The Right Order for Applying Skin Care Products
Medical Review By: Candace Marin, APRN
You’ve probably put a lot of effort into figuring out the products your skin needs to be healthy. But if you’re using more than two skin care products, you may find yourself stumped about which one(s) to apply first. Knowing the correct answer matters more than you might think.
“There is a specific order you should follow to get the maximum benefits from each product,” said Candace Marin, an advanced practice registered nurse at Water’s Edge Dermatology.
“Generally speaking,” said Marin, “you should apply thinner products first because your skin won’t absorb them well if you apply thicker ones they can’t penetrate, such as sunscreen, beforehand.”
To get the best results from your skin care routine, Marin recommends applying products in the following order.
Morning routine
1. Cleanser
Naturally, you want to start with a clean face, but a surprising number of people skip cleansing, particularly in the morning.
“People just splash water on their face because they assume their skin doesn’t get dirty while they’re sleeping,” Marin said. “But how often do you wash your pillowcase and pillow? All the dirt and dust mites get onto your face overnight.”
RELATED: The Best Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type
2. Toner
Toner isn’t essential, Marin noted. But if you like to use it, this is the point in your morning routine to do it.
“People who have oily skin are usually the ones who prefer to use toner, but anyone can use it to remove soap scum or dirt that may be left behind after cleansing,” she explained.
3. Vitamin C serum
Vitamin C serum provides a variety of benefits — reducing the appearance of sun spots, making wrinkles less visible, guarding against sun damage — but it can only deliver on these promises if it’s applied before heavier products.
“Vitamin C serum is very thin and can’t penetrate heavier products like moisturizer, so it would be pointless to use it any later in your routine,” said Marin.
You can apply vitamin C serum in the morning or at night. Marin recommends using it in the morning so you can benefit all day from the protection it offers against free radicals generated by sun exposure.
4. Spot treatments
Many spot treatments for acne, dark spots and scars have a thin consistency, so apply these before moisturizer and sunscreen. “Otherwise, you’re just creating extra barriers for spot treatments to get through,” said Marin.
If you’re using both a spot treatment and a retinol, apply the spot treatment in the morning and the retinol at night, Marin advised. Using them together can cause irritation. In addition, spot treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide decrease the effectiveness of some retinol/retinoids when they’re used at the same time. Differin (adapalene), an acne treatment, is one that is okay to use with benzoyl peroxide.
5. Moisturizer
Now that you’ve applied the thinner products, you’re ready for moisturizer. Apply it every day in the morning and at night.
“Look for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, which are particularly effective at providing hydration and locking it into your skin,” Marin said.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, opt for a cream instead of a lotion.
RELATED: Lotion vs. Cream vs. Ointment: Which to Use When
Moisturizer is important for everyone, even people with oily skin. It is a definite must if you’re using a retinol/retinoid cream because it can dry out your skin. For people with oily skin, a moisturizing lotion is preferred over a cream.
If you like using eye cream, you can apply it with your moisturizer at night. If you’re using eye cream to treat under-eye circles, however, apply it in the morning when you apply other spot treatments.
6. Sunscreen
As the thickest product of all, sunscreen should be applied last in your morning routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
If you prefer, you can use a moisturizer with SPF 30. But avoid this surprisingly common mistake: “Many people think they can use a moisturizer with SPF 15 and apply makeup with sunscreen with SPF 15 on top of it, but that doesn’t equal SPF 30,” Marin explained. “You won’t have enough protection from the sun.”
Evening routine
1. Cleanser
Follow your morning cleansing procedure.
2. Retinol/retinoids
If you use a retinol or retinoid product for wrinkles or acne, apply it in the evening, after you wash your face. (Retinol is milder and found in over-the-counter products, while retinoids are only available by prescription).
Retinoids increase cell turnover and therefore can lead to light sensitivity and dryness. They may be less effective during the day because sunlight causes retinol and retinoids to break down.
To avoid irritation, use the product every other night so your skin has a chance to adjust to it. If you don’t experience any side effects, such as burning, peeling or redness, you can apply it every night.
If your dermatologist prescribes a retinoid, he or she will likely advise you to use it just a few times a week at first.
3. Moisturizer
Apply moisturizer to seal in moisture overnight and help you wake up with healthier, better-looking skin.
Article Written By: Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org and many other outlets.
How to Embrace Skinimalism, the ‘Less Is More’ Beauty Trend
Medical Review By: Heather Brew, PA-C
Sometimes less is more. Maybe we don’t need to hide our skin under makeup or follow a complicated skin care regimen involving a dozen different products. That’s the thinking behind skinimalism, a minimalist approach to skin care and makeup.
What exactly is skinimalism?
“I think it's about going back to the basics when caring for your skin, but also loving your skin and how it is in everyday life,” said Heather Freeman, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant at Water’s Edge Dermatology. “I think it's avoiding multiple products and layers of makeup, and being true to your authentic self."
That all sounds well and good, and easier on the piggybank to boot, but how can you feel comfortable enough in your skin to pare down your beauty routine and kiss the heavy foundation goodbye? Freeman offered these tips.
Go back to the big three
Start by going back to basics. A basic skincare routine involves exactly three products: a facial cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen.
The cleanser removes dirt, makeup and oil and helps keep breakouts at bay. The moisturizer minimizes water loss, which protects skin from irritants in the environment. Broad-spectrum sunscreen guards against UV damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. (Freeman likes zinc and titanium as active ingredients.)
To fight free radicals caused by sun exposure, also consider a cream or serum containing vitamin C. “I personally like to use a vitamin C serum first and apply my moisturizer on top, then sunscreen,” said Freeman. When it comes to vitamin C, she noted, “You don’t need much.”
From there, you can add products designed to address specific issues that bother you — but there’s value in not going overboard.
“With too many skin care products, we worry about ingredients interacting, and we worry about irritation,” said Freeman.
Signs your skin care routine might be overly elaborate include dryness, redness or burning. “Often, patients come in and I say, ‘You're really irritated, what are you using?’ and they list 20 things. I say, ‘Let's start from the basics again. Let's start with one product at a time to figure out what works best for you.”
Freeman likens using too many skin care products to taking too many medications: Not only are interactions an issue, but some people get overwhelmed and use them incorrectly.
In other cases, she noted, using a multitude of products does work. “Some people do great with a lot of products, as long as they know what they're used for and how to use them.”
Zero in on your skin issues
If you’re concealing your skin because of acne, rosacea, discoloration or some other issue, talk to a qualified skin care provider about what products and treatments to try.
The provider can suggest over-the-counter or prescription topicals that gradually smooth the skin’s texture and improve acne, acne scars and hyperpigmentation (dark spots), three common reasons women wear foundation.
A vitamin C serum, for example, may be ideal for overall texture issues, hyperpigmentation, age spots and fine lines. Prescription glycolic acid or hydroquinone products are used to fight more serious hyperpigmentation. Creams, cleansers, wipes and sprays containing salicylic acid can make pores appear smaller. Certain topicals work to tamp down rosacea symptoms.
A provider can also suggest in-office treatments to help your skin look better bare. A chemical peel, for example, makes skin smoother and softer while minimizing the look of fine lines and brown spots. “Chemical peels have come a long way in the last few years,” said Freeman. Multiple strengths let you choose how aggressive you want to be.
Laser treatments are another option for diminishing wrinkles, discoloration and scars and reducing the appearance of pores. Laser treatment for rosacea is often effective for persistent redness and visible veins.
Get a natural glow
Why use makeup that gives you the look of glowing skin when you can have glowing skin for real?
Start by keeping your skin well moisturized and choosing your moisturizer wisely. A moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid can plump the skin and give you a fresh, dewy look. Or add a few drops of a hyaluronic acid serum to your regular moisturizer.
Vitamin C, green tea and caffeine are other go-to ingredients. This soothing green tea and witch hazel mist can refresh tired-looking skin and soothe irritation, including irritation from wearing a face mask (wash your face after removing the mask). This multitasking moisturizer, which contains green tea, caffeine and the antioxidant resveratrol, is helpful for calming inflammation as well as diminishing the look of fine lines and pores.
If a healthy glow is your main objective, also consider a chemical peel.
Remember, the goal of skinimalism isn’t flawless skin, it’s natural-looking skin you feel good about.
“People do have imperfections, but we can work through them,” said Freeman. “There are ways to make you feel better about your skin besides covering it with makeup.”
Finally, resist the urge to try every product getting raves on social media. “There are many influencers suggesting different products, and a lot of times they're getting paid to do it,” said Freeman. “Just because a product is trending doesn't mean it's right for everyone.”
Article Written By: Marianne Wait, an award-winning health and wellness writer based in New Jersey.
9 Spring Skin Care Tips for a Post-Winter Glow
If spring has sprung, that means a break from the cold, dry winter air that may have turned your skin dull and rough. It’s the perfect time to undo the effects of the previous season and prep your face for warmer days ahead.
With a few simple steps, you can smooth and hydrate your skin to reveal a fresh new face.
- Exfoliate winter-worn skin. Use a gentle exfoliating face wash such as wederm Exfoliating Cleaner to remove dead skin cells and reveal the new cells beneath. Make small circles with your finger pads as you wash.
- Embrace hyaluronic acid for your face. A facial moisturizer with hyaluronic acid will attract water and give you dewy plumpness. Check out Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost products or wederm Pure Hydration hyaluronic acid serum.
- Consider a rejuvenating facial treatment. A chemical peel will slough off dead skin, fade age spots and allow a newer, brighter layer of skin to shine through. Another option is a HydraFacial treatment which exfoliates the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Make an appointment with a dermatologist or cosmetic dermatology provider to determine which treatment will best suit your skin type and concerns.
- Switch from a cream to a lotion. If you’ve been using moisturizing cream on your body, it may be time to switch to a moisturizing lotion, which is lighter, unless your skin is very dry or sensitive. A cream is still ideal for rough areas such as the feet.
- Spring clean your makeup and skin care products. Discard any products you typically use in cold weather that will be past their prime next winter. You should also toss any sunscreen that is more than three years old or is expired. Throw out any makeup that’s almost used up, especially mascara and lipstick, as these can harbor bacteria. Wipe down the inside of your makeup bag or run it through the laundry if it’s machine washable. Wash your makeup brushes and sponges, too.
- Break out the sunscreen and lip balm. You need sunscreen year-round, of course. It’s also smart to use lip balm with 30 SPF or higher to prevent chapped lips and lip cancer. If you didn’t use it throughout the winter, start using it now. Consider a tinted lip balm for a seasonal pop of color.
- Update your wardrobe. If buying a new wide-brimmed hat and fashionable sunglasses will inspire you to wear them, it’s well worth the investment. When it comes to sunglasses, the bigger the frames, the better.
- Eat your fill of fresh produce. In spring, grocery stores and farmer’s markets are bursting with skin-nourishing fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, broccoli, kiwis and bell peppers, promote collagen production, which helps keep skin from sagging. Cherries and most berries are rich in anthocyanins, pigments that pack antioxidants and benefit the skin in a rainbow of ways.
- Drink more water as the temperature rises. The body needs more fluids when you sweat. While drinking more water won’t plump your skin unless you are severely hydrated, it will help your body flush toxins and could lead to a clearer complexion.
Article Written By: Maura Rhodes, a New Jersey-based writer and editor specializing in health and well-being.