How to - Apply Skincare in the Right Order

I am a believer that things in life are not that hard. One field I am sure most of you would concur with is the Skincare Industry. I personally have never considered consulting anyone on my skin and I love to figure out how things work. Trust me it ain't that hard.

So it really isn't that mind blowing or tricky - guys and gals. What you want to know is that if you have skincare in your cabinet or on your bathroom counter top, creams and potions just make sure you are using them correctly in the right order. What ever brand you choose to use.

Why ? because the order you apply your skincare products matter.

For each of these products to be effective you need to follow a process that doesn't cancel the previous products benefit. I wouldn't want to waste your anti-aging moisturizer or your acne wash when you have not prepared your skin correctly.

A small spanner in the works - is that your skin has different needs in the morning that it does at night - again not rocket science but easy to remember. We do not need a flow chart just some simple steps.

DAYTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE 

The main focus of your morning routine should be hydration, plus setting the stage for the day with protection against whatever elements your skin is going to come into contact with. This could be sun exposure or outdoor pollution. Did you know that the World Health Organization has now determined that indoor pollution is worse than outdoor pollution?

Step 1: Cleanser 

Using a deep cleanser in the morning is important because your skin actually comes into contact with pollutants when you're sleeping in the comfort of your very own bed. "Pillowcases get loaded with dust mites, which carry a lot of pollutants. I am more gentle on my skin in the morning and there is not need to be sloughing off epidermis this early before my coffee.

Step 2: Toner

I allow my skin to breathe for a few seconds after cleansing then apply the Toner. When the skin is moist, it can absorb ingredients better, delivering nourishment deeper into the epidermis. I tend to favor a toner, the older generation of toners tended to be extremely drying and really unnecessary for most skin types - New products have nixed the alcohol and contain nourishing ingredients that work to hydrate and reset your PH getting your skin ready for the next step.

I wet my hands with toner and pat it gently on my skin, Don't use Cotton pads - unless you want to waste product on the pad.

Step 3: Serum

Allowing the toner to breathe, you are wanting to hydrate your skin for the day. When skin dehydrates, the outer surface becomes dry, cell turn over decreases causing lines and wrinkles. Using a serum that adjusts to your skin's needs AND the environment.

Step 4 - Eye Cream / Moisturizer

Allowing your serum to again breathe, using your ring finger to gently rub the eye cream/gel over your orbital sockets - note not on your eyelids. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer to further prime and prep your skin for the day ahead. 

Step 5: SPF 

You should finish off with SPF, No matter the time of the year, this ingredient should always be a factor in your routine in order to fully protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays - You can use a tinted derma cosmetic SPF , which is what I use and I do reapply if I have been outside in the sun for more than 2 hours.

YOUR NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

Nighttime is when you should address your personal skin issues, using ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid because they make skin extra-sensitive to sun exposure. Who has time to do a face mask when they're getting ready in the morning? 

Double Cleanse -

Cleanse 1 - I will use a gentle make up remover wipes to firstly remove the Derma cosmetic SPF I have used during the day. Eye make up remover wipes to remove make up / mascara. Don't waste good Cleanser to remove these things.

Cleanse 2 - use your cleanser now to remove the remaining dirt, pollution, debris to your skin. If you want you an add a Mask during this step.

Step 3 - Eye Cream / Moisturizer ( see morning routine)

I now substitute for a PM moisturizer as I want something which has to address my skin. I have sun damage so I use Vit C and Retinol. Nighttime is when you can use a moisturizer that's richer than what you would typically use in the morning. This will keep your skin hydrated throughout the nighttime and ready for the morning

As the day turns into night, keep your worries out of sight. Close your eyes and go to sleep, all the good times are yours to keep. Sweet dreams & Good Night.