Well, out there in this whole wide world, we come across thousands of skincare products and it can seem quite overwhelming to beginners especially when you “know not” where to begin with! Got a bit Shakespeareany there but you got the point. Today, we are here to understand a step-by-step process for building a good skincare routine – but in order. So, say no more waiting, and in the words and actions of Rosanna Panasino “let’s get started!”
A Step-by-Step Sequential Skincare Routine Guide
Before we dive in, you must understand that the Skin type you’ve got determines the product you must use, but on an overall level, the order is pretty much the same. While I will be your skincare guru for the next 5-8 minutes you read into this article, I just want you to know that if y’all have been cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin in the same order so far, you’ve passed the beginner’s round. Kudos!
We must follow an order when it comes to skincare. As experts and dermatologists have it, they seem to work their best that way. Not a hard and fast rule like BODMAS but pretty much like that. Please note that irrespective of the order, it’s always important to read the warnings on each product, patch test before use, and keep note of the expiry dates.
The Order To Your Morning Skincare Routine
Whether you’ve got work, or uni, or are just having a cozy day at home, we must stick to this ritual so that our skin feels pampered enough and stays healthy. We’ll keep it simple here – a few steps for the morning, a few steps for the night and we’re done.
Step 1: Cleanse it all away
The first step to your skincare is cleansing it all out for a refreshed complexion.
But Why: Cleansing thoroughly helps clean out the impurities on your skin such as oil, environmental pollutants, and dirt. Cleansing will help the ingredients in the rest of your skincare routine get absorbed properly.
And How: Get some cleanser into your palms and gently massage your face and neck region to wash all that dirt away. Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin with a clean towel.
Pro Tip – Stick to a gentle cleanser if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Step 2: Tone that complexion of yours
To soothe your inflamed skin or hydrate your dehydrated skin or regulate the sebum production in your skin – irrespective of which suits you best, inducing a toner into your routine is just set to do mini-wonders.
But Why: A toner’s primary role is to refresh your skin without hindering its natural moisture. Toners help rebalance the pH of your skin, meaning they help balance and restore the hydration level of your skin.
And How: If your toner has a mist formula, just spraying it over your face and patting it gently into the skin will do. If it comes with a regular bottle, put it on a cotton pad and apply it to your face. Let the application dry before you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Serum – An advancement to your basics
Serums are extremely concentrated bottles packed with antioxidants, hydrators, and nutrients that really help boost your skincare game. You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine but you definitely should add a serum to your basic routine.
But Why: Serums help in hydrating your skin and antioxidant-rich serums protect you from environmental pollution. A Vitamin C serum suits all skin types and does all the things said above in addition to brightening up your skin with regular use. There are a lot more in this category but it’s always good to do some research on what your skin needs and seek some professional guidance for better clarity.
And How: Serums usually come in bottles with pumps or droppers. Using a little goes a long way. It’s better to directly squeeze the serum onto your face than taking it on your fingers or palms which would exhaust the effectiveness of the product. And then you simply massage it into your face.
Step 4: Moisturizer – The queen of your routine
Moisturizers play an eminent role in your routine, both day and night, as they help in retaining the moisture content in your skin.
But Why: Occlusives like petrolatum in addition to fatty acids in moisturizers help in creating barriers that prevent transepidermal water loss and help lock in the moisture content into the skin cells.
And How: It is said that applying moisturizers to damp skin is more effective, just a few minutes post a nice shower. Light-weight moisturizers suit oily and acne-prone skin types while a heavy moisturizer will best suit dry skin type. Moisturizers coupled with humectants can help boost the hydration game, so keep a lookout for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, or aloe vera.
Step 5: Sunscreen – Your ultimate protector
A step you can’t run away from. A step so imperative that missing out on it will cause you more harm than good.
But Why: Protection from those harmful UV rays is essential to maintain your skin’s health and texture. The UV rays can damage your skin cells and cause premature ageing of the skin. Don’t miss this step just coz you’re at home or it’s a cloudy day!
And How: The 3-finger rule – squeeze the sunscreen onto your 3 tall fingers and apply it to the entirety of your face and neck region (both front and back). Ensure you apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before you step out. SPF 30 or higher is usually recommended.
The Order To Your Nighttime Skincare Routine
Your nighttime skincare routine will be focused on soothing and nourishing your skin.
Step 1: Cleanse, but twice
A lot of us use makeup and that calls for double cleansing. This is the most essential part of the nighttime routine as we have been exposed to different kinds of environmental pollutants and impurities the whole day.
But Why: The first cleanse will effectively help in removing the makeup and sunscreen and the second cleanse will help rinse off the remaining dirt and bacteria.
And How: Use an oil-based cleanser to strip off that makeup and sunscreen from your skin. Massage all that makeup away for about 60 – 120 seconds and rinse off with lukewarm water. Then, use a gentle cleanser to pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Moisturizer, the zen product
It’s time to nourish that skin that has had a lot going on for the day. Moisturizing is a calming and soothing process, thereby a ‘Zen’ product. For steps, repeat the same procedure you did in the morning.
Pro Tip – Use moisturizers with humectants for the night that would help draw in the moisture from the atmosphere to your skin and will have your skin feel super nourished in the morning.
Step 3: Retinol
Vitamin A derivatives are a magic potion for reducing fine lines and wrinkles over time. Retinol is not to be used in the morning as it can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
But Why: Retinol makes skin regeneration faster, makes the skin smoother and improves the overall appearance and texture of the skin.
And How: Ensure you get Retinol into your routine slowly and gradually. Initially apply this 1-2 times a week and then gradually increase the usage according to the way your skin adjusts to the same. Ensure you use sunscreen in the morning after the night you use retinol as it makes your skin very sensitive.
Fawn Fact: Retinol is not for all skin types. Please do your research and seek professional guidance before you turn to using the same. Avoid it during pregnancy and people with sensitive skin types must seek a dermatologist’s opinion for sure!
In addition to all the above-stated steps, you can include an eye mask, a spot treatment step, and oils (if you have popped a zit or have acne-prone skin) into your night-time skincare routine! Sport treatment must be done before moisturizing your face and oils will always be the last step as they seal all that you have dabbed into the skin underneath the barrier they create and leave your skin feeling smooth and supple.
In Conclusion
Now that you know all this, once you start executing the same, you’re no longer a person with just a basic skincare routine. But as experts have it, a basic skincare routine is all that one needs. Topping it off with these amazing products is an advancement that’ll do wonders if used correctly! Hope this article served the purpose y’all were looking for. Check out our Rehydrating Toner if that is an all-new step you’re inducing into your routine!