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THE CORRECT ORDER TO APPLY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Just when you’d figured out when to cleanse, tone and moisturise, there’s a whole load of other skincare steps to incorporate into your beauty routine. Whether it includes three or 13 steps though, it’s important to get the order right. If you’re not sure whether your serum comes before your moisturiser or when to layer on your SPF, here’s your handy step-by-step guide of what goes on when and why. You can follow this order for your routine no matter your skin type.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
You’re unique and so is your skin. Its needs differ depending on your age, the time of year and even the time of day. While it would be great to have one miracle cream that protects your skin from environmental aggressors, cleanses it, hydrates it and even slows down the formation of wrinkles, we hate to break it to you, it doesn’t exist.
You can, however, get the same effect with a good skincare routine based on the right ingredients for your skin type. Applying it in the right order can be the difference in it being effective or not.
STEP 1: CLEANSER
Your nourishing serums and moisturisers need a clean surface to work on, so your cleanser is still your first step in your skincare routine order, whether it’s the morning or evening. Depending on your skin type and whether you wear makeup, you may prefer to double cleanse in the evening or to use a foaming formula for a more thorough clean though.
STEP 2: TONER
Step two in your daily skincare routine is another old favourite – your toner. This also helps to remove surface debris from your skin and prepare it for the nourishing creams to come. As well as catching any oil or dirt your cleanser didn’t and helping to reduce the appearance of pores, toners also help to balance your skin’s pH levels, returning it to its normal, naturally acidic levels.
STEP 3: SPOT TREATMENT
If you are prone to blemishes and breakouts, apply a targeted treatment to the affected area. It will reduce the appearance of blemishes and is an integral part of a routine for blemish-prone skin.
STEP 4: SERUM
If incorporating a serum is new territory for you, a handy way to remember what order to layer your skincare is that the thinnest goes on first. As serums are potent formulas designed with specific skincare concerns in mind and can penetrate your skin’s surface layers, they offer a targeted treatment and do much of the work of your routine. Applying a Vitamin C serum in the morning can not only brighten your complexion but protect your skin from external factors including pollution. Hydrating serums rich in ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Retinol can also give dehydrated or dry skin an extra boost of moisture while fortifying the skin barrier.
STEP 5: EYECARE
To brighten dark circles and tired-looking eyes, apply a cream or serum under the eyes, too. Discover our Vitamin C-enriched eye serum or our multi-corrective anti-ageing eye cream to target the four key eye areas.
STEP 6: MOISTURISER
Following your serum with a hydrating moisturiser will help to lock in all the benefits of their active ingredients. To compensate for your skin’s daily moisture loss (it can be around 500ml each day) and protect your skin barrier function, choose a moisturiser with ingredients like Squalane. Try Ultra Facial Cream for all-day hydration.
Lighter formulas in the morning should be easily absorbed and help you stay hydrated without clogging pores. In the evening, opt for a nourishing heavier night cream that will work in tandem with your body’s natural overnight recovery process.
STEP 7: FACIAL OIL
If your skin is naturally dry or feeling a little dehydrated, finish your routine with a nourishing facial oil. As oils are occlusive and can’t be penetrated,
you should apply a face oil at the end of your routine. In the day, this means applying a face oil (such as our calming face oil for problem skin) after your moisturiser, but before your sunscreen. While in the evening, use a face oil (such as our evening face oil with Squalane) as the last step in your routine. Read our useful guide on how to use a face oil. Try to use a non-comedogenic face oil that won’t block your pores.
STEP 8: SUNSCREEN (AM ONLY)
We run risk of sounding like a broken record but the importance of applying sunscreen cannot be understated. SPF should be worn every day, all-year round. Not only will your SPF protect you against the early signs of ageing, but it protects skin from external aggressors, such as pollution, and harmful UVA and UVB rays. Discover the sunscreen for your skin type here.
EXTRA STEP: MASK
Discover our range of face masks for your skincare needs. Boost hydration and protect the skin’s moisture barrier with our nourishing overnight mask or target your oily T-zone and blocked pores with a clay mask.
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