This skin care routine will transform your face

You've read the beauty blogs and decided on their top picks - cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream - and if you use them every day, your skincare routine is good...right? 

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you don't know how to apply them in a specific order, it's time to reconsider. We know that if we're going to spend a fortune on skincare, we want the product to work to its maximum potential. 

It turns out that to do this we need to apply them in a specific order - rather than rushing through the process. To share our knowledge, we've put together a comprehensive set of steps and products suitable for all skin types. You don't have to have everything on this list, but you should follow this order. 

Day and night routine. To keep it simple, unless you have two products per category, your morning and evening skincare routine will be roughly the same. 

1. Cleaning products: In order for products to work, you need to refresh your skin - that's where cleansing comes into play. Everyone should cleanse in the morning and especially in the evening. When you go out, your face is not only covered in makeup (if you wear makeup), but also dirt. 

Although you are exposed to less elements overnight, your skin still sweats and collects bacteria while you sleep. how do you do this. handwashing. Gently massage the cleanser into the skin for about 1 minute. Wash off with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel. 

Pro tip: Try double cleansing at night. Start by using a non-comedogenic oil (jojoba works great) or an oil-based cleanser to remove your makeup. Then use a water-based cleanser. Water or oil based cleaner. 

Oil-based products are best for removing makeup and sunscreen residue, while water-based products are your best friend for removing dirt and sweat. “Cleansers will depend on your skin type and the most important thing is to choose a product that suits you,” explains Ophelia Veraitch, Consultant Dermatologist at Cranley Clinic. "For example, if you have acne, you should avoid using soap-based or foaming cleansers as these can increase oil production." 

2. Toner and Essence: Toner recipes vary. Depending on the product, they can slough off dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, and/or help brighten and restore the skin's pH balance. 

"When you're ready to use products with active ingredients and moisturizer, you can use a toner to remove all cleansers and leave your skin feeling fresh," says Dr. Villachi. 

Serums are similar to toners, but are lighter in texture and are generally used for moisturizing. Generally speaking, toner and fragrance are optional. Depending on your skin type, you may or may not see results. 

Pro Tip: If you have oily skin, try an astringent toner. If you're using hyaluronic acid later in your routine, follow up with a hydrating toner. 

3. Eye cream: Eye cream can combat fine lines and dark circles around the eyes. "You should use a thinner eye cream here because the skin around the eyes is thinner," says Dr. Villachi. Consider eye creams an optional step in your daily routine, as they are often quite expensive. 

Using an eye serum can provide similar results. However, make sure the ingredients are not too harsh. how is the progress. Since it's for such a specific niche, you don't need much. Take a small amount on your fingertips (apply with your ring finger) and pat gently around the eyes until absorbed. 

Pro tip: If your eye cream contains retinol and you apply it in the morning, be sure to apply sunscreen afterward and reapply throughout the day. 

4. Serums, including acids and retinols. Serum contains high concentrations of ingredients such as antioxidants and/or acids that target cell repair and protection. 

They are particularly effective at repairing sun-damaged skin and evening out skin tone. However, the type of serum you want to use will also depend on the active ingredients you used previously in the toner/serum phase. Active ingredients are any ingredients that may change your skin, such as acids, retinols, and vitamins. 

"If you use a product that contains active ingredients, you must wait a few minutes before using the next product," adds Dr. Villachi added. "Otherwise, you're actually diluting the active ingredient and it won't be as effective." 

Day serum. Your daily serum should focus on hydration and protection. Daily serums often contain acids such as hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These ingredients promote cell renewal and rejuvenation, helping to improve everything from spots and wrinkles to skin tone and scars. 

Night serum. Your night serum should focus on repairing and renewing skin cells. You can use an acidic serum at night, but if retinol is on the list, use it. "Retinol should be used at night because it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight," explains Dr. Andrew Birnie, consultant dermatologist and inventor of Altruistic Sunscreen. 

Retinol is a synthetic form of vitamin A. This powerful ingredient stimulates cell production and fights signs of aging. When using retinol, it's best to pace yourself. "Retinol products are more likely to cause irritation and require increased use," says Dr. Bernie. "Use every few days or every other day, then every day." 

Pro Tip: Start with 0.3% to 0.5% retinol, recommends Dr. Villachi. This may be enough for your skin. Then try increasing the ratio to 1%. 

5. Local treatment. Spot treatments are designed to target acne, dark spots and blemishes. If you're lucky enough to have skin clearer than Caribbean water, go ahead. 

Pro Tip: While some topical treatments are designed for use in the morning, many treatments work best at night as your body begins to repair and rejuvenate during sleep. how is the progress. If your topical treatment contains salicylic acid or lactic acid, focus it on the T-zone, says Dr. Villachi. 

Or where exactly your spots are. If it is a relatively mild formula, there is no problem in using it anywhere. Avoid using the product on the skin around your eyes, she adds. 

6. Moisturizer. No matter how many serums you own, "everyone can benefit from using [a moisturizer]," says Dr. Villachi. 

It's important for protecting your skin's natural barrier and retaining moisture. However, which formula is best depends on your skin type. If you have dry skin, ointments are a good option. However, if you have oily skin or are prone to rosacea or acne, a cream will be better, she explains. 

7. Facial oil Your skin already produces its own oil, called "sebum," so depending on your skin type, you may not need facial oil. PhD. Villach does not recommend them to her clients because she finds they cause more problems than benefits in her practice. However, everyone is different. People with dry or dehydrated skin may find that using facial oil products helps replenish sebum production, especially in terms of moisturizing and protecting the skin's natural barrier. Typically, these products use a variety of different oils. However, some of the most popular ingredients include squalane, jojoba oil, marula oil, argan, and rosehip: all of which are rich in beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. 

8. Sunscreen (day) or thick cream (night) Sun protection is the most important step in daily life. Not only does it help prevent sunburn, which can eventually develop into skin cancer, but it also helps prevent cumulative sun damage. "Every time you go outside, a little bit of sunlight or UV rays hits your skin," explains Dr. Birnie, “This builds up throughout your life.” This can lead to the appearance of cancer cells, sunspots, wrinkles and general signs of aging on the surface of the skin. night cream Night cream is essentially a rich moisturizer. "It keeps your skin hydrated and helps improve the appearance of fine lines," says Dr. Villachi. Night cream is an optional step, but one that you can consider once you enter your 30s. "As we age, it's important to use a night cream," says Villach. "As you age, oil production decreases, so you need extra moisture."