Whenever you are looking at your skincare products on your vanity desk, have you ever wondered if you are applying them the right way and in the right order? Am pretty sure most of us know that the first important step is cleansing. So what comes next? Does the order of applying them matter? Does the amount of product use important? Turns out, they do! Using too much could result in issues like clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts. If you use too little, your skin may not receive the full benefits of the nourishing ingredients in the skincare products.
We asked the skin experts and have rounded up this guide to help you master your skincare routine.
Always remove your makeup and wash your face with a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type before using any skincare products. To ensure that the ingredients of the subsequent skincare products are fully absorbed, your skin must be thoroughly clean and free of oil and impurities.
We recommended using warm water to help open up your pores. Then rub the cleanser in big circles on your cheeks. Then make semi-circles on the sides of your nose, and big circles up and out across your forehead. Rinse, then splash with cold water (to close your pores). Always Pat dry.
The amount of cleanser you use depends on the type of cleanser you have.
Originally, toners are used to help balance the pH level of your skin and boost hydration - it’s almost like a primer for the next skincare steps. However, toners are not necessary a must unless you have a specific skin concern to target. Today, there are many types of toners on the market. To unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and eliminate blackheads over time, look for a toner that contains either BHA (beta hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid) or AHA (alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid). Try AHAs if you have dry skin; BHAs if you have oily skin.
Should you choose to opt-in. apply your toner after cleansing. Most toners can be applied directly to the face with either your fingers or a cotton pad. Start at the middle of your forehead, then glide outwards. The same goes for your nose and chin: Start there and glide outward.
Wait at least 5 minutes or at least till it dries before you apply the next product so that the toner can work its magic.
Serums are essentially concentrated dosages of nutrients, hydrators, and antioxidants that, when applied to the skin, quickly improve its health. They are the heavy lifters of your skincare regimen. Although they are often an excellent first step in boosting up your skincare routine, serums can be optional.
If you are using a serum, apply it after your toner. Using your fingertips, pat serum onto your skin, then smooth it outward.
Depending on the product consistency, a pea-sized amount of serum, or two to three drops, should be sufficient.
Eye cream is super beneficial as the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate. Usually, your eye area is the first to show signs of aging. A good eye cream can help to minimize the look of wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.
Apply your eye cream after your serum. Using the tips of your fingers (ideally the ring finger of both hands), gently dab it underneath your eyes, across the top of the brow, and your eyelids.
A pea-sized amount of eye cream should be sufficient to cover the skin for both your eyes.
Our sunny and humid climate in Singapore might make you want to skip this step. But your skin care routine must include a moisturizer even if you have oily skin. In general, moisturizers can be good for your skin by acting as a protective barrier to harsh environments and skin conditions such as eczema. If you have dry skin, you can use a thicker cream, but those with oily skin will want to opt for something a little more lightweight, especially for day use.
Apply moisturizer to your skin by gliding it on and gently massaging it into the surface while applying firmer pressure than when applying serum.
Put your hands in a prayer posture and with your fingers glide from the center of your face outward, from your nose out to your ears, from your forehead out to your temples, and from your chin out to your jawline.
Use the same method to apply SPF afterward if your moisturizer is SPF-free.
Generally, the product’s packaging will give you a rough idea of how much to use. However, you should take into account the formula and your particular skin type to figure out how much moisturizer to apply to your face.
Rich, moisturizers made for dehydrated skin should be applied sparingly at first (you can always add more if needed). Similarly, oil-based lotions should only be applied sparingly to avoid leaving the skin feeling greasy.
For these formulas, we recommend starting with a pea-sized amount for your entire face and neck. If your skin continues to feel tight or dry after application, you can slowly add more to dry areas as needed.
Face oils help lock in the ingredients and moisture you just applied to your face and slow down the rate at which they evaporate. While oils may not efficiently hydrate your skin on their own, they can increase the effectiveness of your skincare routine while also leaving skin soft and smooth. Just keep in mind to lather your oils last every time.
A common misconception is that oils are only for dry skin. Oils aren't just for dry skin; marula and aloe oils can calm sensitive, easily irritated skin, while rosehip and jojoba oils can help reduce excess oil in acne-prone skin.
If you have oily skin, you may choose to skip it during the day and apply it only at night.
Spread your face oil across the palm of your hand, and then pat it onto the skin and glide it across.
2-3 drops are all you need.
With our tropical climate in Singapore, sunscreen is extremely important especially if your moisturizer does not contain SPF. Even if you are staying indoors, you will need sunscreen. It should be the last step in your skincare routine for the daytime. We recommend using at least SPF 30 to protect your skin against the harsh rays.
To ensure maximum protection, apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before you are going out. If you are putting on makeup, apply your sunscreen as the last step in your skincare regime, and wait approximately 5 minutes for it to absorb before applying your foundation. If you will be outdoors, you can re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Applying sunscreen is similar to how you apply moisturizer. Put your hands in a prayer posture and with your fingers glide from the center of your face outward, from your nose out to your ears, from your forehead out to your temples, and from your chin out to your jawline.
For the face and neck, we recommend applying about half a teaspoon of sunscreen. For the body, about one shot glass or 2 tablespoons of sunscreen.
To get the most benefits out of a daily skincare regimen, no matter what your skin type, the golden rule is to Stick With It. If you maintain a consistent, daily routine, you can likely see some improvements within 6 to 12 weeks though it may vary among products due to different formulations.
Over at Dr. W!SH, we offer only the best selection of 100% Authentic clinical products. You can shop for brands like Calecim, Regenera Activa, Skinceuticals, and many more. What’s more, our Homecare Range products are curated by experts in Korea and France. Going beyond normal skincare, our Homecare Range products help you to Repair, Hydrate, Block, Glow, and Show Off.
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