Your Short Step-by-Step Skincare Order Guide
If you’re like most women, you probably have a beauty routine that you stick to religiously every morning and night. Whether it’s washing your face with your favorite cleanser, using a toner to help control oil production, or applying a rich moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, chances are you have a specific order that you apply your products. But did you know that the order in which you apply your skincare products can actually make a big difference in how well they work? Here’s a quick guide to help you make sure you’re applying your products in the correct order.
Cleanser
The first step in any good skincare routine is cleansing your face. This helps remove dirt, makeup, and any other impurities that may be clogging your pores. A good cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed without stripping it of its natural oils. Be sure to massage the cleanser into your skin in a gentle circular motion before rinsing it off with warm water.
Toner
After cleansing your face, the next step is to apply a toner. This helps remove any remaining traces of dirt and makeup as well as restore your skin’s pH balance. Apply the toner to a cotton pad and wipe it over your entire face, avoiding the area around your eyes. You can also mist your face with a facial spray instead of using a cotton pad if you prefer. Let the toner dry before moving on to the next step in your routine.
Serum/Treatment
The third step in your skincare routine is to apply a serum or treatment product. This could be anything from an acne spot treatment to an anti-aging serum. Be sure to follow the directions on the product packaging for best results.
If you are using both, always use the serum before any treatment product. Treatment products are often aggressive and you want to let your serum absorb into your skin for at least five minutes before applying your treatment product.
Eye Cream
The fourth step is to apply an eye cream or gel. This helps hydrate and brighten the delicate skin around your eyes. Gently tap the product into the skin around your eyes with your fingertips until it is absorbed completely.
The skin around your eyes is more sensitive than other areas on your face. That’s why we target that area specifically with special products after we do a full face cleanse and serum treatment.
Moisturizer
The final step in your skincare routine is to apply a moisturizer. This helps lock in all of the other products you’ve applied and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day (or night). Choose a moisturizer that is right for your skin type – some women prefer lighter gel-based formulas while others prefer heavier creams. Apply the moisturizer to your face and neck using gentle upward strokes until it is fully absorbed into your skin.
Following these simple steps will help ensure that you are applying your skincare products in the correct order for maximum efficacy! Just remember, CT-STEM! Cleanser, Toner, Serum/Treatment, Eye Cream, Moisturizer.
Jessica Wheeler
Hi! My name is Jessica Wheeler and I am the Senior Editor at Bringing Beauty. I have been a licensed Esthetician for six years and have recently finished my Bachelor of Arts in English.
