Skincare Steps: What goes where, when?

Do you struggle with what skincare product goes where when?! It can be tricky! There are so many products out there and so many opinions all over social media! This is the order that I tell my patients when applying skincare!

AM: cleanser - toner - serums - moisturizer - sunscreen

Unless you are targeting a specific area or concern like acne, use a gentle non-comodogenic cleanser for your first step! It is not necessary to double cleanse in the morning. After cleansing, pat dry. Next up in the application process is toner. Apply all over face and neck area. Any serums such as Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid etc. go next! After serums, apply a moisturizer! If your moisturizer contains sunscreen then this is your last step! If not, make sure that you are applying a sunscreen last! This is your most important step for anti-aging! Be sure you are using at least a 30 SPF!

PM: double cleanse - toner- serums - retinol - moisturizer - oils

Double cleansing is super important at night! You want to take your makeup and the day off with a micellar water or oil based cleanser! Follow that with a gentle cleanser to really get deep into those pores and clean your skin! Toner would go next in line if you use one! Next would be your serums such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide etc. Let those dry before applying your retinol/retin A! Be sure to follow this with a thicker moisturizer to decrease risk of irritation! Any oils that you have such as rose oil would be your last step or you can mix them with your moisturizer!

If you don't use all these things in your skincare routine, that's ok! That doesn't mean you are doing it wrong! Just omit the ones your aren't currently doing and still follow the steps!

-xoxo

hallie