It’s not enough to have good skin-care products: For your products to be most effective, you also need to apply them in the correct order. So you’d like to start a skincare routine, but you’re not sure where to begin: How many goods will you need? Which are the best for your skin type? What is the best order to apply these products? And what exactly do those products do?
Great skin isn’t just a result of your genes; your everyday behaviours have a significant impact on what you see in the mirror. However, there are a bewildering number of viewpoints on everything from how to moisturise to how to protect oneself from UV radiation, depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you consult.
Your Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine will be determined by your skin type, product components and formulations, and the time of day. However, a good rule of thumb is to apply goods in order of texture, from thinnest to thickest, because thin products will not penetrate heavier ones.
Use of Cleanse
The first step in any excellent skincare routine is cleansing. Gentle face washes are the way to go, especially if you plan to apply more active chemicals later. “Too many people cleanse too much or too often, or with a cleanser that is too harsh,” advises Dr Magovern, “and this will really damage down your skin barrier.”
Regular Wash your face
Rinse your face with water every morning and night, then rub a tiny amount of gentle cleanser between your clean palms. Face wash should be gently massaged all over your face. Rinse your hands and massage your face with water until the cleanser and filth have been removed. Using a soft towel, gently pat your face dry. If you use makeup at night, you may need to cleanse twice. Cleanse your face with cleaning oil or micellar water first. To make makeup removal easier and avoid rubbing your eyes, try keeping dedicated eye-makeup removers on for a few minutes. After that, use a light cleanser to cleanse your entire face.
Treating With Serums
Serums, in a nutshell, are potent skin buddies. These elixirs, which are packed with concentrated amounts of active substances, can help with everything from dark spots to wrinkles. “Even if you don’t have any specific problems, everyone requires a general antioxidant serum in the morning to protect against daily aggressors,” explains Mattioli. While there are “infinite alternatives” for ingredients, Nazarian prefers to stick to her tried-and-true favourites. Look for the following goods to address specific issues:
- Hyaluronic acid prevents moisture loss by sealing in hydration and strengthening the barrier function
- With sustained use, vitamin C can help to lighten dull skin and reduce dark spots.
- Vitamin B3, retinol, and peptides encourage the development of collagen and elastin, two proteins in the body that help prevent wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
- Colloidal sulphur, niacinamide, and colloidal sulphur help to relieve redness and irritation by reducing inflammation and improving acne with antibacterial properties.
Use of Tone
Toner is an optional step, however, if you have a favourite toner, you should use it. Toner, according to Dr. Magovern, might help to balance the pH of your skin. If you have acne-prone skin, search for a toner that is specifically designed for acne and contains chemicals like salicylic acid to help prevent breakouts. If you have dry or sensitive skin, a moisturising toner will help to calm it.
Applying Moisturizing
A moisturizer’s most fundamental function is to hydrate and soften the skin. Dr. Charles explains that moisturisers help to prevent water loss through the skin’s outer layers. “They can also work in tandem with the skin’s own protective oils and other building blocks, such as ceramides.” This is one product that dermatologists recommend for all skin types all year round. “As we age, our skin’s capacity to retain moisture gradually declines,” says Dr. Nazarian, “and regular actions like washing can take natural hydrators from the surface.”
Use spot treatment
It’s a good idea to use acne spot treatments at night, when your body is in repair mode. Be wary of layering acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acids with retinol, which can cause irritation. Instead, make sure you’re doing the most to keep skin calm and hydrated.
Apply retinoid
By accelerating skin-cell turnover, retinoids (vitamin A derivatives like retinol) can diminish dark spots, breakouts, and fine wrinkles, but they can also be irritating, especially for sensitive skin. If you use retinoids, keep in mind that they degrade in the sun, so only use them at night. They also make your skin more susceptible to the sun, necessitating the use of sunscreen.
Vitamin C Serum
During the day, apply a vitamin C serum. “I believe that everyone, regardless of age, should utilise vitamin C, even if they are in their 20s,” adds Dr Magovern. “It helps undo a lot of the harm that the sun and pollution cause.” When choosing a vitamin C serum, make sure it has a stable form of the vitamin so that the molecule can absorb into your skin. Hyperpigmentation is a frequent problem for darker skin tones, and applying a vitamin C serum in the morning can help reduce dark spots, according to Jennifer David, D.O., a dermatologist in Philadelphia and creator of Skin & Scripts Virtual Dermatology.
Protect With Sunscreen
All of the specialists we spoke with agreed on one thing: sunscreen is, without a doubt, the most important skin-care product. Dr. Charles emphasises that it’s “of paramount importance as part of your year-round programme.” “Using sunscreen on a daily basis helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, textural defects, and changes in the appearance of pores over time.” More significantly, using sunscreen on a daily basis can assist to prevent the development of some skin cancers.” Experts recommend using a daily moisturiser with a broad range SPF of at least 30 to make it easier to remember.
Acne Spot Treatment
This is an excellent time to use acne spot treatments if you have a pimple that you’d want to see disappear sooner rather than later. Rather than focusing on pimples when they appear, Magovern recommends that you maintain your skincare routine as a preventative precaution. “If your skin is congested, simply treating the place will result in an acne breakout right next to it. Because your skin is clogged with oil, you’re experiencing breakouts. As a result, you must keep the pores on your entire face clean.”