The simplest answer is, at the minimum, your skin care routine should be three steps. Cleanser, toner and moisturizer both morning and evening. These are considered the basic products needed to maintain the health and integrity of your skin.
While nighttime skincare is incredibly important, morning skincare is just as crucial. Between pollution, sweat, and sun exposure, our skin goes through a lot each day—and it's important to take the time to prep and protect it for what's ahead.
The 4-Step Skincare Routine
While this skincare routine focuses on the basics, it can be amazingly effective when done properly and when using the best, high-quality products. It saves time and effort while keeping those much-needed skincare benefits.
"Nightly facial cleansing is the most important step in a daily skin care regimen. Removing the day's makeup, dirt and pollutants is a must and creating a clean canvas allows for overnight repair products to perform at their most optimum level.
Serums go first
As a rule, serums should be the first products that touch your skin after cleansing and exfoliating in order to get the best results. Never apply them after your moisturizer as thicker creams and oils create a protective layer over your skin and hinder absorption.
In most cases, it makes sense to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is usually more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients. In many skin care routines, moisturizer is the last step.
The steps can depend on your needs and the amount of time you have. Usually, a basic routine includes removing makeup, cleansing your face, applying a spot treatment for any blemishes, using sunblock during the day, and putting on moisturizer.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
Essence should be applied to the skin after cleansing and toning, but before applying serum or moisturizer. If you want to incorporate essence into your skin care routine for the first time, give this simple routine a try: Step 1: Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser.
"Toners are most helpful and necessary for people with oily or acne-prone skin, or for people who want extra cleansing after wearing makeup or other heavy skin products such as sunscreen," she said. If you're wondering what else face toner does for your skin, King outlined some additional benefits: It shrinks pores.
“In general, the idea is to go from the lightest products that are most absorbed, progressively to heavier products,” Dr. King said. Dr. Rhee recommends a simple routine in the morning — cleanser, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen — and an extended lineup at night, depending on your preference.
Rose water is, indeed, a natural toner. It comes from the Rosa damascena flower, commonly known as the Damask rose, and is created by distilling rose petals with steam. While it's become more popular in recent years, rose water has actually been used for centuries.
Cleanse your skin: just wash your face regularly with a mild cleanser which won't leave your skin rough and dry. Toning: Apply toner after cleansing and without applying anything else. Just take a few drops and apply it all over your face. Moisturising: Keep your face moisturise regularly.
"At night, your skin repairs and recuperates. Having a good nightly skin routine is a big factor in how well your skin repairs, thus, also affecting how well your skin can defy aging."
Step 3: Serum
A hydrating serum is a great option for morning to ensure the skin is moisturized.
Serums should be used daily. Generally, you will use them in the morning and then at night. Both times on clean skin. Apply them with one or two fingers only to ensure a light application.
A toner's job is meant to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. This means toner won't irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness. Toner also prepares the skin to drink up your post-cleansing moisturizer and any other skin treatments that you may apply.