After my latest facial appointment, where I quizzed the esthetician, I realized I’ve been applying my skincare products all wrong. So today I want to share exactly how you’re supposed to apply skincare products for the best results.
Note that I don’t work in the skincare industry. I’m just a 30-something with sensitive skin who falls asleep far too often in my makeup!
Once a week I use a micro needling roller, which helps your skin absorb product. With any serum or other facial product, if it’s just going to sit on top of your skin, it’s not going to really do anything. The micro needling roller creates tiny pricks in the skin where the product can seep in. It sounds really dramatic, but you get used to the feel of it!
My skincare line up:
Beauty tools:
The correct order to apply skin care products
If there’s one thing you should remember from this entire post, it’s to go from lightest formula to heaviest. Start with the lightest formula product and move on to the heaviest formula.
Step One: Cleanser
Cleanser: Wash with your favorite cleanser to help you start with the cleanest base! My go-to is this purifying face wash, which I sometimes use with my Clarisonic but usually just use with my hands. If I’ve been running around with a lot of makeup on, I’ll do a makeup remover wipe before I go to my cleanser.
Makeup removing wipes
Step Two: Exfoliate
Exfoliate: Super important for removing dead skin cells from your face. Look for ingredients like alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids, lactic acid, and/or glycolic acid.
Step Three: Toner
Toner: Remove all of your exfoliation before following up with a toner, And never use a toner with alcohol in it, because it can dry out your skin.
Biologique Recherche P50 toner that has a total cult following
Step Four: Treatments & Serum
Treatments & Serum: I love the SkinCeuticals Complexion Corrector, which is formulated for sensitive skin. If it’s night time, I’ll add in my Retinol (every other night). You don’t want to use Retinol in the morning because it can break down from daylight/UV/oxygen exposure, which can do harm to your skin. This is also when you’d add in your spot treatments (like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for breakouts).
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel (for hydrating and calming skin)
Spot treatment for breakouts
Skin brightening serum
Step Five: Eye Cream
Cream: Next comes any eye cream (pat, don’t rub!). Eye creams are thinner than regular moisturizers, and you’ll want this to soak in before your general moisturizer.
Step Six: Moisturizer
Moisturizer: Add your moisturizer on top, and don’t forget to spread it not just on your face but on your neck as well. Don’t neglect your neck!
Step Seven: Oils
Oils: If you use a facial oil, this would go on after your moisturizer. Oils can penetrate moisturizer but not the other way around.
Step Eight: SPF
SPF: If this were a daytime routine, now is when you would add in your SPF! I always wear SPF during the day, even in the wintertime.
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