What order should you apply your skincare?
So you bought yourself a new product to add to your skincare regimen. You place it in your vanity and eagerly await the moment you get to open it up. Come time to wash up, and you have no clue when this new product should be applied in your routine. Is it before cleanser? After toner? Before face oil?
Let me help break it down for you and simplify the process of applying your skincare in the right order so you reap the benefits of all the ingredients.
The way I like to teach it is to layer your products from thinnest to thickest. This will help guarantee your skin reaps the most benefit of the ingredients and ensures that you really get the most out of your products.
Following the thinnest to thickest approach, here’s the product order that I recommend, post-cleansing (and your regular exfoliating session):
1) toner
2) essence/face mist
3) serum
4) moisturizer
5) face oil
6) sunscreen (in the am)
Cleanser
If you read my article on my Quick 4-Step Nighttime Skincare Routine, you already know the importance of washing your face. Cleansing your skin will help ensure that it is free of buildup and makeup, and will help your skin get prepped and ready for the rest of your routine.
Toner
After cleansing, using a toner will help balance your skin’s pH (which can easily be disturbed by cleansers and makeup removers). Using a toner can help get rid of any additional dirt, makeup, or grime left over from your initial cleanse, and will add supplemental beneficial ingredients to prep your skin for drinking in the products that follow.
Essence/Face Mists
Put simply, think of your pores like a sponge. After using an essence or face mist your pores (like a sponge) are slightly damp - much more prepared to absorb moisture than a completely dry sponge.
Serum
My favorite step. Serums are typically lightweight and almost water-like. Depending on the type of serum you choose, they pack strong ingredients that are formulated to penetrate deeper into your pores (that are now readily able to soak in the goods after prepping with a toner or mist), and provide your skin with a highly-concentrated boost of goodness. Whether it be chemical exfoliants, extra hydration, antioxidants, or nutrients, applying your serum immediately after applying an essence helps it get deep down into the pores, and allows your serum’s active ingredients to really do their jobs.
Moisturizer
Now is time to lock in all the benefits of the serum and toner with a moisturizer. Whether you prefer a lightweight moisturizer for your oily skin, or a rich cream for your dehydrated skin, applying a moisturizer after a toner and serum will help hydrate and balance your skin.
Face oil
After moisturizing, you can add a face oil to help prevent moisture loss. Using a face oil will help create a protective barrier between your skin and the air. Using one will also help lock in all the products you’ve already used and keep them from evaporating too quickly.
Sunscreen in the AM
All of these steps count for nothing if you don't protect your skin from the harsh sun during the day. Be sure to apply a facial SPF after your moisturizer or face oil during the day! A good sunscreen will sit on top of your skin, acting as a shield from harmful UVA or UVB rays that might prematurely age or damage it (and then what are all the other products good for?).
I hope you find this helpful! For more tips and tricks for your skincare routine be sure to follow me on instagram @eve_rebeccabeauty!
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