Want to get better results from the skin care products you’re ALREADY using? Well, the secret depends on which ORDER you apply them.
Often we have more moisturizers, cleansers, gels, sunscreens and serums than we know what to do with. But when you know the right sequence to apply them, looking after your skin becomes a whole lot easier.
Here’s how:
Step #1: Commit to being consistent
You can have the greatest anti-aging ingredients in the world. But if you want impressive results, you must, must, MUST make your skin care routine a consistent daily habit.
Step #2: Split your routine in two – Day & Night
You want both a morning routine and a night-time skin care regimen. And what you do when you wake will differ slightly from your pre-bed antics.
Step #3: Your Morning Routine
Set aside the time each day to care for your skin when you wake. Follow these steps every morning in this order:
1. Cleanse
Begin by with a non-soap facial cleanser, so you have a clean canvas to work with. Cleansing your face will help get rid of dirt and any other impurities.
(You may also want to exfoliate at this stage too – this will remove layers of dead skin cells so your other products can penetrate more easily).
2. Tone
Next apply a toner to give a soothing effect, take away any remaining excess oil, and refresh your face.
3. Serums or Gels
Now it’s time to infuse your skin with anti-aging goodness and antioxidants. You don’t need a huge amount when it comes to serums or gels, so rub in a small amount of the Anti-Aging Super Serum (or whichever product you prefer) in a circular motion using the tips of your index and middle fingers. Then give it time to absorb fully.
4. Moisturize
Using moisturizer at this stage will now help ‘lock in’ the products you have applied so far.
(However, if you have particularly oily skin you may wish to skip this stage because sunscreen will add all the moisturizer you’re going to need).
5. Apply Sunscreen
The moisturizer might be option, but sunscreen definitely is not. The sun is the worst offender when it comes to premature aging and wrinkles. So wear it every single day, no matter how cloudy it might be outside.
Allow the moisturizer to fully soak in first, then protect your skin from the aging effects of the sun with sunscreen. An SPF of 15 or above is sufficient, and make sure it has both UVA and UVB protection. And apply it to the areas that far too many neglect: this includes the eyelids, neck, chest, ears, hands and your hairline.
Step #4: Your Night-Time Routine
You’ll see that the night-time skin care routine has fewer steps than in the morning. In fact, there are only 3! Again, apply these steps as they’re laid out here:
1. Cleanse
Make sure skin is clean before getting into bed. After all, makeup and pollution can really clog up your pores. Plus cleansing will help open up your pores too, so they’re more receptive to the the products you have.
2. Serums or Gels
As you did in the morning, rub in a small amount of the Anti-Aging Super Serum (or whichever product you use) using in a circular motion with the tips of your fingers. And allow a few seconds for it to be fully absorbed.
3. Moisturize Generously
Finally before heading to bed, apply a generous layer of moisturizer to your face and neck, paying particular attention to any dry areas.
And if you’re in any doubt about choosing the right anti-aging products, we’ve set out some guidelines here that you might find helpful: How To Find Great Anti-Aging Products