The correct order to apply your skincare products in the morning

Having a well build skincare routine does not have to be difficult. You basically need the right products for your skin and know the correct order for using them.

So in today’s post, we are going to talk about all the steps you should follow in your morning routine along with the products that I use (almost) every morning.

SHOP THE POST

1. CLEANSER

Cleansers are products we use to remove normal accumulation of dirt and oils, makeup, sunscreen, remains of pollution, and dead skin cells.

This is the first step in your routine. You can start light, by only using water or you can use a gentle cleanser to start the day. Make sure you are not going for the harsh ones in the morning as you don’t really have a lot of product in your skin to get rid of.

I personally only wash my face with water in the morning but a great choice for a gentle cleanser is this one from BELIF or for a more affordable one you can try this one from CeraVe or this one from Cetaphil.

2. TONER

Toner removes any last traces of dirt, grime and impurities stuck in your pores after you wash your face. When added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can have major positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores.

The second step is toner but this one is really up to you. I rarely apply one in the morning and prefer to use it at night most of the time. If you do want to add one to your routine I recommend this one from Olehenriksen especially if you have oily skin like I do.

3. ANTIOXIDANT SERUM

They help calm cellular inflammation caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. As we get older, we’re more likely to lose our supply of antioxidants that can stave off fine lines and wrinkles (which is why a plant-forward diet is so important).

I have added this one to my routine quite recently after reading a lot more about why Vitamin C is good for your skin. If you want to read more about this too, you can check out this article.

I chose to use the one from Sesderma as it is very similar to the one from Omorovicza who is way more expensive but really great if you have the money. 3 small drops will do the trick. I like to put them on my cheeks and on my forehead and just go from there. Please make sure you do not put the pipette directly on your face.

Other examples of antioxidant serums: retinol, parsley seeds serum, pineapple-C serum, ferulic acid serum, Vitamin E serums, or more ideas here.

4. SERUM

Face serums are lightweight moisturizers that penetrate deeper to deliver active ingredients into your skin.

My serum of choice is the one with Hyaluronic Acid 5% from Revox but if you can’t find it in your country, the one from The Ordinary is also as good as the other one.

If you also choose a serum that has hyaluronic acid, make sure your face is completely dry from the antioxidant serum. Then spray some thermal water on your face or just sprinkle some water on it so it becomes damp. Never apply HA serums on a dry face because the absorption process will not be the same and it will cause your face to absorb “water” during the day.

You don’t have to apply a lot of it. 2-3 drops should do the trick and please make sure you do not put the pipette directly on your face.

Other examples of serums: HA serums, collagen serums, or more ideas here.

5. EYE CREAM

Eye creams have stronger ingredients and work better than a moisturizer can. They are also formulated to reduce puffiness and dark circles which often occur around the eyes, while moisturizers are formulated for the entire face and are therefore less specialized.

I use this one from Kiehl’s with vitamin C and if you chose your antioxidant serum to also be with vitamin C make sure that you don’t apply that one near the contour of your eyes.

6. SPOT TREATMENT

Acne spot treatments are a great add-on to your skin care routine if you find yourself breaking out with an occasional pimple or blemish.

I chose to skip this step in the morning and only do it at night time but if you really need something to keep your acne in place Effaclar Duo from La Roche-Posay is really great.

7. MOISTURIZER

Moisturizers prevent and treat dry skin. They can also protect sensitive skin, improve skin texture and mask imperfections. You may need to try various products to find the right moisturizers for you.

I use this one from Avene Cleanance Mat, especially because I have oily skin on my T-zone but only on the days I don’t leave my house. When I do go out I only apply an SPF one.

If you chose to apply a spot treatment cream like the one from La Roche-Posay you can skip this step as that one is also a moisturizer.

8. SPF

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.

I try to never leave my house without SPF and you should do the same! I am currently using the Avene Cleanance SPF 50+ especially because it leaves my face feeling matte.

Other great options are Effaclar Duo + SPF from La Roche Posay or for those of you who want more moisture the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30

Please note that you don’t have to follow each step of this routine but if you do choose to follow all of them this is the right order. When it comes to my face I only use steps 1,3,4,5 sometimes, 7/8 depending on my day.