Does the order of your skincare routine really matter?
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Your skin type will determine what products you need in your skincare routine, but the order in which you use them also matters. For best results, your morning routine should be slightly different from your evening routine.
Does the order of your skincare routine really matter?
The order in which you apply products also affects how effective they are on your skin. In general, products should be applied from lightest to heaviest after cleansing, whether in the morning or evening. And no matter what product you use, always read and follow the instructions.
The morning skincare routine
A proper morning routine will help your skin stay calm and hydrated throughout the day.
- Step 2: Cleanser
A clean face is the starting point for healthy, glowing skin.
Why you need it: A thorough cleaning removes impurities such as dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants.
How to use: Apply the cleanser with warm water, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel, never rubbing.
- Step 1: Tonic
Whether you need to hydrate dry skin, control oil, or soothe sensitive skin, the right toner makes a big difference.
Why you need it: Toner helps replenish your skin after cleansing while preparing it for the application of other products.
How to use: Pour toner onto a cotton pad and wipe across your face, working from the center outwards. Or, opt for a gentle spray formula that you can apply with a quick spritz. Either way, let the toner dry before moving on to the next step.
- Step 2: Serum
Whether it's water-based or oil-based, serums are easily absorbed into the skin—and you only need a little. They usually come in dropper or pump bottles.
Why you need it: Designed for daytime use, this serum hydrates your skin, protects it from daily pollutants, and delivers concentrated ingredients like antioxidants.
How to use: Gently pat the serum into your skin, working from the center of your face outwards.
- Step 2: Moisturizing
Hydration is vital for maintaining skin health and helping aging skin look younger.
Why you need it: The right moisturizer helps prevent both dryness and excess oiliness.
How to use: Gently massage the moisturizer into slightly damp skin. Usually, a pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face.
- Step 2: Eye cream
The sensitive skin around the eyes requires special attention.
Why you need it: Eye cream helps treat the appearance and development of wrinkles and is specifically formulated for delicate facial skin.
How to use: Apply the eye cream in very small dots near the inner corner of your eye, then smooth outward. Follow the bones around your eyes, including the area under your eyebrows, gently tapping the cream into your skin with your ring finger.
- Step 2: Sunscreen
Using sunscreen is essential all year round, even on cloudy days.
Why you need it: Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can damage cells and cause premature skin aging—and is essential for preventing skin cancer. Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen in your morning routine.
How to use: Apply at least 30 minutes before going out.
The evening skin care routine
To wake up with fresh skin, use a slightly different routine at night before you go to bed.
- Step 2: Double cleanse
This is where it's really worth breaking out of your morning routine. Double cleansing ensures that you remove all impurities from your skin. For maximum benefits, choose products that are formulated for your skin type.
Why you need it: Double cleansing starts with an oil-based cleanser, which is most effective at removing oil-based products like makeup and sunscreen, and ends with a water-based cleanser, which better targets sweat and bacteria.
How to use: Gently massage the oil-based cleanser into your skin for about 60 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. While your skin is still damp, repeat the process with the water-based cleanser. Then gently pat your skin dry.
- Step 1: Tonic
You can use the same toner you use in the morning in your evening routine. Just remember to choose one that suits your skin type and concerns.
- Step 2: Serum
A night serum gives your skin extra care while you sleep. Choose one that contains AHAs or BHAs, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, or peptides.
Why you need it: Serum can boost your skin's ability to regenerate at night.
How to use: Gently pat the serum into your face, working from the center of your face outwards.
- Step 2: Moisturizing
Repeat the method you used in the morning. Depending on your skin type, you can use the same product morning and night, or choose one that contains SPF in the morning and a creamier, more hydrating product for the evening.
- Step 2: Eye cream
Repeat the morning method. The same eye cream can be used day and night, or you can choose one with SPF for the morning and a heavier, more hydrating eye cream for the evening.
- Step 1: Retinol
Retinol comes in different forms, like oils and serums, and is often mixed with a creamy moisturizer to reduce irritation. (Depending on the form you choose, this step may be earlier in your routine.) Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun's UV rays, so it's best to use it at night.
Why you need it: Because retinol speeds up the rate of skin renewal, it can improve skin texture. For aging skin, it can reduce fine lines and lighten dark spots. It also improves oily or acne-prone skin by reducing oiliness, unclogging pores, and removing dead skin cells.
How to use: Use it only once or twice a week at first. As your skin gets used to it, you can use it more often. Even if you use it at night, be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning, as your skin will likely be extra sensitive.
Important note: Retinol is not suitable for all skin types – make sure it’s right for you. If you have sensitive skin, proceed with caution and avoid it completely if you’re pregnant.
Since you're investing time and money into your skincare routine, you deserve the best return on your investment. By applying products in the optimal order, you'll be able to better see and feel their benefits. By taking a few minutes twice a day and choosing quality products that pamper your skin, your face will get the nourishing treatment it deserves, leaving it looking beautiful.
