So you want to start a skincare routine, but you have some questions: How many products do I have to use? What are the correct skincare steps in order day and night?
Below, YuFace offers a basic order of skincare routine suggestions to use as a blueprint for your own regimen.
Of course, everyone’s skin is different, so adjust based on what works for your age and skin type.
Daytime skincare steps in order
1 Cleanser
In the morning, start by splashing your face with warm water or, if you must wash with a gentle face cleanser designed for your skin type.
2 Toner
Most people choose to skip toners. While they don’t physically “shrink” pores, the new breed of toners can serve multiple purposes, like act as a delivery system for antioxidants, vitamin-B derivatives, and even toning acids.
Additionally, each type of toner is intended for a different skin issue, so it’s important to use the right kind for your skin concern.
3 Serum
Using vitamin C serum in the morning protects your skin from the inflammation and damage caused by free radicals during the day while also brightening skin and lightening dark spots over time.
4 Eye cream
Eye creams fall into the “treat” category. Dab on eye cream using your ring finger (your weakest finger) so you don’t unintentionally cause damage to your eye area.
5 Moisturizer
A moisturizer will soothe and soften skin. Thicker creams work best on normal or combination skin, and fluids and gels are recommended for oilier types.
Effective ingredients include glycerine, ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides.
6 Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a critical final step in your morning skincare steps in order.
Not only can it reduce your risk of skin cancer, but it can also fight against signs of aging.
Also read: What Causes Oily Skin (Genetics, Hormones, Stress, Diet, etc.)
Nighttime skincare steps in order
1 Double cleanser
Experts recommend removing your makeup first with a dedicated makeup remover before washing your face with a cleanser to get rid of the day’s grime, dirt, oil, and makeup.
2 Toner
The unsung hero of the skincare regimen, toner is essential for balancing skin pH and prepping skin for all of the ingredients and formulas that follow.
3 Serum
Serums are the most potent and customizable step in your skincare routine, and, depending on what issues you’re having with your complexion.
A good rule of thumb is to focus more on hydration and regeneration with your nighttime formula.
4 Eye cream
Any nighttime skincare routine is incomplete without a good eye cream.
Adding a good eye cream to your skincare routine, will relax and moisturize the eye area, prevent puffiness and leave you with smooth, wrinkle-free skin around the eyes.
5 Spot treatment
Ideally, you’d apply your spot treatments (whether they’re for zits, scars, or dark spots) at night because that’s when your body is working hardest to repair itself.
Regardless of when you apply it, make sure to tap your spot treatment on before your moisturizer so it can really penetrate your skin and do its thang.
6 Moisturize
Moisturizing is really important at night, as it creates a barrier that seals inactive ingredients and hydration.
This way, when you wake up, your skin is glowy, plump, and ready to start the day.
7 Face oil
Applying an oil overnight will enable the skin to combat the overproduction of sebum and pore-clogging oil, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and enlarged pores of combination and oily skin.
Dry and sensitive skin will also greatly benefit from the additional moisture.
Also read: Retinol vs Retin A: Is Them The Same Thing? (Uses, Difference)