While there may not be any repercussions for violating the breakfast-lunch-dinner order, an incorrect application of your skin care products can lead to some unwanted consequences.
To get the best of your skin care regime, read on to get that right order.
In This Article
Morning Routine
When you step out of your door and into the world, your skin comes into contact with dust, pollution, UV rays, sweat and oil. For your skin, the outdoors are similar to a battlefield which makes it necessary that you prep up your skin for all the bad stuff out there.
Cleanse:
This is the first and most important step of every skin care routine (whether a.m. or p.m.) and there is really no acceptable excuse to skip this. Cleansing your face in the morning helps get rid of the dirt, dust, and oil accumulated during the night.
Clean skin allows better penetration of other skin care products.
Your cleanser should meet your skin requirements. If you have an oily or acne-prone skin type, choose a non-comedogenic or oil-free face cleanser. For dry skin, a hydrating cleanser that is soap-free and pH balanced should be your go-to.
When cleansing, be gentle - scrubbing your skin too hard may damage your skin.
Serums:
Serums are essentially skin care products with highly concentrated nutrients, hydrators and antioxidants that penetrates deep within the skin to deliver the necessary elements.
Serums can be used for targeted problems like dehydration, pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, etc. Apart from skin issues, these are also available as products for oily skin, acne-prone skin or sensitive skin products.
If you’re just starting out with a serum, it is recommended to begin with an anti-oxidant serum like Vitamin C.
SkinQ’s 15% Vitamin C Glow Serum is a lightweight and clear serum developed by dermatologists to meet the needs of Indian skin. It targets skin issues like melasma, pigmentation flare-up, and UV-damaged and dehydrated skin. Long-term use of SkinQ’s 15% Vitamin C Glow Serum has proven to treat hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Moisturizer:
Moisturizer is the next essential product in your skin care routine. These work to keep your skin hydrated and plump with the added benefits of protection against the harmful elements like dust, dirt, pollution, etc. that your skin regularly comes in contact with.
The best moisturizer for your skin is one that suits your skin type and your skin requirements. If you have an oily skin type, moisturizers in fluid or gel forms are most suitable for you. Moisturizers or any products for oily skin should be non-comedogenic or oil-free. A thick moisturizer can result or a product for dry skin can make your skin more oily which may influence the appearance of acne.
For dry skin, a thicker or heavier moisturizer is recommended as dry skin requires hydration from external sources.
An essential and short list of ingredients that your moisturizer should consist of include ceramides, hyaluronic acid , glycerine and antioxidants.
Sunscreen:
Sunscreen is the last skin care product that should be applied. Throughout the day, your skin is constantly exposed to the harsh UV rays - it doesn’t matter whether you are indoor or outdoor, your skin still comes in contact with them. These UV rays can be a source of several skin issues including hyperpigmentation, premature aging, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, etc. Moreover, the blue light emitted from your mobile, laptop, tablets and TV screens can lead to damage to skin cells, loss of firmness and premature ageing of the skin. Sunscreen acts as a shield against these harmful UV rays and protects your skin barrier.
Sunscreen is not formulated to penetrate into the skin, which makes it necessary to apply it as the last step of your skin care regime.
When choosing a sunscreen, ensure that it has an SPF of 40 or above. Sunscreens with SPF below that do not provide the required protection. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, go for a gel-based lightweight sunscreen.
SkinQ’s Sun Protect Ultra Light Gel is a lightweight sunscreen gel that works to protect your skin without leaving behind a white/grey residue. Due to its quality of preventing and repairing the damaged skin barrier, SkinQ’s Sun Protect Ultra Light Gel with Vitamin C makes it one of the best Indian skin care products.
Night Routine
Several scientific studies have found that your skin is most active during the night i.e. your skin repairs all possible damages that it may have suffered during the day or over a period of time. This is why experts and dermatologists recommend using treatment products before going to bed.
Make-up Remover/ Micellar Water :
The first step in your night routine - even before cleansing your face - is cleaning-off your make-up with a make-up remover. A make-up remover can be in the form of make-up wipes, oil-based make-up remover, or micellar water.
A simple cleanser isn’t enough to remove the make-up that may have accumulated or clogged the skin pore.
But when using a make-up remover, remember not to be too harsh on your skin as that may result in damaging your skin barrier.
SkinQ’s Gentle Micellar Water is an active makeup remover that is also a face cleanser! Formulated with active ingredients niacinamide, aloe vera and glycerin, SkinQ’s Gentle Micellar Water is proven to get rid of even the most stubborn makeup residues, dirt and grime, resulting in a clean, soft and glowing skin.
Cleanser:
Cleansing your face twice a day is the least that you can do for your skin. Use a gentle and suitable cleanser to remove any dirt, grime, pollution or make-up residue that may be left behind by the make-up remover.
Sensitive skin products should not strip the skin off of oil, but hydrate and help protect and repair the skin barrier. Similarly, products for acne prone skin should not strip the skin of its natural oil as it will lead to excess oil production that further results in the development of acne.
Skin Treatment:
The third step of your night skin care routine includes the application of skin care products for your current skin issues. This can include anti-aging creams, spot treatment products for pigmentation, serums, essence or other hydrating products for dry skin, retinoids, etc.
If products for acne prone skin are the need of the hour then the addition of an oil and acne control serum is recommended. Serum for acne prone skin should manage the production of oil or sebum, lighten acne marks and prevent open pores in the long run.
SkinQ’s Acne & Oil Control Serum developed with ingredients niacinamide, salicylic acid, retinol liposomes and azelaic acid has proven to control acne and excess production of sebum/oil.
For dry skin, you can opt for a serum with hyaluronic acid. A serum formulated with hyaluronic acid helps to retain and lock moisture in your skin, giving you plump and hydrated skin.
SkinQ’s Hydrate Serum penetrates deep within the skin to hydrate on deeper levels and repair the skin barrier. It has also proven to restore the skin balance to result in soft, glowing and healthy skin.
For concerns around pigmentation, dull and uneven skin tone or blemishes, a serum with ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, lactic acid and malic is recommended.
SkinQ’s Brightening Serum is developed to fight skin conditions like melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne marks or blemishes. With longterm use, SkinQ’s Brightening Serum also prevents hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A that promote the production of collagen and thus, helps to fade the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation etc.
When zeroing down on products for pigmentation, retinoids are an essential ingredient that you need to look for in the products.
Note: Retinol should only be included in your night routine. Application of retinol during the day or when outdoors can negatively affect your skin.
Moisturizer:
Similar to face cleansers, moisturizers should be used twice daily. The same rule as the a.m. skin care routine applies here - whether you have an oily, combination, normal or dry skin type, moisturizers should not be skipped.
For the p.m., you can switch between a night cream or a moisturizer. Night creams are developed to help repair your skin of any or all damage that your skin may have suffered throughout the day.
The application of a moisturizer also helps to lock all the pre-applied products and thus helps the penetration of those skin care products.
When selecting a moisturizer look for active ingredients like vitamin E, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid.
Moisturizers are included in essential skin care products if you have dry skin or acne prone skin. Dry skin naturally lacks in producing the desired amount of moisture, making it necessary to provide moisture from external sources.
Products for dry skin are developed to provide and retain moisture from the external environment.
Tips to Remember
Wrapping Up
To get the best out of your skin care products, it is necessary to use them in the right order because the right ingredients with the wrong formula can never give a correct answer.
