With the diversity of products whose functions are not always clear and the increasingly elaborate skincare routines, it is understandable to have many questions.

We often don't know which product to apply first and which ingredients should not be combined. Do we start with the serum or facial oil?

Should we use the mask or the eye cream first? What is the correct sequence for a skincare routine, and should it be done in the morning or at night?

Some tips on the order of application to create a simple and effective routine can help achieve healthy and radiant skin.

 

Step-by-Step Skincare Routine

Makeup Remover as the First Product

The first step in a skincare routine is to remove any makeup, which can be done with a makeup remover or micellar water.

In the morning, we might skip this step, but for double cleansing fans, use a cleansing oil for a deeper clean.

Despite being an oil, it removes skin oiliness without disrupting the skin's natural balance and pH, keeping the skin beautiful and balanced.

 

Cleansing Soap for Morning and Night Use

Once makeup is removed, it is necessary to continue caring for the skin by cleaning it thoroughly to eliminate all impurities. 

Prefer a liquid soap or gentle cleansing gel to avoid damaging the skin. The current trend includes practical, ecological, and anti-waste soaps.

 For more effective cleansing, combine the soap with a facial cleansing brush, either electric or manual, to visibly improve the appearance of your skin.

 

Step Three: Exfoliant

We have some options: physical, chemical, or enzymatic exfoliants to be used three times a week. 

If you choose an AHA-based exfoliant (like glycolic acid), use it only at night and be mindful of the active ingredients you will combine later.

 

The Toner

Toner is used to rebalance the skin and restore the correct pH level. Choose according to your skin type: astringent and purifying or calming and hydrating. 

The current trend focuses on achieving a glowing effect.

 

Night Skincare Routines: AHA and BHA Acids

Treatments with acids should be used on clean, dry skin. You can choose those based on AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHA (beta hydroxy acids), like salicylic acid. They remove dead cells, refine skin texture, minimize discoloration, and reduce fine lines. 

It is best to apply them at night as they can be photosensitizing.

Remember to always use sunscreen the following morning. Apply them one to three times a week, gradually allowing the skin to adapt.

To avoid possible irritation, do not combine different types of acids or other active ingredients like Retinol simultaneously.

Always consult your dermatologist before starting treatment.

 

Active Ingredients: Vitamin C

Vitamin C has strong antioxidant action, brightens, and improves skin texture. 

It can be used lightly in the morning and at night, but it is preferable not to combine it with Retinol and Retinoids simultaneously to minimize the risk of irritation.

 

Active Ingredients: Retinol and Retinoids (Vitamin A)

Retinol and Retinoids are very effective in combating skin aging and aiding regeneration. They have brightening properties, especially in treating spots and discolorations. 

However, it is crucial to use them with caution and always after consulting a dermatologist, as they can cause irritation and light sensitivity. 

Use them only at night and not in combination with other active ingredients. 

Always use a high-factor sunscreen in the morning.

 

Essence

A product highly favored by Eastern women and now an essential skincare product in the West, to be used morning or night. It resembles a toner in its watery texture but is more concentrated with nutrients like a booster. 

It contains hydrating and anti-aging agents like hyaluronic acid, enzymes, or probiotics, which help restore skin comfort and enhance the effect of the serum and moisturizer applied later.

 

Serum

Facial serum is an essential product in your skincare routine, with a lightweight texture and quick absorption, crucial for deeply nourishing the skin and protecting it from oxidative stress. It can have antioxidant and anti-aging effects, with hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient. 

Use it daily, morning and night. Note: Serum penetrates deeply into the skin for a decisive effect but is not a substitute for moisturizer. Always use your favorite serum.

 

Eye Contour

Never forget to care for the very thin and delicate skin around the eyes, which ages faster than the rest of the face. If you have very dry skin in this area, choose creams with a rich texture and apply by tapping gently with the ring finger, morning and night. 

Current formulas smooth, brighten, and decongest the area.

 

Face Mask

Applied after cleansing, exfoliating, rebalancing, and treating the skin, a face mask provides an extra nutrient boost. At night, it is the last step in the beauty routine, used once or twice a week. 

If you have very dry skin, it can be followed by a facial oil for an even more regenerative action. 

Besides the classic creamy masks, there are also fabric or cellulose fiber masks. Nowadays, there are barrier-effect masks that can be applied daily after moisturizer, even before makeup.

 

Facial Oil

Facial oil is an optional skincare product, particularly nourishing and regenerating for skin needing extra care. 

Use it only at night or mix a few drops into your facial cream if your skin is particularly dry, especially in winter. Opt for a single natural, cold-pressed oil, like rosehip oil with antioxidant action, or a blend of fine oils for multiple benefits. 

Facial oil is a star product in the skincare routine and can also be used on oily skin, as all skin types need nutrition. 

To maximize its benefits, use it at the end of the night skincare routine to “seal” all active ingredients. There are also lightweight formulas available, perfect for use as a serum or makeup base.

 

Day Moisturizer

Using a moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated all day, protecting it from external aggressions like wind and pollution. Choose it according to your skin type and needs, from light gel textures to richer, more nourishing ones.

Whether it’s lifting, rebalancing, matting, or illuminating effects, the important thing is to remember to apply it every morning with upward, sinuous motions. 

For superior application, some skin experts suggest combining the cream with a next-generation beauty tool—our face will thank you!

 

Sunscreen

Sunscreen has become an essential step to protect the skin from sun damage. Modern formulations are lightweight and pleasant to apply, without the risk of creating an unpleasant "white mask" on the face. 

Wait until the skin has absorbed all previous products before applying it. Once absorbed, you can proceed with makeup application.

 

Night Cream

The night cream, the last step in the skincare routine, usually has a rich and comfortable texture infused with active, regenerative nutrients that work during the rest hours, assisting the skin's natural regeneration cycle. 

The night cream is light and free of SPF, of course, and its texture can be “sealed” with facial oil for added nourishment.

 

How Long to Wait Between Applications

The waiting time between applying one product and another depends on individual preference and the cosmetic used. 

Manufacturers typically provide guidelines for their products, such as application mode and waiting time for better skin absorption. 

Some people wait 15 seconds between applications to allow the product to absorb well, while others prefer to apply while the skin is still damp for a more pleasant texture.

The effectiveness of all products we apply depends on the order we follow to not affect their penetration capacity. 

Application should always follow the density of the products: applying a very dense product can create a barrier that prevents lighter products from penetrating. 

If you only use basic daily products like moisturizer, serum, and sunscreen, the correct order is: 

-Serum

-Moisturizer

-Sunscreen

It may seem complicated at first, but following a skincare routine will result in healthier, hydrated, and radiant skin.

By jbanaggia