written by NOA DIAMOND. August 20th, 2020
When you have a complicated skincare routine, it can be challenging to figure out how to incorporate all your products. One general rule of thumb is to apply the products that get washed off first (think your cleanser and face masks), and then apply everything else in order from lightest to thickest. What does that even mean, though? Well, fret not, because I am here to break it all down for you by sharing the correct sequence for applying your products to see optimal results.
*The steps marked with an asterisk are optional, but I tend to follow them.*
Morning:
Step 1 – Cleanse
This one is pretty straightforward. Go in with your favorite cleanser every morning to wipe away the dirt, sweat, and grime you may have collected over night.
Step 2 – Serums
These would include hydrating serums, anti-aging serums, acne-fighting serums, or your vitamin C, which is best in the morning rather than at night.
Step 3 – Moisturizer
A necessary step for every skin type! Replenish and rehydrate your skin after washing away the natural oils with your cleanser. If your daytime moisturizer has SPF built in you can skip step 5.
*Step 4 – Eye Cream
Optional, but a nice addition if you have sensitive or dry skin around the eyes. Note: always apply eye cream with your ring finger as it is your weakest finger. The skin around your eyes is most susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles so this will help insure you aren’t tugging on that skin.
Step 5 – Sunscreen
This step is a must every. damn. day. Always opt for SPF 30 or higher and reapply if you’re going outside, please.
Night:
Step 1 – Cleanse/Double Cleanse
Since I rarely, if ever, wear makeup, I opt to just use a simple water-based cleanser twice a day. If you tend to wear makeup, I would recommend double cleansing at night, which replaces the need for makeup remover. To double cleanse, simply start with your oil-based cleanser (this will remove the makeup) and follow that up with your water-based cleanser. Note that double cleansing has more benefits than just removing makeup. It also removes dirt and pollutants that have built up on your skin throughout the day.
*Step 2 – Face Masks/Chemical Peels/Treatments that get washed off
I recommend doing an at home face mask once a week. It is a great way to give your skin some extra love. I have an absurd amount of face masks. So when I decide it’s time to do one, I like to listen to my skin when deciding which type to apply that week. If I’m feeling more dry, I will use a hydrating mask. If my pores are looking clogged, I will use a resurfacing or exfoliating mask. Do not overdo it on facemasks that all have the same effect. This will lead to drier, more sensitive skin.
Step 3 – Toner
Some say using a toner is optional, but I say it is necessary to pick up any extra dirt and oils from your pores.
Step 4 – Exfoliate
There are multiple ways to exfoliate. You can use a physical tool like a vibrating brush or even a washcloth to wipe off dead skin cells, or you can use a chemical exfoliant. These are products that contain ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. My toner contains glycolic acid, so for me, I take care of those two steps in one. If you are using a stronger exfoliant on its own like a peel or a scrub, don’t use it more than 2-3 times per week. And you can always reduce to once a week if your skin becomes too dry and flaky.
Step 5 – Acne Serums/Retinol/Anti-aging serums
These can be the same as your morning serums, but I like to use my acne-fighting serums at night. If using a retinol, don’t use any acid-based serums that night.
Step 6 – Moisturize
Your nighttime moisturizer can be thicker than the morning one to really lock in moisture while you sleep. It is also okay to use the same moisturizer for both routines as long as it does not have any SPF.
*Step 7 – Facial Oil
Not necessary, but useful if you have dry skin. This adds an extra barrier to lock in the moisturizer and hydrate your skin throughout the night.
*Step 8 – Jade Roll, Gua Sha
I love my Gua Sha, but it can also be a time consuming step. I don’t end up using it if I am really tired that night and unable to do the correct movements required to actually see the results you want. If using a Gua Sha, I recommend adding in the facial oil for an easier time gliding the tool across your face. The jade roller also requires precise movements to see results, but I have found it requires a little less precision and attention than the Gua Sha. If new to either of these methods, check out this video for some instruction. But there are also tons of instructional videos online you can check out.
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