Your Skincare Routine Isn’t Working For You For One Reason

When it comes to taking care of one’s skin, everyone has their holy grails that they make sure are always in stock at Sephora. 

But, using them in the correct order is vital for them to work effectively and produce the intended results. If used in the incorrect order, the ingredients counteract each other and thus become ineffective.  Making this small mistake during one’s skincare routine is common. 

Dionne Philips, a celebrity esthetician, says that a skincare routine should start from thin to thick. It starts with the lightest products, such as toners and serums, and works its way up to the thickest products, such as heavy moisturizers or oils. This allows each product to perforate the skin barrier and work it into the skin. 

While it’s important to follow the routine, choosing the right products for one’s skin type is equally important. Everyone has different skin types, meaning what might work for one person might not work for another. If someone has dry skin, then thicker serums and a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid might be best.

If someone has acne-prone skin, then light products with harsher ingredients such as lactic acid might be best since they help get rid of breakouts. Rachel Lozina, a New York State Licensed Master Esthetician, says that the skin is the only organ that should be treated from the inside out and the outside in. 

To start the skincare routine, one must start with a cleanser. Starting with a cleanser will help get rid of any dirt that’s on the skin to prep the skin for the rest of the skincare routine. A double-based cleanser that’s oil-based rather than water will effectively remove dirt from the face and allow the rest of the products to properly work their magic on the skin. 

Following the cleanse is the toner. A light toner will strip the skin of the oil and give a base for the products to absorb. Mina Sheikhha, a skincare expert and global brand director of Bilthe, says that it is important for all skin types to learn how to incorporate a toner when building a skincare routine. Toners help balance the skin’s pH levels and prep it for the following steps in the routine. They also remove any remaining impurities after cleansing.

After following the toner is the serum. This is important because this is where one can target specific issues and ask questions such as: What does my skin need today? Since it can consistently change. Some days might call for more hydration, while others might be useful if one is dealing with a breakout. 

After the toner comes a moisturizer. Sheikhna says that not only will it moisturize and hydrate the skin, but it also ensures that the previous products get absorbed into the skin barrier. This ensures one gets the most out of all those beneficial ingredients so the skin can stay healthy and supple.

Next comes the oils. The second-to-last step in the routine has many benefits. It helps boost hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, locks in the previous products, and adds radiance to the skin. The final and most important step is sunscreen. 

If one is investing in one’s skin and taking care of it in the long run, then one must have a strong and good SPF. This is great for protecting the skin from the sun’s UV rays and preventing wrinkles. It goes on smoothly under makeup, doesn’t cause any white cast on the face, and since it’s creamy, can be reapplied throughout the day.