Many people attribute their skin health to genetics, but the reality is that environmental factors, such as your skincare routine, are even more important than your genes.
The trouble is that developing the best skincare routine for you is highly personal, requiring a little bit of extra research. You may also find that you will have to test out different products until you find the ones that best suit your skin.
Crucial Skincare Routine Order
The ordinary skincare routine, at a bare minimum, should include three integral steps: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Cleansing is to wash the day off your face, including all of your makeup and the environmental pollutants (smog, grime, bacteria) you encountered as you went about your day. Toning rebalances the skin’s pH, and moisturizing softens and brings much-needed hydration.
Skincare Routine Order for Specific Issues
On top of the three main steps, you may have other issues you wish to address, and your routine can also help you there.
Skincare Routine for PIH:
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces extra melanin as part of the healing process for injured or irritated skin. Fully treating PIH can require laser resurfacing or chemical peels, but at home, try adding products with glycolic acid, lactic acid, or vitamin C.
Best Skincare Routine for Acne:
If you suffer from acne, including blackheads, opt for non-comedogenic products. Non-comedogenic means that the product won’t clog pores. Non-comedogenic products typically label their products as such, but not always. One ingredient to always avoid for acne-prone skin is coconut oil.
Skincare Routine Order for Anti-Aging:
For anti-aging, consider adding a serum to your routine. Products with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, or niacinamide can each help in different ways with aging-related skin issues like redness, wrinkling, and dark spots and stimulating collagen production.
What is the Ideal Skincare Routine Order?
Whether in the morning or at night, it’s important to layer your skincare products for maximum effectiveness properly. The following indicates your skincare routine order for a nighttime routine.
- Water or oil-based cleanser
- Exfoliation
- Toner or hydrating mist
- Acids, serums, essences
- Spot treatment
- Hydrating serum
- Eye cream
- Facial oil
- Night moisturizer
Your daytime routine will follow the same order but should not include exfoliation or acid steps. As well, always remember to add an SPF as the last step of your skincare routine every morning before applying makeup.
When trying out new products, always start with a patch test, especially if you have sensitive skin prone to irritation or breakouts.
Your skincare routine should also include periodic visits to your dermatologist for a checkup on your skin health and to perform more intensive interventions. To get the most out of your skin’s well-being and appearance, reach out to Advanced Dermatology, PC, to book an in-person or virtual appointment.