Whether you’re going for a 5, 7 or even a 9-step skincare routine, it’s essential that you apply your skincare products in the right order to get effective and optimum skin results.

Why should that matter?

Experts say that applying your skin products in the proper order ensures that your skin gets the full benefits of each of the products you apply. A good rule of thumb is to go in order of the products’ textures, from thinnest to thickest consistency, from liquid to cream. This is because those with thin and light consistencies won’t be able to penetrate through the thicker ones, and so, won’t be absorbed effectively into the skin. 

7 Steps to an Ideal Skincare Routine

Step 1 - Cleanser

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser that’s suited to your skin type. At night, do a double cleanse. Remove dirt and makeup you’ve worn during the day with micellar water, makeup remover or cleansing oil then follow up with a gentle cleanser.

Step 2 - Toner

Toners are used to remove any traces of impurities that remain on your skin after cleansing. It also helps restore the skin’s pH level, improves skin tone and smooths rough patches on the skin. Apply gently throughout the face using a cotton pad.

Step 3 - Serum

Serums are potent treatments packed with concentrated nutrients that address specific skin concerns. Antioxidant and brightening serums are best applied at mornings while moisturizing serums with hyaluronic acid are applied at night to ensure your skin stays hydrated during nighttime.  

Step 4 - Eye Cream

Eye creams work to maintain and improve the overall health of the delicate skin around the eyes, so it’s essential to religiously apply this. Consistent application of eye creams keeps the skin around the eyes elastic, which can prevent fine lines and loss of collagen as our skin starts ageing.

Step 5 - Spot Treatment

Spot treatments deliver targeted, acne-fighting ingredients to pimples and blemishes to help reduce inflammation, pain and redness to the area. Apply spot treatments only where you need it, as these can dry out your skin.

Step 6 - Moisturizer

It’s essential to keep your skin hydrated and this goes for all skin types, even those with oily skin! Moisturizers work to deliver optimum hydration to the skin, as well as locking in all the layers of products you’ve applied. At night, you can use a heavier night cream to prevent water evaporation as you sleep throughout the night.

Step 7 - Sunscreen

No matter how many steps your skincare routine might have, it’s imperative to end it all with the all-important sunscreen, as all skin experts would advise. Sunscreens shield your skin from harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer and escalate your skin’s aging.

Planning an effective skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Not only does your skin get the full, healthy benefits of each ingredient, it also ensures that with proper application done in the correct order, you’re not wasting or throwing your money away.