You know the importance of a good skincare routine. You probably even know which ingredients don’t mix well. But do you know the correct product order for your skincare routine? In fact, the order in which you apply your products is vitally important, according to dermatologists and estheticians. The products may look different, depending on your skin type, but the order is relatively the same. Follow these easy steps and discover how your skin will benefit.
Daytime Skincare Product Order
Let’s begin with the products you should wear during the day. They will look similar to your nighttime routine, with a few variations, which we’ll explain.
Start with a Cleanser
In the daytime, start with a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser. Your first cleanser is designed to clean oil, dirt, grime, and unclog pores.
Apply a Serum
There are six different types of serums. Choose your serum(s) according to your skin needs. For example, if you struggle with hyperpigmentation, you should buy a skin brightening serum with niacinamide. Apply serum(s) after your cleanser.
Time to Moisturize
Everyone should moisturize, even if they have oily skin. Apply a couple of spritz of face wash before moisturizing. Damp skin allows the moisturizer to penetrate deeper, which better hydrates the skin.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
The viscosity of your products will indicate which to apply last. The rule of thumb is to apply the thickest products last. In this case, sunscreen should be the final product for two reasons: its viscosity, as it’s thicker than your other products, and UV protection. Never go without sunscreen, even in the winter months.
Nighttime Skincare Product Order
You should always adjust the products in your nighttime routine to remove:
- Dirt
- Makeup
- Debris
- Pollution
The ingredients in your product are also important as they should be restorative. When building your nighttime routine, look for ingredients that restore the skin barrier that was damaged throughout the day, like niacinamide, retinol, and ceramides.
Makeup Remover
If you wear makeup, your nighttime routine should begin with a makeup remover. While it won’t cleanse your skin like a face wash, it will remove the first layer of makeup, lessening the work of your cleanser and providing a more effective clean.
Second Cleanser
The cleanser you wear at night should work to remove makeup, oil, dirt, and grime. Its defining difference from the morning cleanser is that it’s tailored to your skin type. Yes, always make sure your second cleanser treats the problems of your skin types, such as dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin.
More Serums
You can alternate between serums or use multiple during your nightly routine. Just make sure the ingredients interact well. If you decide to alternate, we recommend using a retinol serum at night, as most retinoids can increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Moisturizer…Again
It’s recommended to moisturize your skin at least twice daily. We advise doing it in the morning and at night.
High-Quality Night Cream
Finish off your routine with a high-quality night cream. When you use the right one, it can do wonders in restoring your skin as you sleep. Not only does it deeply hydrate and replenish your skin, but it also minimizes signs of aging (i.e., lines, wrinkles, sunspots), improving its tone and texture. It’s a necessary step to waking up looking rejuvenated and (hopefully) younger than before.
Now that you know the correct order for your skincare routine, it's time to apply these steps daily!
