The Best Order Of Skincare For Healthy Skin.

When I first started getting invested in my skincare routine, I could never really figure out the best order of skincare I should be using. Most products you use recommend using another product from their line and I use multiple skincare brands. The reason why we have this best order of skincare is to make sure that each product delivers its maximum benefits to your skin. It’s also important to use the right skincare products for your skin type to make your skincare routine as effective as possible.

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Why you should follow the right order of skincare.

Having the world at our fingertips has its pros and cons and one of those cons would have to be the amount of information available on a single topic. Like knowing the right order of skincare. It can be overwhelming and confusing, not to mention knowing if it’s accurate or not. One thing I can say is that you should be doing what works for you. We are not all the same and the only thing we should be listening to is our skin. Advice helps, but be your own advocate too! Here are a few reasons why it’s important to follow the right order of skincare:

- Ensures product absorption: Using skincare products in the correct order ensures that each product is absorbed effectively into the skin, maximizing its benefits.

- Enhanced efficacy: Following the right order allows active ingredients to work synergistically, amplifying their effectiveness in targeting specific skincare concerns.

- Prevents product interference: Using products in the wrong order can lead to product interference, where certain ingredients may deactivate or diminish the efficacy of others, rendering them less effective.

- Maintains skin pH balance: The correct sequence helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance, which is essential for a healthy skin barrier and overall skin health.

- Supports long-term skin health: Consistently using skincare products in the correct order supports long-term skin health, helping to address and prevent common skin concerns while promoting a radiant and youthful complexion.

The best order of skincare I find most effective.

Can there really be a best order of skincare? Well, I think so. It’s when you find the perfect balance between the products you use and the needs of your skin. This is what I’ve found works for me and many others. As I mentioned before, listen to your skin and its needs. What works for me might not work for you, but when it comes to the best order of skincare, this is a general rule of thumb. I love giving recommendations on the skincare products I love to use, so make sure to check those out too.

1. Wash your face.

Just like anything else in life, it’s better to start fresh on a clean surface, hence washing your face as the very first step in this best order of skincare. Washing your face removes dirt, impurities, and excess oil accumulated throughout the day, preventing clogged pores and breakouts while allowing your skincare products to penetrate deeply into the skin. I suggest using a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type—whether it’s foaming, gel-based, or creamy—and massage it onto damp skin using circular motions for a thorough cleanse. I love using the Jelly Oil Cleanser for my skin and then using a disposable face towel to dry my skin.

I do recommend having a reusable face towel as well, but life can get in the way from time to time, making a disposable towel so much more convenient. It\’s important to also choose your cleanser according to your skin type so that your skin concerns are being treated and not worsened. Here is a general guide you can take into consideration when buying your products.

Cleanser to use for your skin type:

- Foaming Cleanser: Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types, as it effectively removes excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture.

- Gel-Based Cleanser: Suitable for combination skin, as it helps to balance oil production while gently cleansing the skin without causing dryness.

- Creamy Cleanser: Perfect for dry and sensitive skin, as it provides a hydrating cleanse without compromising the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

- Oil-Based Cleanser: Beneficial for all skin types, especially for removing makeup and sunscreen, as it effectively dissolves impurities and leaves the skin feeling nourished and hydrated.

2. Exfolaite your skin.

Before we even get into exfoliating, you should always keep in mind that it’s meant to be done 2 – 3 times per week and no more. Over-exfoliating your skin can harm your skin in more ways than one. With that being said, exfoliating your skin is extremely important as it allows for a deeper cleanse and promotes skin renewal for a brighter, smoother complexion. When you exfoliate your skin, you are scrubbing away dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and improving skin texture, revealing fresher, more radiant skin beneath.

Exfoliating your skin is an important step in any skincare routine because it helps to refine the skin’s surface, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhances the absorption of skincare products. Remember to keep moderation in mind when reaching for your exfoliator. I use the Paula’s Choice Liquid Exfoliant because it works really well for my pores and blackheads. Always try using a product that targets your skin’s needs. Let’s break down the types of exfoliants you can use to make this as simple and uncomplicated as possible.

Types of exfoliants:

Chemical Exfoliants:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, which gently dissolve dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and promote cell turnover.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Such as salicylic acid, which penetrate deeper into pores, exfoliating from within, making them ideal for acne-prone and oily skin types.

Physical Exfoliants:
- Exfoliating Scrubs: Contain granules or particles that physically scrub away dead skin cells when massaged onto the skin, providing immediate smoothness.

- Exfoliating Brushes or Tools: Such as facial brushes or cleansing devices with soft bristles or silicone heads, which manually remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation for a brighter complexion.
Enzyme Exfoliants:
- Use natural enzymes, like papain from papaya or bromelain from pineapple, to gently dissolve dead skin cells, revealing smoother and softer skin without abrasive particles.

3. Use a good toner.

When I first started taking care of my skin, I had no idea that I needed to use toner or what it would do for my skin. Little did I know just how important it is. Toner helps to rebalance the skin’s pH levels, tighten pores, and prep the skin for better product absorption. Whether you prefer hydrating formulas enriched with botanical extracts or clarifying solutions infused with pore-refining ingredients, toners offer versatile solutions tailored to your skin’s needs. Find a toner that best fits the needs of your skin. I prefer to use a pore-reducing toner and from time to time I alternate it with a hydrating toner.

4. Use a serum that targets your skin concerns.

I feel lost when I haven’t put on my serum for the day, especially because I use it for Gua Sha. These concentrated serums are packed with potent active ingredients which directly address specific skin concerns. Whether you’re aiming to tackle fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration, there’s a serum that will help. Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing formulations that penetrate deeply into the skin, providing your skin with antioxidants, vitamins, and peptides directly on a cellular level. Make sure to check the directions on your serum as some serums work better at night than in the morning and vice versa.

For my serums, I like using La Roche-Posay just because I find that their concentrations are so good. I most commonly use their Retinol Serum and Niacinamide Serum. There are so many different serums, but start off with one that targets your biggest skin concern.

Types of serums you can try:

- Anti-aging serums: Contain ingredients like retinol, peptides, or vitamin C to target fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity, helping you work your way back to youthful skin.

- Hydrating serums: Serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that attract moisture to the skin, replenishing hydration and restoring suppleness.

- Brightening serums: Packed with ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract to fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and give you glowing skin.

- Acne-fighting serums: Serums with ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or niacinamide that unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and combat acne-causing bacteria.

- Soothing Serums: Infused with calming botanicals like chamomile, centella asiatica, or aloe vera to reduce redness, irritation, and sensitivity, restoring skin\’s balance and comfort.

5. Don’t forget about an eye cream.

Most people tend to forget that the sensitive skin around our eyes needs some special attention. The delicate skin around the eyes is prone to signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles, making targeted care essential. Eye creams are specially formulated with lightweight textures and potent ingredients to address these concerns effectively. I also found that adding an ice roller into my skincare routine helps reduce the puffiness under my eyes on those days when sleep is a luxury.

I love using the eye gel from Paula’s Choice. I always say that prevention is better than a cure, so although I’m not at a place where I need it that much yet, I’m slowing down the process.

6. Have a good moisturizer.

I used to think that I didn’t need to use moisturizer because I don’t have dry skin and that it would just make my face oily. I was so very wrong because little did I know that there is a moisturizer for every skin type. Moisturizer locks in hydration, replenishes vital nutrients, and creates a protective barrier against environmental stressors. Regardless of your skin type—whether it’s oily, dry, combination, or sensitive—finding the right moisturizer is key to maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Make sure to choose the right moisturizer for your skin type to avoid clogging your pores and worsening any skin conditions you might have.

I quite like the moisturizing gel from CeraVe because it’s so lightweight. But I also use the Evercalm Day Cream from REN on days my face feels on the dry side.

Moisturizer to consider according to your skin type:

- For oily skin: Oil-free and gel moisturizers with a lightweight feel and won’t leave excess oil on the skin.

- For dry skin: Rich creams that deeply hydrate and nourish dry, flaky skin.

- For combination skin: Lightweight lotions and oil-control moisturizers that have non-greasy formulations that provide balanced hydration without exacerbating oiliness.

- For sensitive skin: Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizers with gentle formulations free of artificial fragrances and potential irritants.

- For aging skin: Anti-aging moisturizers and hydrating creams with SPF. These creams help prevent premature aging and have age-defying ingredients.

7. Never forget to put on sunscreen.

If you take anything from my golden order of skincare let it be this; never forget to apply sunscreen no matter the weather. Sunscreen is the best defense against premature aging, sunburn, and the risk of skin cancer, making it the most important part of your morning skincare routine. Opt for a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher to ensure complete protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

If you’re planning on being out in the sun or even outside close to water or snow, consider reapplying your sunscreen throughout the day to give you the best protection possible. I use a super-light wrinkle defense sunscreen so that I know I’m protected in more ways than one. Find a good face mist SPF that makes reapplying throughout the day easier.

8. Add in a face mask now and then.

I’ve put in using a face mask to your skincare routine completely out of order because it’s not something you do on a daily basis, but when your skin needs some TLC. Face masks offer a targeted solution to address specific concerns, whether it’s hydration, brightening, or purifying. From sheet masks drenched in potent serums to creamy clay masks that detoxify and clarify, there’s a mask suited to every skin type and concern. While staying consistent with your skincare products is the general rule of thumb, playing around with different types of face masks won’t do harm because it’s not a daily practice.

If you do find a face mask that works really well for your skin, stick to it! I usually go for a brightening face mask or a purifying face mask to help get rid of imperfections.

Conclusion.

Having healthy and radiant skin is not about applying random products but following a well-thought-out skincare routine. By understanding the golden order of skincare , you can maximize the benefits of each product and obtain the desired results. Remember, consistency is key, so make sure to maintain this regimen daily to achieve the skin you’ve always dreamed of – happy skin, happy you!

Happy Glowing,

Your Wellness Warrior!

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