Written by: Jennifer McClead
Personally, I have always found that having a whole bunch of skincare products to apply morning and night to be really confusing. So how do you know which product to put on first? I’ve put together a list of some of our favorite products and when and where to apply them.
1.
Gentle or Exfoliating Cleanser
First thing at the start of your skincare steps, you want to wash your face! Use a gentle or exfoliating cleanser to help clean your skin and prepare if for the day, as well as remove any products you had on overnight. I love ZO’s Gentle Cleanser and Exfoliating Cleanser to really help clear your skin and prepare for the day. Most days you want to use a gentle cleanser for your skin, but start 1-2 times a week using an exfoliating cleanser to help get rid of dead skin cells and make your face feel fresher and softer!
2. Toner
After you face is nice and clean, the next step is to apply a good toner. ZO’s Oil Control Pads are great for this step; the texture of the pads help exfoliate as well as soothe the skin and reduce oiliness.
3. TNS Advanced+
Once you skin is clean and you’ve applied your toner, it’s time to apply the middle products. The best way to start is with SkinMedica’s TN
S Advanced+. This serum is typically used to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; our providers have nicknamed it “Botox in a Bottle”. Although it isn’t quite as strong as Botox, TNS still is great at showing results in just 2 weeks. Applying TNS before your other products also helps enhance the effects of those products. Just be sure to wait 15 minutes between applying toner and TNS Advanced + to receive the full effects of the product.
4. Lumivive System
Another fantastic product is SkinMedica’s Lumivive System. This morning and night system is an underrated must have to help protect and repair your skin from light damage. The morning step helps protect your skin against blue light and damage from pollution as you go about your day, while the nighttime step helps repair and rejuvenate your skin overnight while you rest. With how much time we spend around technology and looking at our screens, this product is a must have!
5. Any other additional middle products
This is the time in your skincare routine to apply any additional middle products, such as SkinMedica’s Instant Bright Eye Cream or their Neck Correct Cream.
6. Even Tone Correcting Serum
Once you’ve applied all of your middle products, it’s time to start prepping your skin for the rest of the day. Even Tone Correcting Serum is great at correcting hyperpigmentation and really giving your skin and even, beautiful tone. When applying the serum, apply on your “T zone” and any other areas that have hyperpigmentation.
7. Sunscreen/Moisturizer or Overnight Cream
At the end of your skincare routine, round it out with either a moisturizer and sunscreen or an Overnight Cream.
For sunscreen during the day, SkinMedica’s Total Defense + Repair is great at protecting your skin and supporting the skin’s natural ability to repair itself. I personally love that it doesn’t feel heavy or leave white streaks like many sunscreens.
At night, a great option we have is Skinbetter’s AlphaRet Overnight Cream. They have both a regular and and Intensive version depending on your skin; both types work to moisturize your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Speak with one of our providers to see which version of AlphaRet they recommend for you!
Although this is a great outline of what a skincare routine might look like, each person’s skin is different! I always recommend visiting with one of our providers to help build a skincare routine tailored to you. To make sure your products are as effective as they can be, be sure to stick with your routine!