PSA: The Order Of Applying Your Skincare Products Does Matter & Here's What Experts Say

For newbies, trying to figure out a proper skincare routine can be quite daunting given the number of products available in the market. This, along with the different regimens are enough to scare even the best of us. As we walk into a new year, one of our self-love resolutions is to look after our skin and give it the TLC it deserves. If you're looking to do the same, then you've landed in the right place. We have got a skincare expert, Dr. Geetika to help us understand the basics in skincare especially when it comes to applying the correct way of applying our products. Intrigued? Well, keep reading to know more.

What Is The Correct Order Of Applying Skincare Products?

"Our skincare routine has a large impact on how we look. In order to reap the full benefits of skincare products, you must apply them in a systematic order starting with cleansing your face to remove oil, dirt, and environmental pollutants followed by vitamin and antioxidant-rich serums like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C," says Dr. Geetika.

It's important to understand that daytime skincare is all about protection whereas the nighttime skincare regimen looks at addressing skin issues and letting the skin rejuvenate. The basic routine includes a gentle cleanser, an alcohol-free toner, a serum, an eye cream, and a moisturiser. In the day, you can follow it up with sunscreen. Also, incorporate AHAs and BHAs into your routine to exfoliate your skin twice a week.

Will This Routine Vary From Day To Night?

If you didn’t know already, your day and night routine are different. Dr. Geetika says, "During the daytime, our prime concern is to protect our skin from UV rays, free radicals, and pollutants. However, during the night our main focus is nourishing, repairing, and rejuvenating the skin. During the night you must remove all your makeup. You can do this by using a deep cleansing and hydrating facial cleanser to get rid of all the makeup, dirt, and oil on your skin followed by an anti-aging skin cream, eye cream, and depigmenting gels. For the morning use sunscreen as the last step whereas for the night time, a face oil works well."

Are There Any Benefits To Layering Skincare Products?

Layering skincare product is an art and it comes with many benefits. Firstly, it improves the potency of the products and hence gives better results for plumper and more supple skin. Then, it facilitates the regeneration of skin cells and maximizes moisture retention in the skin.

Which Serum Should Be Applied First?

According to D.r Geetika, you should always layer by consistency. Lighter serums will be easily and quickly absorbed while the heavier hydration serums seal in the ingredients and leave your skin soft. For example, if your biggest concerns are dark spots and signs of aging, apply your Vitamin C serum or retinol and then seal it with a hydrating serum on top.

Any Ingredients That Shouldn't Be Layered Together?

While layering is good it’s important to know which ingredients don’t work together. The most common ones would be:

Vitamin C with AHA/BHA: Vitamin C is really unstable, so any acids you layer it with will destabilize the pH balance and render it completely useless before it even has a chance to work its magic.

Retinol with AHA/BHA: Retinol is a peeling agent, so it does stimulate cell turnover to get rid of old and damaged skin cells. Mixing it with other acids can over-exfoliate your skin, causing dryness and irritation and damage the skin’s moisture barrier.

Retinoids with Vitamin C: Vitamin C gets stabilized when used with retinol. But they cause irritation when used together. It can cause peeling, redness etc.

Retinol and Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl Peroxide may reduce the effectiveness of retinol molecules.

Retinol and Salicylic Acid: Using these two together will increase oil production in the skin which in turn could create a vicious cycle of dryness and acne.

Why Is It Important To Follow An Order In Skincare?

There is a science behind using certain skincare products in a particular order. To get the most out of your skincare products, you have to apply them in a specific order and not rush the process. For example, when you apply water-based products on top of thick, creamy, or oily ones, the products will form a barrier on your skin and prevent anything else from getting through. Even if you have a basic skincare routine, it should always follow the CTM routine (cleanser, toner, moisturiser).

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Remember: Commitment and consistency are key when it comes to achieving beautiful skin.

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