The Right Order to Using Your Skin Care Products

When it comes to skin care, it seems like we all have a trusted daily routine that we’ve been using for years and feel super proud of. Or maybe all you can manage is to slap on a little of this and pat on a little of that and you’re set to go. However, a few hours later, your skin may not be looking its best, and perhaps your makeup needs frequent touchups. Or maybe you’re not getting the results you’ve expected from the product and your skin looks lackluster.

If you’ve been using multiple skincare products or are thinking about adding a new one into the mix, here is what you need to know about the order in which they should be applied to get the most out of them! It may seem silly, but applying skin care products in a particular order can make a night and day difference in the results for your skin!

Why Using Products in a Sequence is Important

Why does it matter? That is probably the main question everyone thinks when they hear that they’ve been using their products incorrectly. Applying your skin care products in the proper order ensures that your skin is reaping the benefits of each product. It’s a small but mighty difference! It’s elemental when you think about what each product’s active ingredients are, what they’re meant to do, and how they are absorbed into the skin.

For example, you don’t want to apply a cream-based product before using a serum; the cream’s emollience would prevent the serum from reaching the skin for full absorbency. Timing is also crucial to product effectiveness. If you use a skincare regime with an acne treatment, the active ingredient of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid has a 1-3 hour working time. If you apply another cream within that working timeframe, the active ingredient will likely be inhibited.

These are simple changes to implement and it’s not at all as complicated as it may sounds. We’ve put together the steps in order to use your products so you’re receiving the full benefits of them! Botanica spa loves to help everyone’s skin achieve their very best results, both in house and your at-home regimen!

The Right Order to Skin Care Application for Radiant Results

•    Step 1: Cleanser
After removing your makeup (if you’re wearing any) with a makeup remover, start by wetting the face with warm water and using a cleanser to remove dirt and oil buildup. Make sure to exfoliate at least once or twice a week to clear out possibly clogged pores and dead skin cells.

•    Step 2: Toner
Can you believe that many people don’t use toner? If you’re one of them, you’re missing out on its multiple benefits, as it removes embedded dirt and residue, plus is full of potent vitamins and antioxidants that refresh and awaken the skin! Dewy skin is achieved by including a toner to your skin care routine!

•    Step 3: Spot Treatment
Prescription medications and spot treatments need to be applied as close to the skin as possible to ensure maximum benefit. Allow at least 5 minutes for the skin to absorb the treatment before layering your next product.

•    Step 4: Serum
Since serums are rich with nutrients, it’s best to apply them before any heavy creams to allow maximum absorbency. If you use multiple serums, apply the liquid ones first, followed by gels, and then creams.

•    Step 5: Eye Cream
Eye creams are pretty much specially designed serums and moisturizers for your delicate eye area. Apply them after you’ve let your other serums absorb. Dab with one finger and smooth it gently across the undereye area in a crescent moon shape to cover from the inner corner to the outer corner of your eye (this helps reach where crow feet wrinkles can form).

•    Step 6: Moisturize or Face Oil
Like the rest of the body, your skin does the bulk of its repairing and regenerating as you sleep, which is why night creams are generally thicker and heavier. They are designed to be absorbed over the course of several hours too, perfect for the time you need to sleep and recharge for the next day!

While this skin care product sequence allows for the greatest absorption of nutrients, you still need to listen to your skin and find out what works best for it. We always recommend a monthly facial that is tailored to specific skin concerns you may be having at that time. One month you may need some serious exfoliation, while the next you might need a deep hydrating facial. Come visit Botanica Day Spa and speak to our amazing skin care aestheticians who can help you pinpoint the perfect products and services to keep your face healthy and glowing! Call us at 727-441-1711 today to book your facial appointment!

Love,

Gen