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The Correct Sequence for Using Your Natural Skin Care Products
Here's the thing. Mastering the sequence to apply your natural skin care products can be tricky. And even after you've solidified a routine of everyday products like cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer, adding sheet masks, or even an acne spot treatment into the mix can cause confusion. Get it wrong and you'll think your natural skin care products don't work. Let's do this right shall we?
Step 1: Makeup Remover
For ingredients to absorb properly, you need clean skin that's totally free of oil and grime. That means you need to remove your makeup first.
Skip those makeup wipes. That's because makeup wipes leave behind a layer of gunky residue that can break you out and irritate your face. Instead opt for a cleansing balm which dissolves all makeup without stripping your skin.
Step 2: Cleanse
Daily facial cleansing removes every trace of dirt, excess oil, pollution and unwanted skin cells off of your face. If you skip this part dirt and pollution accumulate at the surface of your skin and could lead to breakouts, dehydration and ageing.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Exfoliating softens your skin and allows a fresh layer of skin cells to emerge as dead skin cells are washed away.
The number of times you exfoliate each week depends on your skin type and what you're trying to achieve. You should not be exfoliating every day.
If you have a busy schedule consider using an overnight peel one to two times a week. Leave on overnight and rinse in the morning. Continue with step 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10.
Step 4: Toner/Face Mists
This step is optional if you're just starting out a new skin care routine but definitely recommended.
Toners/face mists essentially rebalance the pH levels in the skin priming your face for ingredients to be better absorbed later.
Step 5: Face masks
If you're using a traditional face mask that rinses off, you would do that step here.
Other types of masks require you massage the product into your skin for a few seconds ó these mostly apply to exfoliating products. Make sure to read the product instructions beforehand if you're unsure. If your mask has exfoliating properties, you may decide to skip step #3 above especially if you have sensitive skin.
Some masks can be left overnight like Pure Fiji's Hydrating Masque. When using overnight masks, you may consider adding your serum before you apply your face masks. However, if your mask counteracts your serum, there's no point in layering the two products.
Step 6: Serum
Serums are basically optional especially if you're just starting a new skin care regimen. Serums contain concentrated active ingredients that are used to target specific problem areas of the skin. Whether for acne, wrinkles, or dark spots there is a serum to tackle even the toughest skin issues
The general rule of thumb is that your products should be applied in order of thinnest to thickest in their consistency. Serums go before your moisturizer because they're normally lighter than a face cream, balm, oil, or lotion.
Step 7: Sheet masks
Not sure where sheet masks come in? Right here. If using a regular face mask, a sheet mask is not necessary.
Step 8: Eye cream
Eye creams tend to be lighter and thinner than face moisturizers, so make sure to apply them before you slather on your creams and oils.
Is this step really necessary? Here's the thing.
Face moisturizers can be used as an eye cream however face moisturizers tend to have heavier oils and acids that can cause eye and skin irritation so its best to use a cream that has been formulated especially for eyes.
Step 9: Moisturizer
Always use a moisturizer in the morning and before going to bed. A moisturizer not only keeps your skin hydrated but also helps trap in all the products underneath it to make the ingredients even more effective.
Step 10: Facial oil
Face oils seal in all the ingredients and moisture you just applied to your face to keep them from evaporating as quickly.
You don't want to use too much oil, oils spread very easily so only a few drops are needed to do the trick. A nice, even layer of oil patted into skin will provide nice protection and seal in moisture.
If you're using a sunscreen, use your facial oil at a time of day, when you're not also using sunscreen. We love using facial oils at night!
Step 11: Spot Treatment
Apply your spot treatments (acne, scars, or dark spots) at night because that's when your skin is repairing itself.
The easiest way to add a spot treatment is do all the above steps (with the exception of overnight peels) and then wipe the affected area with a damp cotton swab using your tone/facial mist. Once it's dry apply your spot treatment and you're good to go.
Summary
When you don't follow the correct sequence for applying your natural skin care products your products may not penetrate, could be less effective, and you could even harm your skin. Skincare products are formulated in their own distinct ways and when applied incorrectly, you can prevent your skin from receiving their full benefits.
