Back to Basics: How to Apply Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
Oh the days of skincare past, where a bar of soap and a splash of water were considered adequate. Thankfully, the world has moved on and learned to embrace the importance of skincare. With new discoveries and trailblazing products popping up on the market left and right, it’s safe to say our knowledge is expanding as our bathroom cabinets are swiftly filling.
And, as liberating as it is to slather on a shiny new skincare product, knowing the correct order of application is another game in and of itself. If you have a growing skincare collection but aren’t 100% sure what to do, COSMEDIX is going back to basics for you! Keep on scrolling to dive deep into everyday skincare products and the best way to apply:
You know the drill. A good cleanse is the starting point for any effective skincare routine, so if you’ve been skimping on a thorough face cleanse, cut it out! Washing your face is the best way to remove pore-clogging impurities like oil, dirt and makeup—not to mention, a clean canvas helps boost product absorption for your toners, serums and more.
Try: Benefit Clean| A gentle cleanser that works with all skin types to help wash away dirt, oil and makeup—without stripping the skin of natural oils.
The word “toner” can inspire many reactions. With a past reputation for being drying and harsh, toners have made it their mission to redefine themselves with nourishing ingredients that prep and hydrate the skin. Applying a toner after a cleanse is an excellent way to remove leftover dirt and oil while helping the complexion drink up those skin-loving ingredients that are coming its way.
Try: Benefit Balance| Help soothe and nourish the skin after a cleanse with skin-loving ingredients like Green Tea, Aloe Vera and Chamomile.
Like a shot for skin, serums add a daily dose of vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients to the complexion. The best part about these multi-tasking products is that they can be tailored to personal skin types and concerns. Mixing serums is another easy way to streamline your skincare routine by tacking multiple skincare wants in one simple application. And, if you prefer to apply them separately, use weight as your guide. Start with lightweight formulas followed by heavy or rich serums to ensure optimal absorption.
Try: Cell ID| A multi-tasking Nutritive Defense Serum that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and signs of aging.
Eye treatments are a fool-proof way to target the delicate eye area with ingredients that help minimize fine lines, dark circles and age spots. They come in many different shapes and sizes, with cooling, retinol, gel and cream formulations. Basically, if you have an eye need, you are sure to find an eye product that can help. Because eye treatments tend to be lighter than moisturizers, they are best applied before moisturizer and after serums.
Try: Opti Crystal| A top selling eye serum infused with Liquid Crystal Technology to help hydrate the under eye and improve the look of fine lines and dark circles.
Retinol is hailed for its age-defying properties and is an important step in a nightly skincare routine. If you are on the hunt for a treatment that will help encourage healthy skin renewal and prevent fine lines and wrinkles , retinol is sure to be your new best friend! Just make sure that you apply your retinol separately from other serums to ensure it’s active ingredient (Vitamin A) remains effective (Marie Claire).
Try: Define| Formulated with 2% AGP Retinol Complex, this age-defying treatment gently exfoliates the skin and helps reduce the look wrinkles and imperfections.
It’s time to seal in all your hard work! Remember, the secret to skincare is applying products in the order of light to heavy. This is why richer products, like moisturizers and face oils, are typically applied as the last step. Using a lightweight toner, serum or treatment before an uber-hydrating moisturizer will help ingredients absorb into the skin, allowing the moisturizer to act as a barrier that locks in your skincare routine.
Try: Humidify| A deeply moisturizing cream that helps deliver vital hydration while boosting the skin’s barrier function.