How many of us can actually say we know the proper nighttime skincare routine? Before I started esthetic school, I didn’t know if I should apply moisturizer then serum or vice versa. If you don’t apply your skincare products in the correct order, you will honestly waste your time…and money (who wants that?).
Today I list a 7 step skin care routine that you can incorporate to achieve your best skin! This chart is perfect for beginners or those who are confused about the correct skincare order of application. You should always apply your products in the correct order. Otherwise you are doing your skincare routine for nothing. The rule of thumb is to layer products from thinnest to thickest consistency to allow your skin to absorb products effectively.
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Step 1-Wash your face girl!
The first step is cleanser. Always be sure you find the appropriate cleanser for your skin type. For example, if your skin is oily, use a foaming face wash with glycolic or salicylic acids. IF your skin is dry, I recommend a moisturizing cleanser such as a cream or oil-based. Using the proper facial cleanser will allow you to address your skin concerns and give your skin a glow.
You want to cleanse your face every night using an appropriate cleanser for your skin type. Optional—If you wear makeup you can double cleanse by using an oil based makeup remover followed by your cleanser (water based). You can read more about all the different moisturizers for your skin type by clicking HERE.
Step-2-Exfoliate that skin!
The second step is to apply an exfoliator. Now don’t go overboard with exfoliators. I generally recommend to use an exfoliator no more than 2-3 a week. Any more than that, you are doing more harm than good. Exfoliating your skin helps increase cell turnover, which in turn, reveals brighter skin.
Step 3-Tone that face!
After you use an exfoliator, then it’s important to tone your face. Toners are a neutralizer for your skin’s PH balance. They help balance your skin’s acid mantle layer after you exfoliated your skin and used alkaline acids/masks. Not only that, but toners are a great way to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Last, toner also removes all traces of remaining residue from the skin.
Step 4-Mask it up!
Using a facial mask helps clear excess dirt, oil, and makeup from your pores. Any concern you have today; you will find a facial cleanser to address it. If you have dry skin—then use a hydrating face mask. If you have oily skin, then use a clay or charcoal face mask. If you have combination skin—use an enzyme face mask. Mature skin—use a collagen infused face mask. If you have sensitive skin-use a soothing face mask with honey, cucumber, or aloe vera!
Masks can be used 1-2 x a week to help draw out impurities from your skin.
Step 5-Apply those treatments (spot)
Once you remove your mask and your skin is patted dry, apply any spot treatments you normally would use. This can be topical acne treatments, dark spot correctors, or serums.
Serums are typically a watery texture, so be sure to apply it before any treatments (such as acne spot treatments, AHA’s, sheet masks, antiaging serums or retinoids) which can be a thicker creamy consistency. For more about the best serums for your skin click HERE.
Step 6-Never skip moisturizer
So many of us have the misconception that oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer. This is absolutely-FALSE! Let me explain why. When your skin is oily or combination prone, there is a possibility that your skin is dehydrated (lacks moisture). For this reason, your skin tries to compensate for moisture by producing excess oils. That is where an oil-free moisturizer comes into place. It will help balance your skin so that it doesn’t have to produce more oil to hydrate itself. If you have dry skin, a creamy and humectant rich moisturizer will do you justice.
Facial oils should only be applied after your moisturizer/night cream to lock in moisture on the outer layer of skin
Step 7—Apply your sunscreen
Rain or shine, sunscreen is a must. There are always UV rays outside whether its cloudy or sunny. I made the mistake of not wearing sunscreen in my younger years, and let me tell, I had to pay a price. You don’t want to sacrifice your beautiful skin to sun spots that are more expensive to treat. I always recommend to apply sunscreen of SPF 30+. I wrote an in-depth article about the importance of sunscreen HERE.
Now that I thoroughly listed a full skincare regimen for you, you will never waste your money or time applying your products incorrectly. Your skin will thank you and appear brighter. Do you follow all these steps? I bet now you will 😉
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