The Best Order To Apply Skincare Products for Best Results

We live in a society where beauty standards continue to change. But what will never change is the desire to keep the skin looking young and beautiful. Everyone is always looking to find that fountain of youth. There are so many skincare products out there that target a specific concern. Like many others, you invest a lot of time and money on anti-aging treatments to find out that the product doesn’t do what it claims. The problem may not be the product, but the order you’re applying it. Believe it or not, the order in which you use your skin care products can improve its effectiveness in delivering noticeable results.

General Rule of Layering Skincare Products

There are several general rules when it comes to layering skincare products. First, apply products with the thinnest texture, such as serums, and work your way to thicker textures, like creams. Second, use water-based before oil-based. When you apply a thicker texture or oil-based products first, you’re creating a barrier that does not allow other products to penetrate the skin. And third, go from lower pH, more acidic products, to higher neutral ones.

Step-by-Step Guide on Order of Applying Skincare Products

There are several general rules when it comes to layering skincare products. First, apply products with the thinnest texture, such as serums, and work your way to thicker textures, like creams. Second, use water-based before oil-based. When you apply a thicker texture or oil-based products first, you’re creating a barrier that does not allow other products to penetrate the skin. And third, go from lower pH, more acidic products, to higher neutral ones.

Step 1: Cleanser

The first step is to wash your face with a cleanser to remove any barriers that may prevent the absorption of your skincare products. It’s best to use an oil-based cleanser to thoroughly remove makeup and follow up with a facewash appropriate for your skin type or concerns.

Step 2: Toner

If you choose to use a toner, after your face wash is a good time to apply it. Toners act like a primer for the rest of your skincare regimen. It has multiple purposes, such as balancing skin’s pH levels or nourishing it with antioxidants and vitamins. Depending on the toner, it can also be used to target specific conditions too.

Step 3: Serum

Serums can be for hydrating or for treatments. For instance, serums containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin are used to keep skin moisturized. On the other hand, vitamin C serums are commonly used to even out skin tone and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 4: Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is one of the most sensitive areas. Eye creams are usually lighter in texture, so they should be applied before moisturizers. Signs of aging tends to appear around the eyes first. Keeping them moisturized can slow down the development of wrinkles.

Step 5: Spot Treatment

If you have acne-prone skin or dark spots you want to treat, applying the treatment product as close to the surface as possible to allow for better absorption and effectiveness. Avoid using any other products over the treated area that may neutralize the active ingredients.

Step 6: Moisturizer

No matter what skin type you have, moisturizing the skin should never be skipped. Moisturizers not only hydrate but help to trap in the products underneath. Choose products that hydrate the skin and ones with ingredients that your body naturally produces to aid in the repairing process such as hyaluronic acid, lipids, and proteins.

Step 7: Sunscreen

Last but not least, you should always use sunscreen when going outside. Although we’re breaking the rule of layering by using an oil-based product last, we don’t want the sunscreen to penetrate. Instead, we want it to protect the skin from external factors. Many moisturizers and foundations now contain SPF, which is not high enough. The minimum amount recommended is SPF 30.