Whether you’re a skincare pro or just getting started, the correct order to layer your skin care products is key to achieving your desired complexion. Without it, some ingredients might irritate your skin or your expensive serums may be rendered ineffective.
Cleansing always takes precedence, removing anything that’s accumulated overnight (like leftover hair product from your pillowcase) or left behind on your face during the day. Toning is next to help remove any lingering residue from the cleanser and prep your skin for your serum step.
What is the Correct Order of Applying Skin Care Products?
If you want to get glowing skin, you need to apply your skincare products in the right order. The wrong order can sabotage your routine and cause it to fail.
The correct order to layer your skin care products is important for two reasons:
1. The correct order ensures that all the ingredients in each product penetrate your skin, and 2. The correct order helps you get the most out of your skincare routine.
To determine the correct order, you should think about how each of the ingredients in your skincare products works to address your specific concerns and goals. This may include hydration, anti-aging, brightening, protection against pollutants or other elements, and much more.
One common rule of thumb when it comes to layering your skin care is to start with the driest products in the routine and move towards creamier ones at the end.
For example, a toner should be applied before a moisturizer as this will help the toner absorb more easily into your skin.
Another rule of thumb is to avoid slathering on heavy, stripping astringents as this can be drying to your skin. You should also be sure to give your skin a few seconds between each step of your routine to allow it to absorb the products. This will also prevent your skin from pilling, which happens when you use too much of a product at once.
Here is a detailed guide to the correct order to layer your skincare products and get glowing skin.
Cleanser and Exfoliants
Cleansers are used to remove dirt, makeup, sweat, and other daily pollutants from your skin. They help prevent clogged pores, infections, and other cosmetic issues like dullness from dead skin buildup and excessive oily shine due to sebum production.
Most cleansers are a liquid that can be applied directly to your face to dissolve dirt and other impurities from your skin. They usually contain a pH-balanced base to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils. They also often include fragrances or essential oils to add a pleasant scent.
The general rule is to apply your cleanser first, then tone, and then moisturizer. Getting this order right will ensure that your skincare products soak into your skin to provide noticeable results.
Choosing the correct order to layer your skincare products can be tricky. However, if you get it right, you’ll have glowing skin that looks and feels amazing!
Toner
Toners are another essential skincare step that can rebalance your skin and prep it for the next products in your routine. They come in a variety of types, from hydrating to exfoliating and more.
Serum
When it comes to skincare, there are a lot of questions that pop up. Whether it’s which product goes before which or how you should apply your face oil, a lot of conflicting information can lead to confusion and frustration.
If you’re not sure what order to layer your skincare products, the answer is simple: start with cleansers and exfoliants, which are designed to remove dead skin cells and dirt. Then follow with toners and essences, which help to hydrate and prep the skin for your serum and moisturizer.
Serums, on the other hand, can address a variety of skin concerns, including wrinkles, acne, and discoloration. They can also contain a variety of active ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol.
To get the most out of your serum, it’s important to understand what each ingredient does. For example, vitamin C works to brighten the complexion, while hyaluronic acid helps to keep skin hydrated and plump.
Some serums may also include antioxidants, which can help reduce redness and wrinkles. But be aware that some serums contain acids that can be irritating, so be sure to test them on a small patch of your skin before committing to using them all over your face.
In general, though, you should apply serums in the order of thinnest to thickest consistency. This will help ensure that the active ingredients are able to penetrate all of the layers of your skin.
Moisturizer
If you aren’t sure what order to apply your moisturizer or which one to use, consult with an esthetician or ask a friend for advice.
The best way to decide is to test out different formulas on small sections of your skin. This will give you a better idea of how your skin reacts to various treatments, so you can choose the most effective one for your needs. Using the right skin care products will help you achieve a healthy and youthful glow that lasts.
Eye Cream
Your eye area is your skin’s thinnest layer, so it’s important to use a skincare product designed specifically for the eyes before any other cream or moisturizer. This allows the eye cream’s active ingredients to penetrate into the skin and work more effectively, which is especially important if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Regardless of what type of eye cream you choose, it should be hydrating and contain ingredients that help minimize fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, says Dr. Rao. Look for a formula that contains ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to provide moisture.
The best way to apply an eye cream is with the ring or pinky finger, starting in the inner corner of your eye and working outward. Gently tap a pea-sized amount into the area beneath your eyes, using light pressure to avoid tugging or pulling at the delicate skin.
Some eye creams are specially formulated with ingredients that reduce puffiness, says Doyle. Consider one that is packed with caffeine to tighten the delicate eye area, as well as ginseng and lutein, a powerful antioxidant that will brighten the under-eyes and make them look less tired.
We also recommend choosing an eye cream that contains a cold-steel rollerball applicator to help with fluid retention and bags, which can be caused by drooping fat pads and loss of skin elasticity.
It’s also a good idea to store any eye-care tools in the fridge before or after use to de-puff, refresh, and soothe your eyes.
Sunscreen
If you’re like most people, you probably have an extensive skincare routine. You use a lot of different products but aren’t sure which ones are the most effective.
To get the most out of your skincare regimen, you need to add sunscreen. When it comes to using sunscreen on your skin, there are many benefits that come with it. Not only does it help prevent sunburns, but it also helps to keep you safe from certain types of skin cancer.
1. It Prevents UV-Induced Photoaging
The UV rays that penetrate the skin can prematurely age your skin. This can cause a thick, leathery look to your skin, as well as discoloration and a breakdown of collagen.
2. It Reduces Wrinkles and Sagging
Using sunscreen regularly helps to prevent these signs of aging. It also makes it easier for your body to produce more collagen, which essentially keeps your skin young and healthy.
3. It Reduces Blotchiness on the Face
When you use good quality sunscreen, it can help to prevent blotchiness and red veins on your face.
4. It Reduces the Risk of Skin Cancer
When you apply sunscreen daily, it helps to reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.
5. It Protects Your Skin from Harmful Ultraviolet Light
This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your skin from damage. The harmful rays of the sun can cause severe burns and other forms of skin cancer, especially for people with darker skin.
It is extremely important to use good quality sunscreen every time you go outdoors, regardless of your skin type or the time of year. The key is to choose a sunscreen that suits your needs and reapply it every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.
Conclusion
Getting the correct order to layer your skincare products is crucial for getting glowing skin. If you apply your products in the wrong order, they can be absorbed into your skin ineffectively and make your complexion look dull and dry.
You may be using your face moisturizer or night cream in the wrong order, or you might be applying your serum before your eye cream or anti-aging cream. No matter which order you apply your skincare products in, there are a few mistakes you need to avoid.
The incorrect order to layer your skincare products can lead to a lot of problems, such as acne and irritated skin. Here are some tips to help you get your skincare routine on the right track.
First of all, make sure that you have a cleanser and toner that is suitable for your skin type. You can choose from a variety of formulas, including liquid toner, spray toner, or gel toner.
Once you’ve chosen a toner, you should rinse your hands and use clean fingertips to gently pat it on your skin. This will remove any residue from your hands and help to ensure that you don’t transfer bacteria to your face.
You can also use your hand to spritz your toner on your face and neck once you’ve finished using your fingers to pat it in. Then, wait for a few seconds before you begin to pat it again. This will ensure that your skin is able to absorb the toner more effectively.
