Cleanser
This is really a no-brainer. After all, if you are not cleansing your face, then it could result in clogged pores, leading to acne breakouts, irritation, and redness. In fact, you should cleanse your face in the morning before you put on any makeup. You can also do it in the shower (if you have a morning shower to save up on time!) That being said, it is also best that you use your cleanser at night before your nighttime routine as well.
This is because cleansers, as their name suggests, work to remove all the build-up, gunk, dirt, oil, makeup and anything else that has accumulated on your face over the course of a day. They also help to unclog your pore and remove dead skin cells, leading to a healthier and glowing complexion. Some people also suggest that you double cleanse. This means that you either cleanse your skin for two whole minutes or one minute with a gentle cleanser. You can never really get enough of cleansers, so it is definitely a must-have!
Exfoliator
For those not in the know, an exfoliator is mainly designed to improve the texture of your skin’s surface by removing any dead skin cells. While this may sound harsh, it does not have to be. By removing the layer of dead skin cells, it will not only reveal more younger and supple skin, but it will also allow your other skincare products (such as serums and moisturisers) to be better absorbed into your skin. It also allows your makeup to be better applied more evenly and smoothly. Furthermore, exfoliating is a great way to achieve a healthy, glowing look, as it gets rid of all your dull skin and uneven complexion.
That being said, it is important to remember that exfoliating should not be done every single day, or else it may be too harsh on your skin. Instead, it should be done around 1-2 times per week. It is best that you always work your way up to more frequency.
Fortunately, there are plenty of gentle exfoliating face washes that are available on the market. Just make sure to check the labels if they are suitable for your skin.
Toner
In case you are not sure, toners should be used right after cleansing but before any serums or moisturisers are applied. Some toners contain beneficial ingredients such as lactic acid and salicylic acid. For instance, if you are someone that has very oily skin, these ingredients may be used to help balance your skin out. Toners can also help to remove another layer of dead skin cells that an exfoliator may have missed. Of course, make sure to read the labels and ingredients so that you pick the toner that is suitable for your skin type.
Serum
Of course, before you apply your moisturiser, you should use a serum first. For those that are still confused, the best way to understand the serum and moisturiser combination is that serums are like your supplements or vitamins, whereas the moisturiser acts like water to wash them down. So, serums are filled with a lot of nutrients and vitamins, as well as high-potency ingredients that will help to transform your skin and give it a healthier appearance. That being said, while the price tags for serums can be a little bit high, and they may seem small at first glance, you only need to use a tiny amount to start seeing good results.
Moisturiser
Most experts and dermatologists will recommend that you use some kind of moisturiser in your skincare routine. It’s not hard to see why. These products are mainly aimed to moisturise and lubricate the skin. This is because your skin needs constant hydration – after all, water is constantly evaporating from the deeper layers of the skin. Moisturisers mainly work by either trapping moisture into your skin, thereby creating a temporary seal, or they restore lost moisture in the outer layer of your skin. Moisturisers also have the benefit of improving skin tone and texture, in addition to soothing sensitive skin while making skin look firmer and healthier. Of course, you should use a moisturiser over a serum, as we have explained above, in order to lock in the serum’s nutrients.
Anti-ageing night cream
Now, we are moving on to your nighttime routine. At night, you should also be cleansing your face and using a toner. You may also choose to exfoliate whenever you can. That being said, nighttime skincare routines are slightly different – you can choose to skip your moisturiser and instead use a night cream instead! If you want something anti-ageing, it is best that you choose a night cream that has retinol in it. This is because retinol can help to stimulate new cell growth, making your skin more supple in the long run!