Establishing Your Skincare Routine: Which Skincare Product Goes First?

A well-established skincare routine is vital for achieving healthy and brighter skin. It not only protects your skin from environmental factors, but also improves your overall health. To establish a skincare routine, you should start with the basics and learn about the best products for your skin type, as well as their proper application order. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of how to develop a successful skincare routine and which products to use first. 

Types Of Skincare Products

Understanding the various types of skincare products is necessary for building an effective skincare routine. Here are some of the main types of skincare products that you should be aware of:

  • Cleanser: Cleansers play an important role in keeping your skin clean and free from dirt, oil, and other impurities. Cleansers help unclog pores, prevent acne, and make it easier for other skincare products to be absorbed into the skin.
  • Toner: Toner is a skincare product used to cleanse the skin and reduce the appearance of pores, typically on the face. It makes your skin prepared for other skincare products to be absorbed efficiently.
  • Serum: Facial serums are a type of skincare product that are made up of a high concentration of active ingredients. These ingredients are known to be very effective in managing specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, acne, dryness, and dullness.
  • Moisturizers:  Moisturizers help protect, moisturize, and lubricate the skin.  Moisturizers keep your skin healthy and prevent it from becoming dry.

Order Of Application For Skincare Products

When you’re using skincare products, it’s a good idea  to know the order in which to apply them. This helps ensure that each product is fully absorbed into your skin and can do its job optimally. If you follow a skincare routine correctly, your skin will look healthier, so use your products in order to reap the benefits. 

  1. Cleanser: Cleaning your face allows your skincare products to work more effectively. Clean your face before applying anything because if you don’t clean your face, makeup, dirt, and impurities will stay on your skin and your skincare won’t work optimally. 
  2. Toner: After cleansing your skin, it is important to restore it to a natural pH balance with a toner. Toners can help remove any remaining impurities and residue left on the skin, preparing it for the next steps in your skincare routine. Toners provide an extra layer of hydration and nourishment to your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized.  
  3. Serum: Now it is time to apply serum after using a toner.  Serums are highly concentrated formulas that contain active ingredients that help improve specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, dehydration, and brightening. 
  4. Eye cream: Applying eye cream after serum is generally a good idea because it can help keep the skin around your eyes hydrated and looking healthy. The cream can be a bit thicker than other products, which makes it easier to apply and helps distribute the product evenly. Starting with the lightest consistency and working your way up is a good way to ensure that the skin around your eyes gets the hydration it needs without any irritation.
  5. Spot treatment: Spot treatments are special skincare products that help improve specific skin problems, such as pimples, dark spots, and discolorations. They contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and are meant to be applied directly to the problem area. Spot treatments are not meant to be used every day, should sparingly be used as needed or until the concern resolves. 

infographic detailing the types of moisturizers 

  1. Moisturizer:  Properly moisturizing your skin is a vital step in maintaining a healthy and vibrant-looking skin. To achieve optimal results, skincare experts recommend using a high-quality moisturizer that contains key ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. This type of moisturizer is particularly effective at hydrating your skin and protecting it from the harsh effects of environmental factors and products applied beneath it. Apply a moisturizer before sunscreen for optimal results. 
  2. Sunscreen : Sunscreen is an important part of a daily skincare routine and it is recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause damage. Most people believe in common myths about natural phenomena and one of them is that they stop using sunscreen in their daily skincare routine. Snow and ice reflect UV rays, resulting in increased exposure to your skin, so you might want to apply sunscreen in the winter too. 

Tips For Maximizing The Benefits Of Your Skincare Routine

an image of woman with flawless skin

Here are a few of the tips that can help maximize the benefits of a skincare routine.

  • Consider Your Skin Type: Knowing your skin type is necessary when choosing skincare products. There are five main skin types: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and normal. Knowing your skin type can help you choose the right ingredients and apply them correctly to achieve the best results. For example, if your skin is dry, you may need more intense hydration, while people with oily skin may benefit from products that help to control excess oil production. 
  • Use High Quality Products: Using high-quality products is important in order to get the best results from your skincare routine. Quality ingredients in these products can help protect your skin from environmental damage, fight signs of aging, and provide better results than low-quality products. In addition, high-quality skincare products are more refined and have fewer bacteria and impurities, meeting or exceeding standards set by lower-quality products.
  • Be consistent: You need to use your products regularly and give them enough time to work. Don’t give up on a product too soon – it typically takes about 30 to 45 days to see visible results. Following your skincare routine consistently allows your skin to get used to the products and respond better, leading to long-term benefits. Everyone’s skin is different, so  be patient and give your skincare routine some time to work its magic.
  • Use The Appropriate Amount Of Products: Use the right amount of skincare products, so that they do not damage your skin. If you use too much, your skin can become greasy and clogged.  Also, using too many skincare products can be a waste of money. To get the best results from your skincare products, you should follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a skincare professional. By using the right amount of skincare, you can maintain a healthy skin without causing any damage.

Common Skincare Mistakes To Avoid

feminine hand using skincare product

  • Over-Exfoliating: The right amount of exfoliation is important to keep your skin healthy. Too much exfoliation can cause damage, and lead to skin irritation, redness, and inflamed skin. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good indication that you should take a break from exfoliating.

Over-exfoliation can also cause dry and flaky skin, and even breakouts. You should try to find the right balance and frequency for your skin type, so you don’t experience any unwanted reactions and get the most out of your skincare routine.

  • Over-Moisturizing: Moisturizing your skin the right way can help avoid problems like lack of skin oil production and clogged pores, but too much moisture can also lead to skin issues. Use a product that absorbs quickly into the skin and use it sparingly so you don’t end up with an overly greasy or occlusive layer on your skin.
  • Choosing  The Wrong Product For Your Skin: When you’re trying to take care of your skin, it’s wise to use products that are specifically designed for your skin type. This way, you can avoid problems like irritation, breakouts, and skin tightness. Many products also have ingredients that can be harmful if used incorrectly, so always read the label and choose products that will be most effective for you.

Final Thoughts 

A good skincare routine helps improve the texture, hydration, and appearance of the skin. To get the best results from your skincare routine, you will need to be careful about choosing the high-quality products that suit your skin type. You also need to avoid extra moisturizing and  too much exfoliating. The most important thing is to apply them in the right order and be consistent. You may not see results right away, but with regular use and some patience, your skin will improve and you’ll start seeing the change.