What order do skincare products go in is the classic question that comes to mind when you add more than one product to your facial routine, and it becomes a question like the chicken or the egg, because what comes first, the sunscreen or the moisturiser, the serum or the toner? In this post we explain in which order skincare products go, and which ones should be on your list.
In which order to apply skincare products
The general recommendation for face products is to apply them according to their texture: from lighter to denser, and also to give priority to those richer in active ingredients; always on a clean face, so that's the first step.
1. Cleanser - ☀️ Day & 🌙 Night
Any facial routine should always start with a good facial cleansing so that the formulas penetrate better and are more effective.
How to cleanse your face properly? Dr. Ana Molina, a dermatologist and great communicator, recommends cleansing your face twice a day and, if you have applied make-up, double cleansing at night.
This double cleaning consists of using these two products:
With a grease-based cleaner
Oil cleanser or cleansing milk.
What is it for?
This step removes oil-soluble dirt, such as make-up, sunscreen, excess sebum, dust.
How to apply it?
Massage in with your hands, starting with the eyes, and then remove with cotton wool soaked in warm water or reusable facial wipes that can be easily washed.
With a water-based cleaner
Examples: soap, gel, etc.
What is it for?
To remove residues of the previous cleaner and water-soluble dirt, such as sweat, etc.
How to apply it?
Then rinse your face with plenty of water. If you use micellar water, remember that it is water with soap, so it is recommended to rinse your face with water only after application.
2. Toner - ☀️ Day and 🌙 Night
If you use a toner, this should be the first product to apply after cleansing your skin.
What is facial toner for?
It depends on the ingredients. If it contains water, alcohol or simply various aromas, it will provide freshness and aromas that make you feel good, but it will not treat your skin.
If it contains salicylic or glycolic acid, these are two active ingredients that can really have an effect on the health of your skin by helping to exfoliate it.
How to apply it?
It can be applied day or night, with gentle touches of the fingertips or cotton wool.
3. Serum - ☀️ Day
The serum is a light cream that usually incorporates a high concentration of cosmetic active ingredients that are difficult to formulate in other formats, such as antioxidants.
What is a facial serum for?
Again, it depends on the ingredients. Look for the following ingredients: vitamin C or ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin E, niacinanide, etc.
How to apply it?
As it is a light cream, our preference is to apply it in the morning and leave the (thicker) moisturiser for the evening.
4. Eye Contour - 🌙 Night
You can apply a gentle moisturiser with a low concentration of irritating active ingredients, or a specific product for this area where the skin is thinner and more sensitive.
What is eye contouring used for?
To moisturise the skin in this area, which is usually more delicate than the rest.
How to apply it?
In general, creams very similar to those applied to the rest of the face can be used, taking care only of the concentration of active ingredients. It is advisable to apply it at night, gently with the fingertips.
5. Moisturising Cream - 🌙 Night
Look for creams rich in active ingredients that have proven effective against skin ageing, such as hydroxy acids or vitamin A derivatives (retinol, etc.).
What is moisturiser for?
As the name says, its main objective is to hydrate the skin. It does not neglect the need to drink water to hydrate it from within.
How to apply it?
As it is a dense product, we recommend applying it at night, gently all over the face, avoiding the eyelids.
6. Sunblock - ☀️ Day
One of the fundamental steps in any cosmetic routine, 365 days a year. Look for a 50+ sunscreen and make sure it is 360 protection, i.e. it includes UVB, UVA, infrared and visible light protection.
What is sunscreen for?
It prevents photoaging of the skin, it is the number 1 anti-aging cosmetic. If you don't use it, all of the above is of little use.
How to apply it?
Apply evenly to face, neck, ears, nape of neck, neckline and even shoulders.
What products should be in the skincare routine?
Although there are countless skin care products on the market, we are advocates of "less is more", keeping the list with the 4 basics, which are applied in the following order:
- Cleanser - ☀️ Day & 🌙 Night
- Serum - ☀️ Day, with vitamin C
- Moisturising Cream - 🌙 Night, with Retinoic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- Sunscreen - ☀️ Day
And obviously if your dermatologist has prescribed any treatment, you should add it to the list, asking beforehand in what order to apply it.
💡Tip: Don't forget the neck and décolleté, very delicate areas with thin skin and less capacity for healing and repair than the face.
How to book an appointment for a facial at home?
Booking at Zen to Go is very easy and simple, either through the website www.zentogo.com.mx or by downloading the App (available for iOS and Android).
- After creating your account with your contact details and address, the system will confirm our coverage in your area.
- Personalise your session by choosing the facial and the cosmetologist's preferred gender. We recommend you add in the notes if you have any diagnosed skin conditions.
- Choose your preferred date and time and see the actual availability of cosmetologists.
- Securely provide bank card details to guarantee the booking, via the reputable payment processor Stripe.
- And enjoy the luxury home SPA experience offered by Zen to Go. Cosmetologists come with everything you need.
