Skincare Routine Steps: The Best Order to Apply Skin Care
Does the order of your skincare routine really make a difference? Are some products best applied in the morning or at night? With so many
cleansers,
serums and creams on the market, it can be a little baffling to know where to start.
In this article, we outline the best approach to applying
skincare throughout the day so you can make the most of your routine.
WHY DOES THE ORDER OF SKINCARE MATTER?
All skincare products have different functions, as well as different ingredients, different formulas and different consistencies. Our skin also reacts to these products differently, and the products react differently to each other.
When used together, some products and ingredients work to balance or augment each other, but if applied in the wrong order, can minimise this benefit or counteract the effect of another one completely. Controlling the order in which you apply your skincare helps to ensure products are working in harmony with one another.
You want to make the most out of your skincare products, which is why the right application order is just as important as the product itself!
APPLYING SKINCARE AT THE RIGHT TIME OF DAY
In addition to the order in which you layer your skincare, the time of day that you apply it also matters.
Studies show that skin operates to a circadian rhythm that serves to provide the right nutrients as we go about our day. During the day the skin responds to protect us from pollutants, irritants and harmful UV rays. At night, the skin then goes through the process of renewing itself.
The order and time of day we apply skincare products can influence this natural internal rhythm. We want a routine that aligns with it to support what our skin is already doing, not work against it. By layering skincare well and combining that with your knowledge of the skin’s natural protect and renewal rhythm, you can create an optimal daily skincare regime.
Now let’s get to what this skincare regime can look like.
STEPS TO SKINCARE FROM DAY TO NIGHT
While there isn’t a universally “correct” order to applying skincare, the way your order your products can either help or hinder the product’s effectiveness. Let’s take a look at what your morning routine could include.KEEPING YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE SIMPLE
A multi-step skincare routine isn’t for everyone. You might have very sensitive skin or just prefer to keep a basic routine. But there are some products that are essential for everyone. If you want a suitable skincare regime that’s easy and only uses the essentials, the products you should regularly use are:1. Cleanser (use morning and night)
2. Moisturiser (use morning and night)
3. Sunscreen (use morning)
We recommend maintaining these three products no matter your skin type.
MORNING ROUTINE
When the sun is out the skin works to protect itself from pollutants and UV rays. It does this by increasing antioxidant and sebum production and improving its moisture barrier function. Choose products that support these skin-protecting functions, but also choose lighter products to reduce the appearance of oily-looking skin.
A general rule of thumb for both morning and night regimes is to layer products from lightest to heaviest.
1. CLEANSER
First and foremost, start the day by cleansing your skin. A gentle, hydrating cleanser will wake up the skin, plus you want a fresh face when applying other products.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Effaclar + M Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
2. TONER
Following the order of lightest product to heaviest, toner comes next. Toner removes any impurities a cleanser might have missed, and tightens and tones the pores in preparation for layering products.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Serozonic Mattifying Toning Facial Mist
3. SERUMS
After prepping your skin, you can move on to serums. This is a good time to apply products to address particular skin concerns. We recommend adding the following serums to your routine:
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in protecting the skin from harmful free radicals generated by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and environmental pollutants, which is why applying it in the morning is beneficial (Important note: it's not a replacement for sunscreen, however!). Vitamin C also helps brightens the skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Vitamin C 10 Brightening Serum
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that works to prevent water loss and retain the skin's moisture. Niacinamide locks in moisture for the day, helping with visible redness and dry skin.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum
HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid binds to collagen molecules on the outer layer of skin, absorbing water and locking it into to the skin for long-lasting hydration. The Hyalu B5 range has both a face serum and an eye serum for re-plumping the delicate undereye skin.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum
Of course, the serums you add to your routine will depend on your skin type and skin goals.
Read more on How to add serums to your skincare routine.
4. MOISTURISER
As a daytime moisturiser, we recommend a lightweight formula. Because of excess oil production during the day, heavier moisturisers may lead to oily skin. Many lightweight day moisturisers include an SPF 30 sunscreen for basic sun protection.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Toleriane Dermallergo Fluid Lightweight Moisturiser
5. EYE CREAM
Skin around the eyes is more delicate and thinner than the rest of your skin, which is why we recommend products formulated specific for the undereye skin. Apply a gentle eye cream around the eye area to target fine lines and dark circles.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Redermic R Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
6. SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is the most important part of any morning skincare routine. With Australia having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, it's especially important. No matter the time of year, always include a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 in your regimen, whether as a separate product or in a SPF-fortified moisturiser.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.
7. FOUNDATION
If you choose to wear makeup, leave it until the end of your skincare. Your skincare should create an even base for foundation to sit smoothly. For something lighter than foundation you can opt for a tinted moisturiser or BB cream.
NIGHT ROUTINE
After a long day protecting the skin from aggressors and UV rays the skin uses the night to renew and restore itself, just like we do! At night the skin generates new cells and brings fresh blood to the surface of the skin for oxygenation. Use skincare products that support this process.
The skin reaches its peak reparative state between 10pm and midnight. Which is why, in addition to the right evening skincare routine, plenty of sleep is critical. Finally, the order you layer products will be similar to your daytime routine – apply products from lightest to heaviest.
1. CLEANSER
By the time the day is over, we’ve exposed our skin to all kinds of pollutants, bacteria and other environmental factors, as well as makeup. Cleansing is equally as important in the evening as it is in the morning, and just as important to apply before serums and creams. A micellar water is great for nighttime because it acts as both cleanser and makeup remover.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Micellar Foaming Water Cleanser
2. SERUMS
Just as some serums are more suitable for morning use, certain active ingredients are better suited for nighttime. This is the ideal time to apply serums containing retinol, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid.
RETINOL
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates and speeds up skin cell turnover, clearing away dead skin cells and supporting cell renewal for brighter, clearer looking skin. Retinol is best added in your nighttime routine to support the skin’s natural renewal cycle.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Retinol B3 Anti Ageing Serum
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SALICYLIC ACID
Salicylic acid can help to visibly reduce the appearance of breakouts and blemishes. Because both salicylic acid and retinol can have a drying effect, it’s recommended to consider applying the ingredients on alternating nights, instead of at the same time.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Effaclar Anti-Acne Salicylic Acid Serum
HYALURONIC ACID
Because hydration is important any time of day, hyaluronic acid is great for both morning and evening. Follow retinol or salicylic acid with hyaluronic acid to balance out the drying effect these serums can have.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
3. NIGHT CREAM
A moisturising night cream is the final step in your evening routine. Overnight, we are susceptible to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and a rich moisturising night lotion can minimise the chances of water loss as well as minimise that dry skin feeling when waking.
La Roche-Posay recommends: Toleriane Dermallergo Overnight Moisturiser
Layering products to prevent irritation
Some active ingredients can cause visible redness or skin irritation, particularly for sensitive skin types. For example, retinol boosts skin cell renewal and cell turnover by speeding up the process but in doing so, can cause dry skin. To minimise this happening, we recommend the “sandwich” method: apply a hydrating product first, apply your retinol, then apply another layer of the hydrating product.
Skincare for the seasons
Your skincare routine may change depending on the time of year.
Facing the environment
There is more to keeping your skin in tip top shape than layering the right products. The places you frequent will also impact your skin's overall condition and appearance. You may need to adjust your skincare routine to suit the range of environmental stressors you’re exposed to.Office air
Offices tend to have very dry air from the constant air conditioning, which dries out our skin. Keeping a moisturiser or hydrating spray at your desk to use throughout the day can help maintain your skin hydration.Working outdoors
Sun protection is imperative to everyone’s skincare routine, but it’s especially important if you spend a lot of time outdoors and in direct sunlight. Reapply sunscreen regularly (every two hours) to protect your skin from UV rays.Night shifts
Working the night shift may impact your skincare routine and overall condition of your skin. Apart from sleep deprivation, it also disrupts the skin's natural circadian rhythm. Night shift workers should take extra care to keep their skin hydrated and opt for a brightening serum.Always listen to your skin!
Lastly, listen to your skin. Some products might not be suited to your skin type or be unsuitable for certain skin conditions or sensitivities. If your skin isn’t happy with a particular routine or product it’ll let you know! There is no one-size-fits all approach to skincare, so it’s important to pay attention to your skin’s individual response whenever you add a new product or change your regime in any way.
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