Cleanse
Oil-Based Cleanser
What it's used for: oil-based balms are best used at
night to remove makeup, dirt, and grime. The benefit of doing a double
cleanse is that the oil-based balms will melt off your makeup better
than just using a water based cleanser.
What order you should apply it in: You can benefit
from a double cleanse at night, when you have a day's worth of build
up on your face from makeup and dirt. If in the morning, skip this
step and do a single cleanse. If at night and you feel you would
benefit from a double cleanse to remove makeup, start with the
oil-based balm before cleansing with a water-based cleanser.
Water-Based Cleanser
What it's used for: water-based cleansers should be
your go-to to wash your face. If you have oily skin, a gel cleanser is
generally recommended, and if you have dryer skin, a cream cleanser
can provide some additional moisture to your skin.
What order you should apply it in: Water-based
cleansers should be used twice a day - once in the morning and once at
night. If you are double cleansing at night, make sure to wash with a
water-based cleanser AFTER you cleanse with an oil-based balm.
Exfoiliation
Physical Exfoiliation
What it's used for: Physical exfoliation is using
something abrasive on the skin like a sugar or salt scrub. While sugar
and salt are common granules used for exfoliation, some physical
exfoliators can also incorporate beads or grains. If you have
sensitive skin, you should make sure you use a gentle exfoiliator, or
it can cause micro-tears in the skin.
What order you should apply it in: You should use a
physical exfoiliater after you have cleansed your face. You should not
exfoiliate daily - once or twice a week is enough.
Chemical Exfoiliation
What it's used for: The chemical exfoliator category
refers to beta-hydroxy-acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, and
alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs), such as lactic and glycolic acids, which
give your skin a mild exfoliation. Chemical exfoliators are often more
gentle for sensitive skin. AHAs work by melting the glue that attaches
the dead skin cells to the outer layer of the skin, while BHAs are
oil-soluble ingredients that go deeper into the skin and pores for a
thorough cleanse.
What order you should apply it in: You should use a
chemical exfoiliater after you have cleansed your face. Physical and
chemical exfoiliation should occur on different days of your skincare
routine. If you are only using chemical exfoiliation, you are able to
incorporate into your skincare routine daily.
Toner
What it's used for: Toners actually serve many
purposes, from hydrating and soothing the skin, balancing out pH
levels post-cleansing, removing excess oils and even fighting acne.
Think of a toner as an extra step in your cleansing routine to ensure
all traces of dirt and impurities are effectively washed away, while
also ensuring your skin’s pH balance is in check.
What order you should apply it in: The best time to
apply a toner is immediately after using a face wash, both morning and
night. Because some face washes and cleansers can be harsh and strip
the skin, following with a balancing toner can help soothe your skin
while removing any lingering cleanser residue, dirt and makeup.
Essence
What it's used for: Essences are like primers for
your skin-care routine. Similar to how a primer preps your complexion
for foundation application, an essence preps it for serums and
moisturizers that go on after.
What order you should apply it in: The best time to
apply essence is after you have cleansed your face and applied your
toner. You should press essence gently into your skin.
Serums
What it's used for: There are 5 different types of
serums. Anti-aging serums, like retinol, help with cell turnover,
increasing collagen and elastic production, preventing collagen loss,
firming, and hydrating or plumping the skin. Skin brightening serums,
like Vitamin E and C, help smooth your complexion, fade age or
sunspots, even skin tone, and diminish hyperpigmentation. Acne
fighting serums, like salicylic acids, tighten skin, unclog and
minimize pores, absorb excess oil, and minimize redness and iritation.
Hydrating serums, like hyaluronic acid, penetrate deep into your pores
to deliver an extra layer of hydration. Lastly, renewing serums like
antioxidants, help stimulate the skin's natural repair functions and
promote the growth of skin cells.
What order you should apply it in: The best time to
apply serums is after you have cleansed and applied toner and/or
essence, but before you moisturize.
Eye Creams
What it's used for: The skin around our eyes is
thinner and more sensitive than the rest of our face, which is why the
eye contour is generally one of the first areas to show visible signs
of aging. Rather than waiting until you notice wrinkles, fine lines,
crow’s feet or puffiness, you should start using an eye cream that
will help keep the skin youthful, hydrated and plump as you age.
What order you should apply it in: Eye cream should
be applied after you apply your serums but before you apply
moisturizer.
Moisturizer
What it's used for: Moisturizer should be your go to
in your skin care routine to ensure your skin stays youthful and
healthy looking. Choose a moisturizer that compliments your skin type
- if you have dry skin, you'll want a thicker moisturizer, whereas if
you have oily skin you'll want a more lightweight moisturizer.
What order you should apply it in: Moisturizer should
be applied in the morning after cleansing/toning/serums, and at night
as well. You may want a more lightweight moisturizer in the morning,
which will sit better under makeup, and a thicker moisturizer at
night.
Face Oils
What it's used for: Face oils are used to lock in
moisture - a little goes a long way!
What order you should apply it in: Face oils should
be applied at night, after your moisturizer. Some find that they only
need face oils during the winter or after travel.
Sunscreen
What it's used for: Sunscreen is one of the most
important — if not the most important — skincare products in your
arsenal. Choosing a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and an
SPF of at least 30 can help reduce the appearance of premature skin
aging caused by the sun’s harmful UV rays, as well as reduce the risk
of skin cancer.
What order you should apply it in: Sunscreen should
be applied every morning before you leave the house as the final step
in your routine, after you've applied your moisturizer.