Skincare is crucial, but knowing the correct order in which to apply skincare products can be a game-changer. Curiously, 71% of users do not follow a routine when applying skincare products, which can prevent them from getting the best results.
Even though we may be using different products every day, such as serums, toners, and moisturizers, not all of us follow the correct order. Applying products in the correct order means that each layer can penetrate ideally, giving your skin maximum care and protection.
Thus, let us learn about the seven layers of skincare and understand why utilizing them in the proper regimen is essential for obtaining healthy, glowing skin.
1. Cleanser – Cleaning the Impurities
The cleanser is the first step in any skin care routine. It sweeps away oil, dirt, and remaining makeup from your skin, leaving it a clean surface for the remaining products.
Advantages:
- Drives out excess oil and dirt
- Prepares your skin to absorb other products better
- Prevents breakouts and clogged pores
How to Use:
- Use warm water to pre-wet your face before using a light cleanser
- If wearing makeup, employ double cleansing—an oil cleanser then water cleanser
- Choose organic or natural cleansers suitable to your skin type
2. Serum – Deep Nourishment
A serum is less heavy than creams and lotions, and therefore, the ideal product to penetrate deep into the skin layers. It restores broken skin, gives elasticity, and induces collagen formation for younger-looking skin.
Benefits:
- Reduces dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles
- Aids cell generation
- Antioxidant protection
How to Use:
- Apply a few drops on fresh skin, on the area with fine lines or pigmentation
- Vitamin C serums are extremely suggested for brightening and stopping aging signs
- Morning and evening for optimal results
3. Toner – Hydration and Pore Care
Most people underestimate the power of toners, but they play a very significant role in moisturizing and balancing the skin’s natural pH level. Toners contain ingredients such as glycerin, antioxidants, and acids that help to remove excess impurities and prepare your skin for moisturizing.
Benefits:
- Removes cleanser and serum residue
- Helps tighten pores and avoid acne breakouts
- Provides instant hydration
How to Use:
- Use with a cotton pad or spray on with a spray toner to put on gently
- Choose a moisturizing toner if your skin is dry
- Let the toner penetrate prior to putting on the next product
4. Eye Cream – Soothing Delicate Skin
Eye skin is far thinner than the rest of your face and, as a result, more prone to wrinkles, puffiness, and circles. Eye creams moisturize the area around your eyes and prevent premature aging.
Benefits:
- Reduces puffiness and dark circles
- Prevents fine lines and wrinkles
- Adds much-needed moisture to delicate under-eye skin
How to Use:
- Use a light eye cream rather than heavy ones, as thick creams can cause puffiness
- Tap gently with your ring finger—don’t rub!
- Use morning and night
5. Sunscreen – Essential Protection
Sunscreen is not just for outdoor excursions—wear it daily to protect your skin from harsh UV rays and air pollutants. Pollution and blue light from screens can damage your skin even on days when you don’t leave the house.
Benefits:
- Wards off UV damage and premature aging
- Anticipates sunspots, discoloration, and skin cancer
- Guard against pollution damage
How to Use:
- Apply sunscreen after skincare but before makeup
- Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ formula
- Use it even on cloudy days
6. Moisturizer – Locking in Hydration
One of the most critical steps to maintain hydrated skin is to use a moisturizer. It keeps dryness at bay, smooths skin texture, and provides a protective shield for your outer skin layer.
Benefits:
- Moisturizes and renews the skin barrier
- Maintains skin softness and flexibility
- Decreases flakiness and patches of dry skin
How to Use:
- Choose a moisturizer according to your skin type (oily skin needs gel-based and dry skin needs cream-based)
- Apply sunscreen so that moisture gets locked in
- Use morning and night
7. Facial Oil – Adding a Final Glow
Facial oils retain moisture and also protect the skin so it can glow and become soft. The oils do not replace moisturizers but act as a way to provide an additional dose of hydration and nourishment.
Benefits:
- Provides natural radiance to the skin
- Retains moisture and hydration
- Levels out dryness and irritation
How to Use:
- Apply oil on the face following moisturizer for maximum penetration
- Choose non-greasy oils such as rosehip or jojoba oil
- Use sparingly so you don’t feel greasy
Conclusion
The key to glowing, healthy-looking skin isn’t spending a fortune on products; it’s using them correctly. By following these seven must-do skincare steps, you create a consistent routine that boosts moisture, fights off aging, and gives your inner light some added oomph.
When applied in rotation, each product utilizes optimal effectiveness and improves maximum absorption to demonstrate improvement in the skin’s texture and overall health. So follow this routine on a daily basis and give your skin the attention it deserves!