In Which Order Should You Apply Your Skin Care Products

Every time we buy a new skin care product or add a step to our routine, we asked skin experts the question we wonder: In what order should I apply my skin care products and does it matter?
Order Matters, Here's Why
A board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, Dr. According to Heather Rogers, applying your skincare products in the right order ensures that your skin gets all the benefits of each product.
Dr. “The order of execution is incredibly important,” says Rogers. "The skin's job is to keep everything out, but most of the skincare products we use have ingredients we want to take in. Even if they're perfectly formulated and perfectly applied, only a very small amount of these essential ingredients can penetrate the skin. If you don't apply the products in the right order, your skincare You won't see the best results on your regimen."
How to Layer Your Skincare Products: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, which product goes on top of what, you ask? An easy rule to follow is to apply your products from the thinnest to the thickest, or from liquid to cream.

Daytime Routine

Dr. According to Rogers, a morning routine is all about protection from the sun, pollution, and the elements, so leave out treatment products like exfoliants and retinol for the night.

STEP 1: CLEANER

In the morning, start with a splash of warm water on your face or wash with a gentle facial cleanser designed for your skin type if necessary.

STEP 2: TONER

Most people choose to skip toners, in part because there is a persistent assumption that most toners are harsh and irritating to the skin. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. While they don't physically "shrink" pores, they can serve many purposes, such as acting as a delivery system for new kinds of toners, antioxidants, B-vitamin derivatives, and even toning acids. Additionally, each type of toner is geared towards a different skin issue, so it's important to use the right type for your skin issue.
But if you've lived without toner your entire life and your skin looks healthy, Dr. Rogers says you don't need to start using it. Dr. "Toners were created to help restore the pH of the skin after it has become too basic from harsh soaps," explains Rogers. "Toners are not a necessary step for me as facial cleansers are now much more balanced." However, if you have a toner that you love to use, there's no harm in sticking with it.

STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANT SERUM

Serums are super concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address certain concerns, so it's better to keep them as close to the skin as possible. Various serums are available on the market today, but Dr. Rogers recommends antioxidant serums for the day, which offer a range of benefits, from blunting your skin's inflammatory response to neutralizing damage from UV rays and environmental pollutants.

STEP 4: EYE CREAM

A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. According to Annie Chiu, it's vital to apply an eye cream at least every night, if not twice a day, starting in your 20s. “It's about maintaining the health and thickness of the eyelid skin. The early improvement of the skin quality in this area ensures that the eyelid skin does not easily lose its laxity and smooth appearance later on.
Consistency is key for best results. "Regular use of eye cream over time will keep the eyelid skin elastic and may improve or prevent some fine lines or loss of collagen. Remember: nothing is magic. Results don't happen overnight," adds Dr. chiu. "You can further protect the delicate skin around the eyes by choosing an eye cream with SPF or applying sunscreen daily." Dr. Chiu also advises people to remember to wear sunglasses when outside to protect against UV damage and strabismus and the lines that can run around the corners of your eyes.

STEP 5: BLACK SPOT TREATMENT

A dermatologist at the Rosacea Treatment Clinic, Dr. According to Diane De Fiori, prescription medications and acne spot treatments should be applied as close to the skin as possible to maximize their benefits.
Because acne spot treatments differ in active ingredients, check your product packaging or consult your dermatologist for the best method of application.
Remember that acne spot treatments can dry out your skin, so always apply only where you need them.

STEP 6: HUMIDIFIER

Yes, everyone needs a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. “While your body has its own natural lubrication system made up of oil (or sebum) secreting glands to provide a protective coating against harsh external conditions and infections, most of us need extra hydration after the ravages of sun, weather and harsh chemicals. it damages our skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sandra Kopp.
Most experts recommend that the best time to apply a moisturizer is when skin is still damp, so the sooner you apply your serum and treatment, the sooner you can lock in much-needed moisture with your moisturizer.

Night Routine

Dr. Rogers says that because your skin naturally repairs itself at night, your nighttime routine should be all about treatment and giving your skin what it needs. “If your skin is looking dull, irritated, moisturize and protect.” Here is a list of the best skincare products to ensure you get the most out of them:

STEP 1: (DOUBLE) CLEANER

To get rid of the day's tiredness and make-up, some experts recommend removing your make-up with a special make-up remover before washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Better yet, try a double cleanse, which involves first using a cleansing oil to dissolve your makeup and then washing your face again with your regular cleanser.

2: TONERS, EXTRACTS AND STRENGTHENS

If you are using toner, apply as you would in the morning.
At night, some people also like to layer the various types of skincare boosters you'll see as mists, essences, beauty waters or moisturizing (hyaluronic acid) serums. These are infused with different active ingredients, but for the most part the purpose is mainly to moisturize and nourish the skin.
As these are lightweight, almost water-like formulas; Apply as a toner after washing your face. Dr. "If you're using both, apply toner first, then essence," says Rogers.

STEP 3: EYE CREAM

In addition to removing crow's feet and dark circles, eye creams can also serve to protect your sensitive eye area from other skin care products.
Dr. According to Rogers, "In general, you want to apply your eye cream before your treatments to protect your eye area against strong ingredients that can cause irritation."

STEP 4: TREATMENTS, SERUMS AND PEELS

Like the rest of the body, the skin does most of its repair, regeneration and regeneration while we sleep. This is why most targeted skin care treatments are used, such as prescription drugs (tretinoin, acne and rosacea creams), retinol creams, exfoliating treatments (peel pads and masks), and anti-aging serums (infused with peptides, growth factors and other biologically active ingredients). However, instead of stacking up all your conditioning serums and creams, Dr. Rogers recommends choosing your evening care based on your skin's current needs.

STEP 5: MOISTURIZER OR NIGHT CREAM

Some people use the same moisturizer day and night. However, night moisturizers or night creams are usually thicker and heavier and designed to be absorbed within a few hours.
Dr. “Humidifiers, especially heavier ones used at night, form a protective coating on the skin to keep water from evaporating while you sleep,” says Rogers. “Maintaining the skin's high water content is key to healing and maintaining healthy skin.
Another recommendation? Listen to your skin. Remember that you are unique and no one else owns your skin. Whatever the experts say, it's important to find what works for you and always be kind to your skin.