YES, THE SKINCARE ORDER YOU FOLLOW MATTERS

You might have all the ingredients you need to get a flawless complexion, but are you applying them all in the right order? Just as you wouldn’t dump a cup of flour into a quarter-cup of oil when baking a cake, the skincare order you follow is important for getting the most out of each product.

After all, if you use something meant to remove impurities after you apply a product that should remain on your skin all day, you will be wasting product as well as time and money. Read on to find out which skincare order you should be applying your lotions and potions for maximizing your glow factor.

STEP ONE: CLEANSER

Of course, the first step toward beautiful skin is to clean it. Use a gentle cleanser that is correct for your skin type. If you have oily skin, you will want to use a foaming cleanser that can prevent acne. If your skin is dry, you might want something gentler and hydrating.

And if it is in between, your skin cleanser should be, too! The best way to wash your face is to use lukewarm water and the pads of your fingers to massage the cleanser into your skin. Make sure you get all the way up to your hairline as well as to your ears and under your chin.

Then rinse it well with more lukewarm water. Do not use hot water, as it can inflame your skin. You can also use a bit of cold water at the end to close your pores if you desire. Pat it dries with a soft towel. No rubbing required!

STEP TWO: TONER

Toner is a product that can remove any lingering dirt or oil and will also restore the pH balance of your skin. Again, look for one that is right for your skin type. Some contain light moisturizers, while others are good for skin that tends to get red and inflamed. Apply it after cleansing and before you add other products that you want to remain on the skin.

STEP THREE: MASKS

You should only use a hydrating or exfoliation mask once per week, and this is the time when you should apply them. You can buy these at any beauty supply store, order from your favorite salon or online merchant, or make your own. If you want to make your own, you can use ingredients such as:

• Yogurt
• Honey
• Baking soda
• Sugar
• Green tea
• And more

Look up recipes online and avoid anything that you are sensitive to. If you have sensitive skin to begin with, it might be a good idea to try a small amount on your cheek first to be sure that it will not cause any inflammation.

STEP FOUR: EYE CREAMS AND SERUMS

At this point, your skin is ready for some fine line treatment and preventative. If you use an eye cream, now is the time to apply it. You might use it in the morning or at night (or both); just be sure to read the instructions to see how often you should put it on and what time of day is best.

There are various serums you might use, and it’s often a good idea to use one in the morning and one at night. You will probably want to use a serum that offers some hydration and protection from the elements that you encounter through the course of the day each morning.

Some good ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E. At night, the name of the game is skin repair. This is when your skin renews itself and repairs all the damage that occurred during the day.

The damage might be from the sun, the wind, smoke, pollution, and even rubbing your eyes. Look for retinoids, collagen, and proteins. These will help your skin turn over cells, which will reduce fine lines and wrinkles and can even help you get over an acne breakout more quickly.

STEP FIVE: MOISTURIZER

Now is the time to add some moisturizer. If you have oily skin, look for one that will not clog your pores and is water-based. (Non-comedogenic is the term you should look for on the package.) If you have dry skin, you might need something a bit heavier.

Many people choose to use a lighter moisturizer during the day and something heavier at night; this is up to you. Your nighttime routine is over at this point, but if it is daytime, keep on reading.

STEP SIX: SUNSCREEN

If your moisturizer doesn’t include sunscreen, apply it now. It is easiest to choose a moisturizer with sunscreen so you can eliminate a product, but it is fine to apply it separately if needed. Look for one that is at least SPF 30 and put it on every morning before you begin your day.

Even if you work from home and don’t expect to go anywhere, it’s a good idea, since you will probably go out to get the mail, you might sit by a window, and you may need to take the dog for a walk or deal with an outdoor maintenance issue.

STEP SEVEN: MAKEUP (IF YOU WEAR IT)

Once the basics of your routine and skincare order are done, you can apply makeup if you choose. Your skin will be perfectly primed for foundation to go on smoothly and for powder to stick to all the right places. You can also do your eye makeup and lipstick now.

One nice benefit to having applied all the previous products is that it is less likely that your makeup will clog your pores or otherwise impact your skin. Still, look for non-comedogenic products and those that are made with high-quality ingredients to keep you looking your best.

This might seem like a lot of steps, but aside from applying and waiting to remove a mask, it only takes a few minutes. You can improve your appearance as well as your skin health by sticking to a twice-daily routine skincare order that will help you achieve that coveted glow!