Skin Care Routine: The Essential Order for Glowing Skin

A skin care routine is not a one time practice. It has to be done consistently for you to notice visible results on your skin. Think, for example, that you are trying to cut some pounds of weight. Will a two-day workout yield any results? Probably. What if you hit the gym for a month? Definitely! Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results in your skin care routine. Just like with exercise, long-term commitment will help you achieve the glowing skin you desire.

When you make it a habit to consistently stick to a skin care routine, it will be difficult for you to stop or even live without it. Consistency allows your skin to adapt and improve over time, which will result in long-lasting benefits. Keep in mind that patience is key when it comes to achieving healthy and radiant skin.

But how can you stay consistent in your skin care routine? Here are a few tips.

You can have a sticker on your toothbrush with the steps of your routine listed.
Set a daily reminder on your phone.
You can create a self-care ritual out of your skin care routine so that it becomes something you look forward to each day.
Find products that you truly enjoy using, as this will make the routine feel more like a treat than a chore.

What are the benefits of following a specific order for products in your skin care routine?

Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, told Health Wellness that skin care product order matters due to these three main reasons: absorption, consistency, and pH.

Goldman also mentioned that “applying skincare products in the incorrect order makes your skin absorb less active ingredients.” “Using thicker products, i.e., moisturizers, before thinner products, i.e., serums, can prevent the absorption of active ingredients.”

This leaves us with the conclusion that layering skincare products in the right order is essential for maximizing their effectiveness and ensuring that your skin receives the full benefits of each product. It will also maintain the skin’s pH balance so that your skin care products can work more effectively and deliver the desired results.

In this blog post, we are going to discuss the steps involved in properly layering skincare products to ensure promising results. These steps include cleansing, toning, serums, moisturizing, and sunscreen.

The Right Order for Your Skin Care Routine

Here are the key steps to follow when layering your skincare products in the correct order:

Cleansing

Cleansing is the first skin care routine step that is crucial because it helps eliminate dirt, oil, and unwanted debris from the skin. But where does your skin collect all the dirt and debris? When you walk out of a polluted environment, your skin can accumulate pollutants and impurities throughout the day. Therefore, cleansing is essential to remove these harmful particles and prepare the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Cleansing also helps boost skin hydration. How? It aids in regulating the skin’s pH levels, enabling adequate retention of water and products. When your skin is dehydrated, it will feel and look rough, infested with wrinkles, and aged.

You can achieve and maintain clear skin when you cleanse your face daily. This will mean that your pores will be clear of debris, which will help prevent dirt buildup and allow sebum oil to reach the skin surface more easily.

Recommendations for different types of cleansers (gel, foam, oil)

One thing you need to keep in mind is that you need to choose facial cleansers that suit your skin type. There are three different types of cleansers: gel cleansers, oil cleansers, and foam cleansers.

If you have oily or combination skin, a foam cleanser might be beneficial. It’s formulated to be lightweight, starting as a creamy mixture that lathers into a rich froth when exposed to water. Foam cleansers remove dirt, excess oil, and unwanted debris while maintaining skin’s natural moisture balance. You can try CeraVe foaming facial cleanser, which is gentle on the skin and non-drying.

Gel cleansers are ideal for people with oily or acne-prone skin. They are lightweight, transparent, and have a gel-like consistency formulated for a deep cleansing sensation. These cleansers help to decongest clogged pores to prevent acne breakouts, remove excess oil from the skin, kill acne-causing bacteria, and remove excess sebum. Gel cleansers are great for fighting and preventing acne because they feature soothing qualities like reducing redness and irritation. The La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is one of the best gel cleansers on the market, as it is formulated with prebiotic thermal water to hydrate and soothe the skin. It is also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

Oil cleansers, on the other hand, are suitable for all skin types. Many beauty salons, including Korean beauty salons, recommend using oil-based cleansers first to remove dirt and makeup from your face, followed by a cleanser that is best suited to your skin. Cerave Hydrating Foaming Oils Cleanser can apply this method effectively, as it gently removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Toning

As you may have heard, toners are water-based formulas that help shrink pores, clear out sebum, and restore the skin’s pH levels. But why is toning important for balancing the skin’s pH levels?

When your skin pH is well balanced, your skin will be strengthened to prevent pathogens and bacteria from infiltrating , reducing the risk of breakouts and other skin issues. Additionally, balanced pH levels help your skin better absorb and benefit from the products you apply afterwards, maximizing their effectiveness.

Different types of toners (alcohol-free, hydrating, and exfoliating)

There are three different types of toners : alcohol-free, hydrating, and exfoliating. Alcohol-free toners are gentle and suitable for all skin types; hydrating toners provide moisture to the skin; and exfoliating toners help remove dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. Each type of toner serves a unique purpose in skincare routines.

How to apply toner properly

After cleansing your face, pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad and gently swipe it across your skin, avoiding the eye area. Allow the toner to fully absorb before proceeding with the rest of your skincare routine.

If you are using a spray bottle, simply spray the toner directly onto your face and allow it to air dry.

Serums

Serums have numerous benefits when added to your skin care routine. Face serums are light in texture, a quality that makes them easily and quickly absorbed into your skin. It is the reason why you should always apply serum before other products that appear to be heavy in texture.

Serums soothe sensitive skin. A board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin, Dr. Melaine Palm, observed that the lightweight nature of serums is way better for individuals with acne-prone or oily skin types.

Serums are well known to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They have ingredients like retinol that help minimize the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

Serums are also infused with ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, green tea, resveratrol, and astaxanthin that help protect the skin from oxidative damage that comes from ultraviolet (UV) light and pollution. This helps prevent the skin from presenting signs of aging.

What are the different types of serums for specific skin concerns (brightening, anti-aging, and hydrating)?

There are three categories of serums: brightening, anti-aging, and hydrating serums.

Brightening serums typically contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and licorice extract to even out skin tone and reduce dark spots.
Anti-aging serums focus on ingredients like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to target fine lines and wrinkles.
Hydrating serums usually include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to provide intense moisture to the skin.

Tips for layering serums

Apply serum to freshly cleansed skin. Start with the thinnest consistency serum and work your way up to the thickest.

Allow each serum to fully absorb before applying the next layer to maximize effectiveness and prevent pilling.

Moisturizing

This skin care step is another essential routine that helps hydrate and protect your skin. But why is skin moisturizing important? Moisturizing is important because it helps to maintain the skin’s natural barrier, which prevents water loss and protects against environmental stresses. Additionally, it helps enhance the skin’s general texture and appearance, giving it a more youthful, healthy look.

What are some recommendations for different types of moisturizers (gel, cream, or oil)?

Moisturizers that cater to the specific needs of each type of skin are necessary due to the various skin types that are known to exist. There are three categories of moisturizers; gel moisturizers, cream moisturizers, and oil moisturizers.

Gel moisturizers are lightweight and ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, while cream moisturizers are thicker and more hydrating, perfect for dry skin. Oil moisturizers are great for locking in moisture and soothing sensitive skin. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type and concerns to achieve the best results.

Sunscreen

Your skin is prone to developing signs of aging if it is not protected from UVA and UVB rays. Incorporating sunscreen is essential for skin health. This skin care routine step comes last because sunscreen should always be the final step in your skincare routine to ensure maximum protection from harmful sun rays. Make sure to apply sunscreen generously and reapply throughout the day for optimal results.

Tips for choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type

When choosing a sunscreen for your skin, try looking for a broad-spectrum formula to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, opting for a higher SPF for fair skin or prolonged sun exposure, and choosing a non-comedogenic formula if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Additionally, consider water-resistant options if you will be swimming or sweating.

Conclusion

You must never skip a skin care routine step if you would love to achieve promising results that will keep your skin healthy and protected. Always start by cleansing your face. Follow it by toning, applying serum, then moisturizing the skin for sufficient hydration. Complete your skin care routine by applying sunscreen.

Remember, consistency and patience for achieving glowing skin are vital because it takes time for products to show results and for your skin to adapt to a new routine. Make sure to also drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep for overall skin health.

Tailor your skin care routine to individual skin concerns and needs. This will help address specific issues such as acne, dryness, or aging. Consulting with a dermatologist can also provide personalized recommendations for your skin type.

Image credit: Oh She Glows | ANGELA

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