The Correct Order to Apply Your Skincare Routine in 2022

The basics of a proper skincare regime

Any proper skincare regime starts with identifying the correct products suitable for your skin type. Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, sensitive skin or combination skin, there’s a proper skincare routine out there for you.

But, it’s simply not enough to know about the types of products that exist. You need to learn to read your skin and make the most out of your routine. Some skin types require more care since they are prone to breakouts. You need to learn when to keep your regime minimalistic and when to go all out.

When is less more?

Sometimes, your skin may react to certain products but you find it difficult to tell them apart. At other times, you may mix up ingredients and pH you absolutely shouldn’t and that can have a horrendous output!

If you’re unsure about your layering or simply do not have time to follow through with the entire routine, it’s best to keep your skincare routine simple. However, depending on your skin needs, you may require to see through the entire regime in order to see visible results.

Why the order matters?

As a general rule, you should apply your products starting with the thinnest and seeing through to the thickest. But, if your routine consists of important ingredients you require for a specific result, use them in the earlier stages.

No matter the relationship with your skincare routine, it’s better to apply the bare minimum than apply them in the wrong order. At best, your products will be ineffective. But at worst? You can end up looking like the behind of a baboon. You know what we mean!

What’s the right order of skincare products?

First off, everyone does not require a full twelve, or nine, or even an eight-step skincare regimen! Everyone is different and you know your skin the absolute best! But, if you do happen to require a full walkthrough, it’s best to note down the order in which to start out.

Daytime routine

Your daytime skincare routine is all about providing protection and preventing damage. We tend to go out more often during the day and there is quite a bit of sun exposure. It’s important to take care so as not to end up harming your skin. And that’s why sunscreen happens to be the absolute must-include in this regime. Nevertheless, if you’re following an entire routine, it would look something like this. Even if you’re not, the order still remains the same.

• Cleanser - You should start your day with clean skin, ridding it of debris, dirt and residue. The first step in any skin regimen should be to wash the skin with a foaming cleanser to mildly get the job done. Washing your face twice a day helps to preserve the skin's natural oil basis and keeps the skin's surface clean.

• Toner - Use an excellent toner to revitalise your skin after you've washed it. Toners are highly concentrated products that assist to balance your skin's oils and eliminate any remaining pollutants after cleaning. It's crucial to get one that complements your skin tone. Toners can aid in the reduction of pore size and the removal of pollutants left behind after washing.

• Serum - Certain chemicals are present in high concentrations in serums. Your skin will be protected from damage produced by unstable molecules known as free radicals if you use an antioxidant-based serum. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are commonly used to improve texture and firmness and by adding a face serum to your routine, you may address and fix your individual difficulties.

• Eye cream - In any skincare programme, using an eye cream or treatment developed exclusively for the eyes is a must. Because the skin surrounding the eyes is 10 times thinner than the skin that protects the rest of the face, it is typically the first to show symptoms of ageing. Wrinkles, crow's feet, puffiness, and dark circles can all be addressed with eye treatments. Because the skin around the eyes might be sensitive, it's crucial to utilise products designed specifically for this area. During the daytime, use a vitamin C eye cream to help increase radiance for brighter-looking eyes or moisturising eye cream with avocado oil when your skin needs protection from pollution and outside aggressors.

• Spot treatment gel or cream - If you have a spot with a head, seek an anti-inflammatory solution to get rid of it first, then use a spot-drying treatment to get the remainder of it cleared up. A cyst is something that develops beneath the skin and necessitates the use of a substance that fights the problem from within. Your spot treatments ideally should be used at night because that's when your body is repairing itself the most. But, if you've previously used an acne-fighting toner, spot-treat in the morning instead to avoid irritating your skin.

• Moisturizer - You can get smooth, soft skin by using a moisturiser. If you have dry skin, a cream or balm is the way to go. Choose thicker moisturizers if you have normal or combination skin and go for gels or fluids for oily skin. Moisturizing on a regular basis is an important part of any healthy skin regimen, regardless of skin type. The skin might suffer from a compromised skin barrier if it isn't properly hydrated, resulting in dry patches and hastening the ageing process. The optimal time to apply a moisturiser is when the skin is still wet, according to most experts. So, finish your serum routine quickly so you can progress to sealing all the good stuff in your face with a moisturizer.

• Face oil - Face oils are moisture-resistant, which means they retain all of the chemicals and moisture you just applied to your face from evaporating as rapidly. Oils don't hydrate your skin very effectively on their own, but when you pile them over other products, they boost the efficiency of your regimen while also leaving skin soft and smooth. Just keep in mind that you should always apply your oils last. Oils permeate moisturisers, serums, and treatments quickly, but no product can penetrate an oil, thus it must be applied last. Also, don't believe the myth that oils are only for dry skin. Rosehip and jojoba oils, for example, can help to reduce excess oil in acne-prone skin. Aloe and marula oils, on the other hand,  can soothe sensitive skin that's easily irritated.

• Sunscreen - If you're using a physical or mineral sunscreen that works by physically blocking UV rays, it should be the last step in your daily skincare routine. When applying chemical sunscreen, this procedure gets more difficult. Chemical sunscreens must be absorbed into the skin for proper efficacy, thus using them after your moisturiser will slow down and obstruct this process. However, because the skin is coated with chemical sunscreen, if you apply your chemical sunscreen before your moisturiser, your moisturiser will not perform as effectively. To avoid this, apply a physical sunscreen containing zinc after your moisturiser. Zinc is a safe, effective sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Those who like chemical sunscreens should seek a product that also has moisturising properties, so they can obtain their daily hydration while still protecting their skin.

Night time routine

Because your skin restores itself at night, your nightly regimen should focus on therapy and providing what your skin requires. Exfoliation is recommended if your skin appears dull and moisturise it if it appears to be inflamed. Physical exfoliants and chemical peels, as well as anything else that renders skin sensitive to sunlight, should be used during this time.

• Double cleansing routine - Some experts advocate removing your makeup first using a specialised makeup remover before you begin washing your face with a mild cleanser to get rid of the day's filth, dirt, oil, and makeup. It's also better to consider double cleaning, which entails first dissolving your makeup with cleansing oil and then rinsing your face with your normal cleanser.

• Toner or essences - Some people like to stack different sorts of skincare boosters at night, which include mists, essences, beauty waters, and moisturising (hyaluronic acid) serums. These are loaded with a variety of active substances, but the primary goal is to keep your skin nourished and hydrated.

• Serum or treatment peels - As our body sleeps, it rejuvenates, restores and mends from within. Most focused skincare treatments, such as exfoliation treatments, prescription medications, and anti-ageing serums, are best utilised at night.

• Eye cream - A richer nightly eye cream might assist with concerns like weariness and fine wrinkles that affect look. Applying the product overnight allows the product to permeate your skin. Furthermore, specific formulae can aid in the formation of collagen and the prevention of age-related symptoms. Target dark circles and puffiness with lavender essential oil and evening primrose oil, and look for a high concentration of peptides and antioxidants in your eye creams.

• Spot treatment gel or cream - Skincare products with anti-inflammatory properties are used to treat blemishes that come to a head. After that, use a spot-drying treatment. For use at night, it's best to try creams that dry visibly.

• Moisturizer - At night, your skin enters into repair mode, working overtime to heal damage and promote regeneration. The importance of a high hydration level for healing and maintaining healthy skin cannot be overstated. Apply this at the end because it’s difficult for any product to penetrate a moisturizer.

• Retinoids - Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), which include retinol, penetrate into your skin to increase cell turnover, helping your body to produce fresher, smoother, and less wrinkled skin over time. However, just because your wrinkles may take about six months to smooth out doesn't mean you won't experience faster benefits in other areas. Retinoids stimulate collagen formation and work by fading dark spots, performing cellular exfoliation, preventing outbreaks, smoothing scars, clearing pores, and brightening the face.

• Face oil - Face oils can help your skincare regimen be more successful by renewing the skin and offering extra advantages to the skin barrier. After a face serum and before a moisturiser or overnight mask, apply a moisturising face oil at night. 
  
  

Is the order different for acne-prone skin?

If you are suffering from hormonal acne, your skin needs special care. The Carmesi Hormonal Acne Care range is specially designed with anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid and Shatavari. It’s specially designed for sensitive acne-prone skin and lets you benefit maximum from it if you follow the entire regimen.