Whether you are a skincare newbie, enthusiast or have always been interested in having healthy-looking skin, knowing the correct skincare order of products is more important than which skincare products you should be using. Applying your skincare products in an incorrect order may cause for no improvement in your skin issues and you will just end up wasting products. The basic overarching rule to the correct order is to layer your products from the thinnest consistency (essences and serums) to the thickest (moisturisers and non-comedogenic oils).
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1. Cleanser
Whether morning or night, cleansing is always the first step of your skincare routine. However, some experts argue that you should only cleanse at night, and that there is no reason to cleanse your skin in the morning. But this only applies if you have done your skincare the night before. I personally cleanse my skin morning and night, and I use a mild exfoliating cleanser to do this. But you need to do what works for you.
Exfoliating cleansers are my personal favourite. I find it easier to incorporate exfoliators in my skincare routine as cleansers. It is not only convenient, but it also shortens the order of skincare products. My favourite cleanser of all times is the Cerave Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid. This cleanser is very affordable for the ingredients it contains. It has ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which helps with hydration and retaining moisture in your skin. The salicylic acid is the exfoliating ingredient, which helps remove dead skin cells from the top layer of your skin.
2. Toner
After cleansing, adding a toner is next in the order of skincare products. Toners are not a must, but can be very beneficial to your skin if used correctly. Toners are like that extra boost of good skincare ingredients.Your choice of toner, will depend on your skin concerns. Different toners can help even out your complexion, boost the skin’s hydration, help with inflammation, acne and the appearance of pores. A favourite one of mine is Pixi Vitamin C tonic, which helps with brightening your skin and even out your complexion.
Another way you can add toners to your skin care is with sheet masks. Sheet masks are super thin cotton sheets, which are basically marinated in a liquid. This is composed of whichever skincare ingredient you are in need. They usually one time use, but the sheets are soaked in skincare goodness to nourish your skin. The Holika Holika Pure Essence masks are very affordable and I usually buy them in bulk. That’s how much I love them.
Please remember that the order of this skincare product should be right after cleansing. This is because your skin is freshly washed and ready to absorb your skincare products.
3. Serum
So you’ve cleansed and toned, now what? Now is the time to either use one or layer your serums. Your choice of serums will greatly depend on which skin issue you want to tackle. Here is a short list of my favourite serums based on my skin concerns so far:
- Dry and dehydrated skin: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid. This serum makes my skin look so plum the next morning!
- Oily and congested skin: NIP + FAB Fix Serum Extreme 2%. This one is amazing at clearing your pores as this is a chemical exfoliator.
- Uneven skin tone and dull complexion: The Ordinary Niacinamide & Zinc. This serum has great consistency, a cult favourite. Another amazing serum is the Holika Holika 3 Second Starter Serum with Vita Complex, this is a great Korean skincare brand with pretty affordable products.
Make sure to apply your serum when your skin is still damp. This causes better absorption of all the vitamins and nutrients into your skin.
4. Moisturiser
After applying all your treatments it is now time to seal all the goodness with a moisturiser. This step is like a ‘sealant’ to prevent dryness as the day goes on. My absolute favourite is this one by Embryolisse.
5. Sunscreen
To protect your skin from the harsh UV rays from the sun, finish your skincare routine with sunscreen. This is a non-negotiable step, and you should be applying it everyday. Wearing sunscreen helps prevent sun damage, aging and helps to even out your skin tone.
The La-Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen with SPF 50, is an amazing sunscreen. This sunscreen is dark-skin girl friendly, because it leaves no white cast and it melts into your skin
You should be aiming for sun-screen with a minimum of SPF 30, because it better protects your skin against harmful UV rays.
If your moisturiser already has a minimum of SPF 30, then you can skip this step and just go on about your day.
So what do you think? Is this too many steps for you? Or are you ready on reaping the full benefits of your skincare products, by using the correct order of skincare products? Comment down below and let me know your thoughts.
Rosie Ireland says
Yes yes yes to all of this. I recently changed up my toner and now use Mavala’s and WOW what a difference!
My skin is so much happier!
Rosie
Erika Mane says
Thank you for your comment. I’ll definitely be checking out the Mavala’s toner!