SKINCARE ROUTINE ORDER: HOW TO BUILD A SKINCARE ROUTINE

With a dizzying array of skincare products available out there it’s often difficult to separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves. Different products shine in different ways, so what should you actually be using? Whether you’re a beauty aficionado or a newcomer to the skincare game, finetuning your daily skincare routine can help you to maximise its results.

While some aspects of a building a skincare regimen can be highly individual, there are a few key steps that everyone should be following - whether you’re using anti-ageing skincare or dealing with oily, sensitive or dry skin. Not only that, it’s also important to apply your skincare routine in the right order to optimise the benefits of each product. Here’s what you need to know about creating your best skincare ritual.

Why skincare routine order matters

Choosing the right products is of course an important aspect of any basic skincare routine, but so is the order in which you use them. Completing your skincare regimen in a particular sequence allows each product to be used to its full potential and do its job efficiently. When your routine is a harmonious one and each step works well with the last, you give your skincare the best chance of working efficaciously. You’ve taken the time to choose skincare products that suit your skin type and goals – now get the most out of them by applying in a suitable order.

Your simplified skincare routine order

Some people seem to have endless steps in their skincare routine. Though the dedication is impressive (and there’s nothing better than an at-home facial), with busy lives and schedules, complex skincare routines can be hard to maintain every day. A streamlined skincare routine with key, targeted steps and the correct application order will ensure you give your skin the care it deserves without having to spend copious amounts of time doing it. An effective basic skincare routine comprises of a few simple steps, which we’ll take you through in more detail below.

1. Cleanser

A skincare routine needs to start with cleansing the skin – a single cleanse in the morning, and a double cleanse at night. Our skin is exposed to the elements daily, which includes pollutants that can impact the visible quality of our complexion. So, it’s important to ensure skin is thoroughly cleansed, with all traces of oils, grime and makeup properly removed. Thankfully, a double cleanse doesn’t have to be complicated. You can use your preferred, gentle cleanser such as Confidence in a Cleanser and simply wash your face twice. This will ensure that your skin is super fresh and clean, and ready to effectively absorb the products to come.

2. Face serum

Face serums deliver a more targeted boost of concentrated ingredients to the skin. This is where you can tailor your routine to target your skin’s unique concerns, depending on the products you use. A serum that features hyaluronic acid such as Bye Bye Lines Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum delivers a big moisture boost to dry skin, while Bye Bye Breakouts Salicylic Acid Face Serum will help target blemishes and gently smooth skin over time. You can layer serums, but it’s recommended to limit use to 2 or 3 serums in your skincare routine to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit from the active ingredients of each product

3. Eye cream

The delicate skin under the eyes is thinner and can show the signs of ageing more quickly, so it’s important to nourish it with an eye cream. Adopting an eye cream in your regular routine can target common skin concerns such as dryness, puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. For a multipurpose option, try Confidence in an Eye Cream Peptide Eye Cream which hydrates and firms with colour correcting properties to target dark circles. A handy tip: tap eye cream in an upwards motion, rather than swiping it on. A gentle approach to application is important as the skin under the eyes is quite fragile.

4. Moisturiser

Getting into the habit of applying moisturiser daily is what underpins an effective basic skincare routine. A great moisturiser is the step that keeps skin hydrated, supple and plumped, and all skin types require some form of hydration every day. It can be helpful to use a dedicated moisturiser during the day like Confidence in a Cream Supercharged Hydrating Moisturiser and a dedicated night cream like Confidence in your Beauty Sleep Night Cream with Ceramides - you may even want to step it up and learn how to create a night time skin routine. Cell turnover is at its highest when you’re sleeping, so it’s a smart idea to use a product that is designed to work its hardest during this time.

5. SPF (morning only)

Support all the time and effort that you put into your skincare routine by using sunscreen daily. Applying an SPF50+ sunscreen before you head out each day will help prevent sunburn and premature signs ageing. Looking for a way to get your SPF fix and cover redness or blemishes in one step? Look no further than Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50. It’s lightweight yet hydrating, offers flawless coverage without creasing, and boasts SPF 50 to boot.

Get into the habit of sunscreen being the full stop to your skincare ritual every morning, and you’ll help your skin look its best while protecting the benefits you get from each skincare step.

Enjoyed our guide on the steps in a skincare routine? Next, check out the benefits of peptides for skin to learn how to make the most of this hero skincare ingredient.