We all have different routines when it comes to maintaining our skin. Many beauty gurus push a 12-step routine to ensure their skin is fully beautified and protected. But at the end of the day, not everyone has the time and energy to devote, especially when we’re on a limited budget. We all know what serves our skin best, and the precautions we need to take to avoid breaking out. But if you’re just beginning and you’re not sure where to start, here is a quick guide for the proper order you should be doing you’re skincare in.
AM Routine
- Cleanser: Use a gentle face wash to remove oil, sweat, and buildup from the night. Make sure you’re cleaning your pillow cases!
- Importance: Remove impurities such as sweat, oil, and skin care products applied from the night before that can clog your pores. It is also crucial that you wash off any buildup created by your pillow cases. (Always wash your pillow cases to prevent breakouts on your cheeks.)
- Toner (Optional): Balances the skin’s pH and preps it for treatment products. Choose an alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula as best you can.
- Importance: Gives skin an added layer of hydration and cleanliness, and also prepares skin for subsequent products and ingredients to be absorbed, such as moisturisers, serums, oils, etc.
- Serum: Apply a vitamin C serum or one with antioxidants to brighten and protect from buildup.
- Importance: Neutralises free radicals caused by sun exposure, pollution, or other environmental factors. Promotes collagen production and brightens your skin toan leaving you glowing!
- Moisturizer: Locks in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier. Choose based on your skin type.
- Importance: The skin is constantly exposed to elements throughout the day that can easily dehydrate it. A good moisturizer that works for you (always pick what is best for your skin) will keep your skin plump, smooth, and resilient.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Vital for protecting your skin from UV damage
- Importance: Protects against UVA and UVB, which can cause skin cancer, dark spots, and breakdown. Daily sunscreen application prevents long-term damage and maintains skin health.
Evening Routine:
- Cleanser: Double cleanse if you wear makeup or sunscreen — oil cleanser first, then regular cleanser.
- Importance: Dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and pollutants without peeling skin. During the day, the skin accumulates pollutants and makeup. Skipping this step can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. The second cleanse of the skin also ensures the skin is consistently clear, allowing for better absorption of products.
- Toner (Optional): Same as in the morning, if used.
- Importance: Better absorption of products and gives a thorough clean. Also rids of remaining impurities.
- Treatment/Serum: Use ingredients targeted to your needs (e.g., niacinamide, retinol, salicylic acid, or hyaluronic acid). Everyone is different.
- Importance: Target specific skin concerns such as acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration. Retinol increases cell turnover while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture. Retinoids can make the skin sensitive to sunlight, making nighttime the optimal time for application
- Eye Cream (Optional): Helps with puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines
- Importance: Addresses specific concerns like puffiness, dark circles, and Fine Lines. The under-eye area is more delicate and sensitive, making it prone to signs of aging and more sensitive to light, making nighttime treatment more practical and less susceptible to daytime exposures
- Moisturizer/Night Cream: Hydrate and repair skin overnight.
- Importance: Locks and hydration support Skin Barrier repair and seals and active ingredients applied consistently and previously. skin loses more moisture overnight a thicker more nourishing moisturizer prevents dehydration and fosters repair.