I understand — Skin care can be quite confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! If you’re like me who has several products in their night routine, this article might make things a little bit clearer for you.
The last thing I talked about in my previous article is the importance of applying products in the correct order. Truth be told, like most people, I never paid attention to this because I was once the ‘ain’t nobody got no time for that’ type of person. I thought they’d be absorbed into the skin regardless of the order and the time they were applied. Hell was I wrong.
For example, I used to apply my acne spot treatments as the last step in my night routine AND I used to apply my priming moisturizer right after my sunscreen during the day time — but, of course, as I told you, I was wrong and I’ll tell you why when you read further.
Correct Sequence = Maximum Benefit
The general rule of thumb is to apply products based on its consistency (from thin to thick). In other words, apply from water-based to cream/oil-based products.
According to experts, this allows the products to penetrate deeper into the skin and to perform its maximum benefit.
That’s the goal of layering correctly: to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. 😉
Helpful facts to consider:
- Oil can penetrate into water-based products, but never the other way around. Have you ever tried rinsing your face with JUST water right after using an oil-based make-up remover? Doesn’t your face still feel greasy? Sometimes, you can see droplets of water like morning dew form on your face right after too, right? But when you apply baby oil to remove the extra mascara off after washing your face, it seems to slide off much easier. That’s because oil is less dense than water. Oil and water also have different polarities so it’s hard for them to be mixed together UNLESS there’s an emulsifying agent (e.g., cleanser) that will let oil and water get along with each other. (Oops, geeked out there for a second!) In short, applying water-based moisturizers/creams after sunscreen will lose the sunscreen’s efficacy. So make sure sunscreen’s always the last step in your morning routine!
- Layer based on how effective you want the product to be. For example, applying acne spot treatments before serums and moisturizers can make it penetrate into your skin faster without passing through so much layers. This enables the active ingredient (e.g., benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) to work better. Another example is applying serums after cream-based moisturizers. The cream actually prevents the serum from reaching the skin, so you might want to avoid doing this. You want to make sure serums stay close to your skin as much as possible since they have purer ingredients on the table. Makes sense?
- Face masks are usually applied before moisturizers. Ever wondered when to put on your favorite masks? Is it before or after toners and moisturizers or immediately after cleansing? The answer to that question varies on the kind of face mask you use, but I personally apply it ALWAYS before moisturizers and after toning.
- Only use certain products when needed because not all products are meant to be used all at once. Products for exfoliation, acne treatments, and face masks aren’t meant to be used everyday. You don’t want to harass your skin with products because it might cause more harm than good. I only use exfoliators 3x a week MAX. So I don’t forget, I apply it every other day, so only M,W,F. For acne treatments, I only use it when I notice an onset of pimple on my face. I use the Mario Badescu drying lotion or CosRX pimple patch. Besides, you don’t want your skin to become immune to the products because that could cause the products to lose its efficiency. Make your skin miss some products a little! 😉
- Time is of the essence. Apart from sequence, it’s crucial to note the time it takes for your skin to absorb the products. Let each layer fully absorb before moving on to the next. I brush my teeth and blow-dry my hair a little at night always after applying acne treatments because I read that it takes about 3-5 minutes for the medication to reach the problem area. I also read that the best time to apply moisturizer is on damp skin. That’s why I apply my moisturizer immediately after my serums. This ensures complete absorption of nutrients.
Here’s a quick guide to help you picture the order better! Check out my personal products labelled in stickers (Thanks The Ordinary for providing these in your packages!)
Cleanser – {Exfoliator} – Toner – (Acne Treatment) – Serum – Eye Cream – Moisturizer/Night Cream/ Facial Oil
*{Apply only a MAXIMUM of 3x a week}, (Use only when needed)
So, there you have it! If prior to this post you’ve got the sequence all wrong, don’t worry! I’ve been there and done that. Nothing bad is actually happening to your skin. This guide is here to help you get your money’s worth with the products you invested for your skin and since you’ve reached this end of the post… might as well follow through right?
Till the next post!
♡,
Kath