What is part of a daily skincare routine?
The right order matters
We all want healthy and beautiful skin. We aim to avoid sun-induced hyperpigmentation, slow down skin aging, and achieve firm, radiant, and glowing skin. To reach these skin goals, it’s essential to choose the right products and establish a suitable daily routine. Selecting the proper products is crucial, and in this article, we’ll guide you through choosing the right creams, exfoliants, cleansers, serums, or masks. And what’s most important? The correct application order!
The key to successful skincare is choosing the right products
Every skin type is unique, so it’s important to choose products that meet your skin’s individual needs. Your basic skin type is genetically determined, influencing essential characteristics like oil production, moisture levels, and sensitivity. While you may have a specific genetic skin type, you can still influence and modify your skin’s condition. Factors such as your environment, skincare routine, stress levels, and diet all play a role in determining your skin’s state and characteristics.
Product Layering: Why Is It So Important?
Product layering is one of the most essential techniques in skincare. It involves applying multiple products in sequence to maximize their effectiveness. Proper layering promotes the absorption and efficacy of each product. Applying an expensive serum over a cream or on uncleaned, unexfoliated skin is highly ineffective, and your skin won’t reap the benefits of such an advanced product. That’s why it’s crucial to be mindful when applying skincare products!
- 1. Cleansing: The foundation of any daily routine is thorough cleansing. Removing dirt and makeup is essential to prepare your skin for other products.
TIP: Double cleansing! Dermalogica is known for this method, but you can find products for this technique from Omorovicza or Clinique. Double cleansing was first popularized by South Korean beauty experts.
- 2. Exfoliation: A vital step between cleansing and applying other products is exfoliation, which removes the outer layer of dead skin and prepares the skin for the next step: applying serums. Exfoliation allows serums to penetrate deeper into the skin. There are two main types of exfoliants: mechanical (granules) and chemical (acids). Both aim to remove dead skin cells from the surface, promoting regeneration and improving overall skin condition. Some gentle exfoliants can be used daily, while others are best used weekly. The ultimate exfoliation is a chemical peel performed by a professional, typically during autumn or winter. Always check the product’s recommendations for frequency.
TIP: Exfoliation is key to maintaining youthful-looking skin! The best anti-aging hack!
WARNING! For problematic skin with active acne, avoid mechanical exfoliation to prevent spreading inflammation.
CAUTION! When using chemical exfoliants with acids, always protect your skin with sunscreen.
- 3. Toner or Lotion: A toner helps balance the skin’s pH and soothe it after cleansing and exfoliation, allowing other products to absorb better.
- 4. Serum: A serum is a concentrated product with active ingredients targeting specific skin issues like wrinkles, pigmentation, or acne. It’s always applied before a cream and penetrates deep into the skin. Common ingredients in serums include hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol (vitamin A), peptides, niacinamide, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
- 5. Day Cream: Day creams are designed to provide all-day hydration, protection, and support. They often contain ingredients that shield the skin from environmental damage. Creams with SPF: It’s recommended to apply sunscreen in addition to your day cream (if it doesn't contain SPF) to protect your skin from sun exposure.
Night Cream: Unlike day creams, night creams are formulated to regenerate and restore the skin while you sleep. They often have richer formulas that promote cell renewal and combat signs of aging.
The importance of differences between day and night creams:
Day and night creams have different formulations and functions to meet the skin’s needs throughout the day and night. Day creams protect the skin from external factors like sun and pollution while providing necessary hydration. Night creams focus on regeneration and renewal, as the skin is more active at night and better absorbs active ingredients.
Conclusion: Skincare as a Beauty Ritual
A daily skincare routine is like a beauty ritual to enjoy every day. Choosing the right products and applying them in the correct order is key to achieving beautiful, healthy skin. Remember, every skin type is different, so experiment with various products to find what works best for your unique skin. Whether your routine is simple or complex, investing in skincare will pay off with healthy, radiant skin!
