As a skincare expert, I know all too well how difficult it can be to find and maintain a daily regimen that works. There are so many skincare myths out there that it can be hard to spot the truths when you see them, not to mention an abundance of products and ingredients on the market that are more than enough to send your brain into overload.We all have different skin types, and the best skincare routine order is going to be one that is personalised to your needs.
I’m here to offer informed advice to hopefully set you on the right path to stabilising your skincare, but be sure not to take everything as gospel.
First Thing In The Morning
It’s important to understand that your skincare routine order should differ depending on the time of day. The morning is all about setting your skin up for the day ahead, and that usually starts with a cleanser to get rid of the dirt that’s accumulated throughout the night.
If you’re new to skincare, you can keep your morning regimen to a very basic combination of 3 products, the second of these being a hydrating moisturiser. Once you’re comfortable, you can start adding in steps before moisturising, such as toning and applying spot treatments and eye creams.
In the meantime, follow up your moisturiser with what I think is probably the most important product – sunscreen. Morning skincare is all about prevention and protection, and sun damage is one of the most common causes of premature ageing and other skin concerns, such as dryness, discolouration and melanoma. Protect your skin 365 days a year, 7 days a week.
Last Thing At Night
Your nighttime skincare routine order might be structured a little differently if you wear makeup, as your first step would need to be to gently wipe away your products. I tend to suggest an oil-based makeup remover as these help break down nasty ingredients. Follow this up with your cleanser to polish off any grime that remains.
Your bedtime regimen should be designed to repair any damage done throughout the day, which is why exfoliation and thicker serums should slowly be introduced. A spot treatment is definitely something to consider adding in here as you can treat breakouts while you sleep with anti-inflammatory and drying products.
Finally, find a night cream or a sleep mask that you love and that offers a level of skin repair and hydration. While sleeping with heavier products on isn’t for everyone, this step can really help to seal in your other products and penetrate the skin barrier for maximum rejuvenation.
Skincare Routine Order: Personalised Skincare
It certainly took me a long time to really solidify a regimen for myself that I felt worked and that I enjoyed. With that said, my skin changes as I age, as does everybody’s, so my skincare is always changing to suit my specific needs.
I opted for the word “best” in the title as opposed to “correct” because your skin is unique to you and what might work for one person might not necessarily work for others. While it can be a frustrating game of trial and error, only by playing around and experimenting will you find the best skincare routine order for you.