Your Guide to Skincare Product Basics
Learn more about the different types of skincare products and how they can fit into your skincare routine.
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As the name implies, cleansers.... cleanse the skin.
They remove dirt, oil, makeup, sweat, and other impurities that accumulate on your skin throughout the day and night, which can contribute to dullness, clogged pores, and other skin issues. The resulting clean skin allows other skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers, to be absorbed more effectively, maximizing their benefits.
Many cleansers are also designed to balance the skin’s natural pH, which helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent irritation or dryness.
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A facial cleanser should be the first step in the skincare routine.
If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, you can also consider double-cleansing at night. This means starting with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to dissolve makeup or oil on your skin, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
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Using lukewarm water, wet your face. Then, using a small amount of cleanser in your hands, gently massage it into your skin using circular motions.
Rinse off the cleanser completely with lukewarm water to ensure no residue is left behind.
Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel, avoiding rubbing which can irritate the skin.
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It is usually recommended to cleanse your face twice a day (morning and night). However, the frequency of using a facial cleanser can depend on your skin type, lifestyle, and personal skincare needs.
It's most crucial to cleanse the skin at night as it helps with removing makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and impurities accumulated throughout the day. This helps prevent clogged pores and ensures that your skin can repair itself overnight.
Cleansing in the morning helps remove any overnight buildup of oil, sweat, and dead skin cells and prepares your skin for the application of morning skincare products. However, using a cleanser may not be necessary depending on your skin.
For example, cleansing too frequently stripped my skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Now, I've moved towards simply rinsing my face with water in the morning and using cleanser only at night -- it really is dependent on your needs.
There are special situations that may necessitate additional facial cleansing. For example, if you sweat a lot during exercise, it’s beneficial to cleanse your face after working out to remove sweat and bacteria that could contribute to breakouts.
Cleanser
Toner
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Toners help to restore and maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by cleansing. A balanced pH helps keep the skin barrier healthy and functioning properly.
They can also remove any leftover traces of cleanser, makeup, or impurities that might remain after washing your face.
By doing these two things, toners prepare your skin to better absorb subsequent skincare products and optimize their effectiveness.
Many toners are also formulated with beneficial ingredients, such as those that can help to tighten and minimize the appearance of pores, soothing ingredients that calm irritated or inflamed skin, or hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that help add moisture to the skin.
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Facial toners should be used after cleansing and before applying serums and moisturizers in your skincare routine.
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After cleansing, apply toner to a cotton pad or into your hands. If using a cotton pad, gently sweep the toner across your face, avoiding the eye area. If using your hands to apply the toner, spread the toner fully across your face and pat it in.
Let the toner absorb into your skin before applying other products like serums or moisturizers.
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You should follow the specific instructions provided with your toner for best results. But typically, toner should be applied twice a day, in the morning and evening, after the cleansing step of your skincare routine.
As with other skincare products, you can adjust based on how your skin responds.
For example, toners with exfoliating acids could lead to skin irritation if overused. On the flip side, hydrating toners are typically safe to use daily to help maintain hydration levels and soothe the skin.
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Serums are concentrated skincare products designed with lightweight, often water-based or oil-based formulations to deliver active ingredients deeply into the skin.
They can offer different benefits depending on their formulation and the specific ingredients they contain. For example, some may provide hydration with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Others may help to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines with ingredients like retinoids and peptides. Or if you're looking to brighten your skin and even out skin tone, you can look for serums with ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide.
There are serums that deliver potent treatment for pretty much every skin concern - it's just a matter of picking one that meets your skincare needs!
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A serum should be applied after cleansing and toning (if you use a toner) and before moisturizing.
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Dispense a small amount of serum (usually a few drops) onto your fingertips or directly onto your face. Gently pat or massage it into your skin.
After applying serum, use a moisturizer to lock it in.
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Most serums are designed for daily use and can be applied in the morning and evening. This consistency can also help with addressing your specific skin concerns.
However, it is important to follow the instructions provided with the serum as some serums may be formulated for different application frequencies and to continuously monitor your skin and adjust usage based on its response.
For example, hydrating serums are usually safe to use daily, both morning and evening, while exfoliating serums may be a bit harsher. They may be used less frequently, such as 2-3 times a week, depending on the concentration and your skin’s tolerance.
Serum
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Skin exfoliants help remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, and can help unclog pores, smooth out rough patches, and promote a brighter, more even complexion.
There are two main types of exfoliants, each of which work in different ways.
Physical exfoliants contain small, gritty particles that - as the name implies - physically scrub away dead skin cells. Examples include facial scrubs with microbeads, brushes, or sponges.
Chemical exfoliants employ acids and enzymes to help exfoliate the skin and can be further broken down into two main types - alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid.
AHAs are water-soluble acids that work primarily on the skin's surface by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed off more easily. In this way, AHAs help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture.
BHAs are oil-soluble acids that penetrate into the pores to dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells and excess sebum, which helps to prevent and treat acne. They help to exfoliate both the surface of the skin and within the pores, which can be especially beneficial for clearing out congestion and reducing acne.
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Exfoliation should be done after cleansing and before applying other treatments.
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It's important to follow the instructions provided on your exfoliant to avoid improper use and potential irritation of your skin.
Typically if the exfoliating ingredients are rolled into a different type of skincare product, you'd just use the product as usual. If it’s an exfoliating scrub, you'd typically scoop out a small amount and gently massage the exfoliant onto your skin in circular motions, using light pressure and focusing on areas that need extra attention. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
After that, the exfoliant can be washed off of your face with lukewarm water, and your face pat dry.
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Exfoliation frequency depends on your skin type and the instructions for the exfoliant used.
Generally, 2-3 times a week is sufficient for most people, and this is a good starting point.
However, with the development of new skincare products that incorporate gently exfoliating ingredients, some of these products can be safe for daily use.
On the flip side, those with sensitive skin may require less frequent exfoliation.
You should try a schedule and adjust as needed based on your skin's response.
Exfoliant
Moisturizer
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As one of the last steps in your skincare routine, moisturizers help seal in moisture to the skin and seal in the products you applied in the previous steps.
Often enriched with nourishing ingredients, they also play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. For example, with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, they add and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
With ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids that help to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, moisturizers protect against environmental stressors and pollutants.
Many moisturizers may also contain anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants, or emollients like shea butter and squalane that help provide a smooth, soft texture.
They are truly a staple for your daily skincare routine.
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Skincare products should typically be applied from thinnest to thickest texture.
As such, moisturizer should be applied as one of the final steps in your skincare routine, following any treatments or serums.
In the morning, moisturizer should come before sunscreen. And at night, moisturizer should come before facial oils.
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Use a sufficient amount of moisturizer to cover your entire face, usually about a dime-sized amount. Then, evenly spread it across your face and down your neck.
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Apply moisturizer both in the morning and evening to maintain hydration throughout the day and night.
Sunscreen
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Sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, aiding in overall skin health, repair, and resilience.
By shielding your skin from UVB rays, which are primarily responsible for causing sunburn, sunscreen prevents painful redness, peeling, and discomfort.
Prolonged sun exposure can also damage collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. By protecting against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to this photoaging, sunscreen can help prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, helping to prevent uneven skin tone and maintain a youthful appearance.
Regular use of sunscreen can also lower your risk of developing skin cancers as UV radiation is a major risk factor for these cancers.
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Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skincare routine, applied after all other skincare products (and before makeup). This helps to protect your skin from UV damage and prevents the effects of sun exposure, such as premature aging and skin cancer.
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Apply sunscreen about 15-30 minutes before going outside as this allows time for the sunscreen to absorb and form a protective layer.
Apply about a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen evenly over your face and neck, using gentle, even strokes. Avoid rubbing too vigorously, which can irritate the skin or cause uneven coverage. Try not to forget areas that are often missed, such as the ears, or the back of the neck.
Of note, ensuring your skin is clean and dry before applying sunscreen helps the product adhere better.
And lastly, don’t forget to apply a lip balm with SPF to your lips as they can be susceptible to sunburn.
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Sunscreen should be used every day, regardless of the weather or your plans. Even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy, UV rays can still penetrate windows and affect your skin.
Ideally, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours when you’re outdoors. This ensures continuous protection, especially if you’re exposed to the sun for extended periods.
Facial Oil
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Facial oils help create a barrier on your skin that helps to lock in moisture, providing hydration and preventing water loss from the skin.
They often contain vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that can nourish the skin, and help with signs of aging by improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
By reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier, facial oils can also help protect against environmental damage and reduce sensitivity, helping it look healthier and more radiant.
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Generally, if using a facial oil at night, it's used as the last step of the skincare routine, i.e., after your moisturizer, to help lock in the moisture from all your prior skincare products.
If using a facial oil in the morning, it's good to use it after serums (and moisturizers), but before sunscreen so that your sunscreen can protect your skin from UV damage.
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To apply a facial oil, dispense a few drops of oil (2-4 drops is usually sufficient) into your hand.
Rub the oil between your palms to warm it up slightly, then gently press the oil onto your skin using your fingertips. Start at the center of your face (forehead, nose, and cheeks) and work your way outward, to ensure even distribution and minimize dragging on the skin.
Use a light tapping or patting motion rather than rubbing as this helps the oil to penetrate the skin without disrupting the layers of products you’ve applied underneath.
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Many people find that using facial oil once or twice a day, as part of your morning or evening routine, or both, is beneficial.
However, the frequency of using facial oil depends on your skin type, the specific oil you're using, and your overall skincare routine.
If you have dry or mature skin, it might be good to use facial oil daily, both in the morning and evening, as facial oil can provide extra hydration and help to lock in moisture.
If your skin is oily or combination, you might prefer to use facial oil less frequently, such as a few times a week. Alternatively, you could use it only in the evening to avoid adding extra shine during the day.
It's important to always check the instructions provided with your specific facial oil. Some oils are designed for daily use, while others might be recommended for less frequent application.
One thing to remember is that if you're introducing facial oil into your routine for the first time, it's good to start with a lower frequency and gradually increase the frequency based on your skin’s needs and how well it tolerates the oil.