Are you using your skincare products in the right order?
Here are the steps – and the right way to order them – recommended by our estheticians for the best results.
STEP 1: DOUBLE CLEANSE
Start with an oil-based cleanser to remove oil-based impurities. This step is essential as water-based cleansers alone won't remove things like your makeup, your night cream, SPF, and oil blended with contaminants, and this gets rid of skin baggage.
Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove residual impurities. This delicate two-step process helps keep Skin cleansed down to pores while keeping the skin barrier intact.
Some cleansers effectively combine the two steps.
Getting this step right can have profound and speedy results - including less sensitivity, fewer breakouts, and more glow.
STEP 2: TONER / ESSENCE
After cleansing, apply a hydrating toner when the skin is still slightly damp. Korean toners typically balance the skin's pH back to a healthy ~5.5 while imparting instant hydration.
Follow up with essence as they are formulated to drench Skin with hydration. This is key to a healthy skin environment, and essences are incredibly effective ways to bring moisture to the deeper layers of the skin.
Some products double as toners and essences. For toners, substances, or toning essences, if they're great at hydrating, apply a handful of layers on and watch your skin get super hydrated and plumped up!
STEP 3: EXFOLIATORS / MASKS
Now your skin is cleansed, toned, and hydrated. It's primed to be gentle (remember, being harsh on the skin is never a good thing) and exfoliate. Typically, exfoliators should be applied as follows.
- Dry/Sensitive Skin – 2 Times Weekly
- Combination/ Oily Skin – 3 Times Weekly
- Normal Skin – 2-3 times depending on how your Skin feels that week!
- Some exfoliators can be used daily, and the product instructions specify that.
After cleansing and toning, you should also apply sheet masks, modeling masks, and wash-off masks. You can apply these daily to weekly, depending on the product. Sheet masks are great for everyday use - if you want a fast track to well-hydrated skin.
Can you mask after exfoliating? Will exfoliating enhance the effects of your mask? Typically, yes. However, if the front and exfoliator are meant to exfoliate, that's too much for the skin.
STEP 4: TREATMENTS
You're cleansed, toned, and hydrated. Depending on the day of the week, you're also freshly exfoliated. Now it's time for serums, ampoules, and oils. The order of these products is generally from thinnest to thickest in consistency.
The only thing to note: if you're applying acids, generally use vitamin C first, then BHA, then AHA, then your other treatments because you want to go from lower pH to higher pH for optimal results.
Did you use a mask after cleansing and toning? You can skip the treatments or double down for even more intensive results.
Typically, your skin will love the pampering (in facials, a lot of products are massaged into the skin). but be careful that you're not too layering on too many acids, vitamin C, or retinol-based formulas altogether. Otherwise, layers of hydrating and nourishing ingredients are loved by the skin.
STEP 5: SEALANTS (MOISTURIZERS)
You did so much good for your skin. Now, it's time to seal it all in with a moisturizer that's right for your skin type. A slightly heavier moisturizer is excellent if your skin is dry or ordinary, especially in winter. If your skin is oily or combination - a lighter moisturizer that is water-based and doesn't clog pores is recommended. Don't forget the eye area needs extra love. And, of course, in the AM, SPF, always.
Want the deep dive on the skincare steps?
Have more questions? Email us at www.anew.co.in. Our estheticians will provide personalized recommendations.
