Does it really matter what order we apply our skincare in? After all it doesn’t matter whether we eat a bowl of ice cream before dinner, or after dinner, we still absorb the same amount of fat and we will still gain the same amount of weight (unfortunately).
When it comes to skincare though, sequence matters a lot because without the correct order of application you will not see the best results from your skin care regime.
The general rule is to apply from thinnest to thickest in consistency, because thin products cannot penetrate thick products. Those items that are rich in antioxidants and dense vitamins need to go on first to optimise the amount of the critical ingredient that is absorbed.
You then need to finish off with products that sit on top of your skin like emollients and humectants in moisturisers as these lock in key nutrients and also act as a protective barrier.
Step 1: Cleanser
This is the most crucial step - cleanse your face with a proper and gentle cleanser. Water isn't enough. Only clean skin that is free of grime and excess oil will properly absorb anything you apply. Use an oil cleanser to dissolve make-up and SPF, and then follow-up with a gentle cream or foaming cleanser. Our
Peach Oil Cleanser and
Green Tea Cleanser make an ideal double cleansing combo.
Step 2: Toner
You can think of this as a primer for skincare. A toner will replenish your skin after being washed and restores your skin's natural pH. It acts a bit like a delivery system for the antioxidants and vitamins that you will be applying in the coming steps. Pictured here is our popular
Rose Silk Toner.
The Rose Silk Toner is tailored for combination to dry skin. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, we recommend using our
Orange Blossom Toner which is formulated to reduce oiliness and blemishes on your skin.
Step 3: Serum
A powerful shot of extremely concentrated antioxidants, hydrators and nutrients. Pretty much every single dermatologist will tell you that a serum is the most potent product in your regime. It will breathe new life into your skin, protect it from damage and inflammation, brighten and neutralise damage from environmental pollutants and UV rays. Our
Blueberry Serum is one of our absolute best sellers.
Step 4: Eye Cream
From the age of about 25 we really should all be using an eye cream. They are specialised to maintain the elasticity and thickness of the skin around our eyes, as well as protect it. This will help maintain a smooth appearance and avoid fine lines and wrinkles. The
Eye Am Not Tired Duo works to address dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and scars.
Step 5: Face Cream
This one is pretty simple, lock in all the goodness from all the products above, infuse your skin with hydration and protect it as you carry on your day. During the day, a moisturiser that has a SPF rating will help keep your skin protected from sun damage, whereas at night you can opt for a richer, thicker cream to help fix any damage and boost regeneration. Our
Aloe Vera Face Cream works as an overnight skin-repair cream to restore youthfulness.
SPF Lotion: Our
Tinted BB Cream gives you a beautiful semi-matte finish and works amazing as a make-up primer, with inbuilt SPF30. You can get a sample from our website.
When do you apply a Face Oil?
We recommend using this treatment oil at night, before bedtime as the last step in your skincare routine, after your moisturiser. The nutrients in the oil can penetrate through the moisturiser and also seal in all the hydrating ingredients, leaving you with a radiant complexion.
SUMMARY
When in doubt, the general rule is to apply your products in order of thinnest to thickest. Anything light and liquid will have an easier time penetrating bare skin, while thicker creams and oils should be saved for the end, to lock everything in.
I hope this helps with understanding the layering process to get the best out of your skincare routine! Any questions, email us info@melvory.com.
