When you reach a certain age, skin-care regimes become a little more complex than just washing your T-zone and putting on lotion whenever you feel dry. Here’s a quick guide on layering your skincare:
Morning Routine
- Cleanser: If you have oily skin, use a mild face wash in the mornings. Most people get away with splashing some water on their faces since they don’t have makeup to remove.
- Toner: In the past, toners had more astringent qualities but newer formulas are used to re-balance the pH levels of your skin and add back any moisture lost from cleansing. Use the palms of your hands to tap the toner gently into your skin. Avoid using cotton rounds, which soak up a lot of the product.
- Serum: They’re lightweight but packed with the highest concentration of active ingredients. Choose one according to your skin issue. For example, if you want to brighten up dull skin, look for a serum with vitamin C in it.
- Moisturizing sunscreens: Though you could technically skip some of the other steps if you’re pressed for time, sunscreen is a must. Luckily, the latest formulas are super-hydrating, quickly absorbed, and wear well under makeup.
Night Routine
- Makeup remover, then a cleanser : On days you’re wearing makeup, use a cleansing oil, or micellar water, before using a face wash to ensure you’re getting everything off. It makes a huge difference in keeping your skin clear.
- Exfoliator: Whether it’s a grainy scrub or an at-home peel, regularly removing that top layer of dead skin (once or twice a week) keeps your complexion bright and glowing. When you’re using an exfoliating product, it’s okay to go from your makeup remover straight to this step to avoid triple cleansing.
- Toner: Now that you’ve thoroughly cleansed your face, it’s time to replenish some moisture. A thin layer of gentle, alcohol-free toner works best.
- Mask: Save your special sheet masks for after you’ve exfoliated, so you’ve cleared a path for the ingredients to penetrate your skin and give you the best results.
- Serum: Smooth a dime-sized amount of serum over your face and neck.
- Moisturizer: Seal in everything with a night cream or moisturizer of your choice.
- Eye cream: Finish your routine with a pea-sized amount of eye cream for both eyes and tap it gently under and over the tops of your eyelids.