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Day in day out, we all apply one skincare product or another to our skin. So many times, we tend to apply these products randomly; turns out it does matter in which order we apply our skincare product. Applying them in the wrong order might reduce their effect on your skin or irritate the skin. Knowing the order of application is just as important as owning the product, none is mutually exclusive.
In this article, we discuss the right order to apply your skincare product to get a perfect result.
Why Does the Order Matter?
So, ask yourself, why does it matter to use your skin care products in the right order. Well, here is your answer. Skincare products have varying consistency; while some are water-based, others are creamy or oily. They also have different pH levels. This makes it important to know the order in which you apply them.
Listed below are some of the issues that might occur if applied in the wrong order.
Unable To Penetrate
The rule of thumb is to apply the thin/water-based product first and then the thicker ones after. If this is not done, the thicker products will prevent other thin skincare products from penetrating.
Not as Effective
For a skincare product to work properly, it needs to pierce into the skin. Layering products in the wrong order can prevent this from happening. In this case, you will not get the full benefit of the skincare product.
Irritate the Skin
Due to the varying chemical property, skincare products applied in the wrong order might cause skin irritation, thereby causing further damage to your skin.
Which Skin Care Order Should You Follow?
This section will highlight the order to apply your skincare products to achieve the best possible result.
1. Apply Facial Cleanser
This is one of the very first steps to take while caring for your skin. Daily, your skin goes through a process called perspiration, whereby it releases sweat to regulate the body temperature—coupled with previous skincare products applied on the skin, make-up, etc.
Your skin is designed to naturally keep things out. Skincare products are made in such a way that the skin can absorb and make use of them. For your skin to do this, it needs to be clean and totally free of oil and dirt. This makes cleaning the skin very important.
Simply cleaning with warm water might just be enough sometimes. If you are the type that your skin produces quite an amount of oil, you might have to consider using a facial cleanser. There are basically two kinds of cleansers to choose from: Oil-based cleansers and water-based cleansers.
To effectively clean your face, the first step is to use cleansing oil to remove previous make-up then follow up with a creamy cleanser to finish the job. Rinse off with some warm water. Dry your face with a soft towel after doing this.
2. Use a Toner
Even after cleansing, there might still be some dirt left, either stuck in your pores or just hanging around. Yes, a cleanser can only do so much. To clear off this excess dirt, you would need to make use of a toner.
Toners are previously known to irritate the skin, leaving some stinging sensation after use. This is because most of them are alcohol-based, which tends to be harsh on the skin. Of recent, toners have been made a whole lot better, made to be gentler and with a balanced pH.
They basically prepare the skin to better absorb other products and also clear off leftover dirt after using a facial cleanser. Toners can also play other roles like treating acne, reducing dryness, and reduce aging.
After proper cleaning and rinsing of the face, the next step is to apply the toner to the face. Take a soft cotton pad and soak it with toner; wipe it gently on your face, neck, and chest. This can be done twice a day, depending on the skin type. Those with dry skin should consider using the toner every other day.
3. Mildly Apply Serum
Serums are designed to address specific concerns about your skin. They are super-concentrated and nutrient-based. This is why they need to be applied early on, as close to the skin as possible. Serums should be used with respect to how sensitive the skin is because they can be a little strong.
Vitamin C serum is recommended to be used in the morning and a serum filled with hyaluronic acid at night. Serum protects the skin from environmental pollutants and reduces the skin’s inflammatory response.
4. Apply Eye Cream
Due to the tenderness of the skin in the eye region, you need to pay attention and take care of it. It can age faster, showing signs of puffiness and darkness. The eye area lacks the ability to moisturize itself due to the lack of oil glands. It is your duty to keep it hydrated.
Eye cream needs to be applied to the eye area consistently. Experts advise applying eye cream no later than when you are in your 20s. This will prevent the eyelid from having fine lines and aging faster.
Apply eye cream in the morning and also at night. A simple hydrating eye cream will do in both cases.
5. Use Spot Treatment
Spot treatment is also essential in your skincare product kit. They help take care of the blemish, acne, and dark spots. Due to their high concentration, spot treatment should not be applied all over your face.
Although this skincare product is mostly used at night, it can also be used in the morning or at any other time. They need to be applied as close to the skin as possible. Use the spot treatment before applying your moisturizer so they would work faster.
Spot treatment with hydroquinone is great for treating dark spots and acne, although they can easily irritate your skin if you have a sensitive one. Benzoyl peroxide can work effectively against pimples.
Each product differs in how they work, so check your product packaging for the best way to apply the treatment.
6. Apply a Moisturizer
Moisturizer helps in lubricating the skin. It essentially helps to maintain the skin and reduce the chances of skin problems. It also helps keep previous products trapped underneath so they can be more effective. Although the skin naturally lubricates itself, this doesn’t rule out applying a moisturizing cream. Everybody needs to use moisturizers, no matter the type of skin.
Choosing a moisturizer depends on the kind of skin you have, whether oily or dry. People with dry skin can opt for a thicker cream, while those with oily skin can go for something a little more lightweight.
To effectively use this product, squeeze a little in your hand and rub it together to warm it up. Then apply to your entire face gently.
7. Essence
Its texture may be similar to toners but they play a different role. This is applied after using moisturizer and before applying lotion. Due to their small molecules, it is harder for the skin to absorb them if used after lotion and cream. It has anti-aging properties and is really good for the skin.
8. Face oil
Face oil helps keep previous products on the face. Oil can easily penetrate other skincare products, but it cannot be penetrated. This is why it is applied last. They keep other products trapped while making sure they work effectively. Although people with oily skin might not really need to apply face oil, however, there is face oil suited for people with oily skin.
This product gives the skin a certain glow after application and easily soothe irritated skin.
9. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important skincare product that should be worn all the time. The skin is quite sensitive and needs to be protected from harsh weather conditions, and this is where sunscreen comes into play. We have two types: the physical and the mineral sunscreen.
It is recommended to use a physical sunscreen when applying heavy skincare product like the moisturizer. This is mainly because the mineral sunscreen needs to be absorbed directly into the skin to be effective. Applying moisturizer before the mineral sunscreen will hinder it from working effectively.
Zinc is a common physical sunscreen that can be applied after using moisturizer. It protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
Does Timing Matter?
Yes, it does matter. Due to the fact that it takes some time for these products to be absorbed into the skin, paying attention to when you use each skincare product is very important.
Although it might be hard to keep track of the time you use these products, it is much better to stick to a simple skincare routine.
Conclusion
Taking care of your skin is quite important. Knowing how to do it the right way is even more important. Ensure you follow the recommended steps discussed above to apply your skincare products correctly.
Also pay close attention what time of the day gives you the best result after applying your skincare products.
