How should you rank your skincare routine?
Since everyone’s skin structure and needs are different, of course, the ideal routine will also be different, but there are some general rules to maximize the effects of skin care products due to their structure and to reduce the risk of irritation.
How should the morning skin care routine be ordered?
Cleanser: Cleanse your skin of anything that has accumulated overnight, such as hair products or sweat stuck to your pillowcase.
Tonic: Moisturize and degrease your skin, and the tonic will increase the effectiveness of the products you will use later.
Serum: Use in order from the thinnest to the most dense product.
Moisturizing: Restore the moisture lost by the skin overnight.
Sunscreen: Protect skin from UVA/UVB rays and free radical damage, even when you’re at home
How should the night skin care routine be ordered?
Oil-based cleanser: Remove dirt, oil, sunscreen and make-up accumulated during the day.
Water-based cleanser: Complete your dual-phase cleansing to clean pores and remove residue.
Tonic: Moisturize and degrease your skin, and the tonic will increase the effectiveness of the products you will use later.
Serum: Use in order from the thinnest to the most dense product.
Moisturizer: Restore the moisture lost during the day to the skin barrier.
Face oil: Lock moisture into the skin to strengthen your skin barrier.
How to create a skin care routine according to needs?
You can consult your doctor for products that are outside of the classical steps. There are known truths for some frequently used products.
Retinol-containing products are recommended to be used after a moisturizer to reduce the possibility of skin irritation and increase absorption. Since it is light sensitive, retinol should only be applied at night.
Peeling products should be applied immediately after cleansing the skin and 1-2 times a week.
If you are applying a mask, the situation may vary according to the mask’s instructions, but it is essential to apply it to cleansed skin. Apply immediately after cleansing if the mask needs to be rinsed off (like exfoliating), or just before your moisturizer if it needs to stay overnight.
When topical treatments are needed, you can often add them to the last step of your evening routine. If you want to apply a tape to the acne area, you may want to wipe the area with a clean tissue so that it sticks.
If your eye area is more sensitive, try applying your care right after your toner and before any serum. If not, this step can be before or after your humidifier.
This outline can guide you to create a classic routine, and you can shape your routine as you get to know your skin and with expert advice.