-three-hour working time, according to esthetician and acne specialist Ashley Wiley. “Any cream that comes in contact with it before it has completed its work will likely inhibit the active ingredient from working properly.”

Remember that acne spot treatments can dry out your skin, so always apply only to spots where you need them.

#6 MOISTURIZER:

Everybody, even those with oily skin, needs a moisturizer. Dermatologist Dr. Sandra Kopp says that even though the body has its own natural lubricating system, which is comprised of glands that secrete oil (or sebum), many people still require additional moisture after sun, weather, and harsh chemicals damage their skin.

In general, experts recommend applying moisturizers while the skin is still damp, so the sooner you apply your serum and treatment, the sooner you can lock in much-needed hydration.

Your moisturizer's active ingredients may interfere with your acne spot treatment if you're using it.

#7 SUNSCREEN:

Sunscreen should be the last step in your daytime skincare routine if you’re using a physical or mineral sunscreen, which works by physically blocking UV rays. This step becomes tricky when you’re using chemical sunscreen.

According to Dr. Heather Rogers, “Chemical sunscreens have to be absorbed into the skin to be effective, so applying after your moisturizer will delay and hinder that. However, if you apply your chemical sunscreen before your moisturizer, your moisturizer will not work as well either because the skin is coated with chemical sunscreen.”

Use a physical sunscreen with zinc and apply it after your moisturizer to get around this. As a result of its broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, zinc is safe and effective.

As for those who like using chemical sunscreens, try to look for a formula that offers moisturizing benefits, so you can get your daily hydration needs while protecting your skin.

A Guide to Your Nighttime Routine

Skin repairs itself at night, so your nighttime routine should focus on classifying and supplying what your skin requires. Dull skin should be exfoliated. It should be moisturized and protected if it's irritating." As a guide, here is the best order in which to use skincare products.

#1 CLEANSER (Double):

To get rid of the day’s grime, dirt, oil, and makeup, some experts recommend removing your makeup first with a dedicated makeup remover before washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Better yet, try double cleansing, which involves using a cleansing oil first to dissolve your makeup and then washing your face again with your regular cleanser.

#2 TONERS, ESSENCES, AND BOOSTERS:

Toner should be applied in the morning.

Some people like to use different types of skincare boosters at night. These are usually mists, essences, beauty waters, or hydrating (hyaluronic acid) serums, among others. Infused with various active ingredients, these products are primarily designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, with some exceptions.

Since these are lightweight, almost water-like formulas; apply them after washing your face as you would a toner. “If using both, apply toner then essence,”

“Toner is more to clean and essence is more about delivering a treatment.” If using multiple boosters, the same rules apply: apply from thinnest to thickest.

#3 EYE CREAM:

Eye creams can help reduce the appearance of crow's feet and dark circles, as well as protect the delicate eye area from other skincare products.

Applying eye cream before treatments helps protect your eyes from potent ingredients that could irritate them.

#4 TREATMENTS, SERUMS, AND PEELS:

Just like the rest of the body, the majority of skin repair, restoration, and restoration occurs while we are sleeping. Night-time use is recommended for the majority of targeted skincare products, such as prescription medications (tretinoin, acne, and rosacea creams), retinol creams, exfoliating treatments (peel pads and masks), and anti-aging serums (infused with peptides and growth factors), among others. Dr. Rogers recommends choosing your evening treatment based on your skin's current needs, rather than layering all of your serums and creams.

It's been said that taking too many steps increases the risk of irritation and reduces your chances of getting the desired result. - “Pick your evening treatment based on what your skin needs that night, not based on what you have in your medicine cabinet. Some nights, it may be just washed, moisturize and bed. There is always tomorrow to give your skin more love.”

Here are a few more things to consider:

Choose between prescription meds (for acne or rosacea) OR exfoliative treatments (like AHA/BHA pads, peels, or detoxifying masks). Allergic reactions are significantly increased when you use both products at the same time.

Retinol creams (over-the-counter or prescription) should never be used the same night as exfoliative treatments.

Exfoliative treatments: Use these sparingly, one to three times a week.

#5 MOISTURIZER or NIGHT CREAM:

The same moisturizer is used by some people both during the day and at night. Night moisturizers or night creams, on the other hand, are typically thicker and heavier and are designed to be absorbed over a period of time.

Skin is protected from water evaporation while you sleep by using a moisturizer, especially one that is thicker and used at night. High water content in the skin is essential for healing and maintaining healthy skin. " When using the right moisturizer, it should be the last step because nothing will get through it." Before applying your night cream, you may want to add face oil if your skin is dry or flaky.

The importance of timing cannot be overemphasized:

Some experts believe it's important to consider the time it takes for your skin to absorb your products in addition to the order in which they're applied. Because we are often in a hurry to get somewhere (or hit the sack), Simple advice - Keep your skin-care routine as simple as you can manage.

'Many products state that you need to wait anywhere from five to thirty minutes before moving on, but who has the time?' "If you make it too difficult, you won't do it,".

Allow each product time to react with the skin when using multiple steps. When I wash my face and apply my serum or evening treatment at night, I simply finish my day and go to bed. Before I go to bed, I apply my moisturizer to give these expensive specialty treatments just a little extra time to penetrate the skin before I seal them in with my cream."

A final word of advice? Pay attention to your skin's triggers. Your skin is unique and no one else has it, so take pride in that! There is no right or wrong way to take care of your skin, no matter what the experts may say.

Conclusion:

Have questions about your skincare routine and want a quick reference? Take a look at our ultimate cheat sheet in the gallery below!

In What Order Do I Apply My Skin Care Products?