Skincare Routine Order Matters: Here’s How (+ What To Use!)

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When it comes to our face, most of us know that having a regular skin care routine is very important. What we don’t always know, however, is which daily steps are crucial components or which steps can be just as easily skipped in our skincare routine. Then, of course, the age old question: What is the best order to apply my skincare?

According to Licensed Esthetician, Jenny Leazer, these are common skincare questions.

“A lot of my clients sometimes feel like it’s a silly question, but it’s actually super important,” she explained. “Once you learn the steps of a good routine that supports your skin, everything really starts to fall into place and you’ll see even better results from your products.”

As a simple rule of thumb, Leazer recommends applying products from thinnest to thickest. She explains that thinner products, such as toners and water-based serums, are formulated to penetrate the skin faster than thicker creams and oil-based serums. Applying them by order of thickness ensures that each layer is properly absorbed and that your skin is able to fully metabolize and utilize the ingredients of your skincare. Additionally, your skin’s needs will vary from morning to evening, so it’s important to tailor your skincare accordingly in order to achieve the best results.

So what is the best skincare order for your daily AM and PM routine? We’re breaking it down for you.

Creating a Beginner-Friendly Skincare Routine

If you’re new to skincare, on-the-go, or just want to cover all of your bases using minimal steps, Leazer says that you can absolutely simplify your skincare by paring it down to just a few products.

For daily skincare in just three steps, Leazer-Ragolia recommends the following:

For the Morning:

Step One: Cleanse
Step Two: Vitamin C Serum
Step Three: Hydrating Moisturizer + SPF

For the Evening:

Step One: Cleanse
Step Two: Retinol or Vitamin A Serum
Step Three: Moisturizer

“For my minimalist clients, it’s all about zeroing in on your goals, while also keeping the bigger picture of your skin health in mind. We want to make sure we are choosing products that do a bit of both,” she said. “Luckily, skincare technology is making more and more products that multitask. It’s very doable to use just 3 or 4 products and cover all of your bases.”

How to: Morning Skincare Routine Steps

Step One: Cleansing

Why it’s important: Gentle cleansing in the morning removes excess sweat, oils, and bacteria that may have accumulated while sleeping.

How to use: For best results, spend about two minutes gently massaging your face as you cleanse. This stimulates circulation, which is naturally rejuvenating and promotes a healthy glow.

Other recommendations: If your skin is sensitive or dry, an oil-based or creamy cleanser is best for daily use. If you have combination or oily skin, look for a gel-based cleanser, but avoid active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, as these can be too harsh for everyday use.

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