πππDeal Is Live Click Here Purchase Now Nowπππ
1. Work in serums.
One common beauty question when it comes to nailing the correct skin-care routine order: serum or moisturizer? The definitive answer is serum. Serums deliver active ingredients into the skin most efficiently, says Boston-based board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D. Plus, they're easy to customize.
2. Add an antioxidant.
Vitamin C is one key inΒgreΒdient every skin type needs. "It brightens, protects against sun damage, and promotes collagen production," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson, who recommends using a potent serum such as Obagi Professional-C Serum 15%. We also like Pixi Skintreats Vitamin-C Serum.
One caveat: Don't pair it with a toner or moisturizer that contains an alpha hydroxy acid (such as glycolic), which destabilizes vitamin C. If you're using an acid, opt for antioxidant green tea or resveratrol instead.
3. Treat Those Blemishes
Exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear of dirt debris is key for acne-prone skin. But when breakouts do happen, Dr. Mehr suggests reaching for an acne spot cream that contains benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound that destroys bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it one of those hero ingredients ideal to treat acne. Put this on after a serum as it will have a thicker consistency, but before a moisturizer.
4. Lock in moisture.
Moisturizer does more than just add hydration and lock in moisture. It is key to any layering routine because "it seals in serums on your skin, which can make them more effective," says Wilson. Feel free to keep it basic: Try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer or Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream if you have normal to oily skin. For dry skin, we like bareMinerals Butter Drench Restorative Rich Cream or Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion.
ππDeal Is Live Click Here Purchase Nowππ
5. Know when to go in reverse.
If your sensitive skin reddens with the thought of using even one treatment product, try putting on a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer first and then serums on top. "The cream will reduce the potency of the serums," says Dr. Hirsch, "but they'll also be less likely to cause irritation."
6. Add oil.
In small doses, oils make skin radiant. Put them on dry areas after creams β as a rule, oils can penetrate moisturizers, but not vice versa. We like Rodin Luxury Face Oil, with sunflower seed and jojoba oils, and Burt's Bees Facial Oil, with rosehip seed extract. Skip the oil if you're wearing more than two serums under your moisturizer, though β at some point, you can't avoid looking greasy.
7. Don't forget protection.
The last step in your daytime skin-care routine order involves protecting skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. "Sunscreen is your last step in the morning," says Jeannette Graf, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Great Neck, New York. "It sits on top of your skin, so if it goes on first, it prevents other ingredients from penetrating." Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen and Alba Botanica Fast Fix Sun Stick are lightweight enough to layer over multiple products.
And remember: Even if you use another product (moisturizer, foundation) with SPF 15, the effect is not additive (as in, you can't layer it with an SPF 30 to get SPF 45), says cosmetic chemist Ginger King.
8. Have a nightcap.
It's not as sexy as a snifter of whiskey. But ending your night skin-care routine with a retinoid, like RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Crème, makes you look a whole lot younger. (Every dermatologist recommends this super ingredient.)
Retinol is not for daytime use (it breaks down in the sun) and shouldn't be paired with some ingredients, like vitamin C and salicylic acid, says Nussbaum. With retinol, just cleanse, add a basic moisturizer on top, and skip exfoliating for the next two mornings.