Which Order Should I Apply My Skincare Products?

Which order should I apply my skincare products? Ren Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser, bareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence and Eucerin Hyaluron Filler Anti-Age Refreshing Mist Spray

A good skincare routine can make such a huge difference to the look and feel of your complexion, but sometimes it feels like a bit of minefield to navigate. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Even as someone who is a self-confessed skincare buff, I have to admit that occasionally even I can get confused, so I made it my mission to research and pin down just what products should be applied in which order, and the best part? It’s difficult or hard to remember, once you know-how. But first here’s a little more about why you should be applying your skincare in a certain order.

The rules…

Which order should I apply my skincare products? Eucerin Hyaluron Filler Anti-Age Refreshing Mist Spray

Thinnest to thickest texture: – as a general rule, if you think of starting with light products and finishing with heavier products, you’re on the right track. Start with your most watery products for instance toners, essences and serums, then follow with thicker and richer oils and moisturisers.

Water-based before oil-based: – oil and water don’t mix, but not only that, oil can prevent water from penetrating the skin. So this means that water-based products must be applied first. Let them absorb into your skin and then apply oil-based products on top.

Lowest to highest pH: – when applying active ingredients it’s important to know their approximate pH levels and go from lowest to highest. For instance, acidic products pH 3.0 to 4.0) should always be applied before more neutral ones (pH 5.0 to 7.0)

Low and high pH products don’t mix – If your routine includes products with active ingredients you can apply them at the same time If their pH levels are similar, but there’s a gap of more than 1.0 or 2.0 (or you’re not sure of the pH), it’s a good idea to wait 30 minutes before applying each product or apply them at different times of the day.

The Steps…

Which order should apply my skincare products? Ren Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser

Morning

1. Cleanser
2. Exfoliator (either physical or chemical)
3. Hydrating Mist or Toner
4. Eye Cream
5. Spot Treatments
6. Oils and Serums
7. Moisturiser
8. SPF

Evening

Which order should I apply my skincare products? bareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence

1. Double Cleanse
2. Exfoliator (either physical or chemical)
3. Hydrating Mist or Toner
4. Vitamin A / Retinoids
5. Eye Cream
6. Spot Treatments
7. Skin Concern Specific Treatment Oils / Serums
8. Moisturiser
9. Lip Balm

Discover More:

How Long Should You Keep Your Skincare?

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