Skincare routine tips

What order should you apply skincare in?

1. 1Cleanse gently. Wash your face before applying skincare and before bed. Use a gentle cleanser, then pat dry rather than rubbing. Limit washing to twice a day and after sweating to reduce irritation.
2. 2Apply your treatment, if you use one. Skin medication or another treatment generally goes directly after cleansing. This is the place for a treatment already in your routine, not a requirement to buy one. When applying a cream around your eyes, use your ring finger to avoid pulling hard on the delicate skin.
3. 3Apply moisturizer and daytime sunscreen. These follow your treatment. A moisturizer containing suitable sunscreen can combine the two steps. At bedtime, cleanse, apply any treatment and moisturize.
4. 4Apply makeup last, if you wear it. The skincare steps come first; makeup follows moisturizer and sunscreen.

Choose products for your skin type

• Dry skin feels flaky, itchy or rough.
• Oily skin looks shiny and feels greasy.
• Combination skin has dry areas and oily areas.
• Sensitive skin can sting or burn after product use.
• Normal skin is clear and not sensitive.

Use those differences to choose your cleanser and moisturizer, rather than copying someone else's routine. Dry skin can need a more hydrating moisturizer, while sensitive skin needs particular care with irritating products. Choose a gentle face cleanser without microbeads, which can cause irritation and inflammation. If you cannot work out your skin type or keep having skin problems, a dermatologist can help you choose suitable products.3

How does moisturizer fit into a skincare routine?

Moisturizer follows your treatment and helps trap water in your skin. Apply it while your skin is still damp, including if your skin is oily. For dry facial skin, apply moisturizer immediately after washing, within five minutes, and use it multiple times daily if needed. After a shower, aim to moisturize within three minutes to lock in water.145

For dry skin, useful moisturizer ingredients include ceramides, fatty molecules that strengthen the skin's protective barrier; hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in body tissue; and squalane, which boosts moisture and helps soothe redness. Choose products made for the face and labeled fragrance free. An unscented product can still contain irritating fragrance chemicals. Use cooler water, avoid scrubbing and pat your skin dry to preserve moisture.4

For a very dry spot, gently dab on a petroleum jelly product before bed. If covering your whole face with petroleum jelly leads to pimples, limit or stop that approach. Do not try to scrub away persistent flaking: exfoliation can remove more skin than intended and leave damaged skin that needs to heal.4

Make sunscreen a daily step

Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB, the ultraviolet rays that can injure skin. UVA affects deeper skin layers; UVB damages the outer layers and causes sunburn. SPF describes protection against UVB damage. Choose a water resistant formula, and consider a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if sunscreen ingredients irritate your skin.6

Apply sunscreen generously to exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck and hands. Use it during winter and on cloudy days, not just when sunshine feels obvious. Apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors. Follow the package instructions for reapplication, usually at least every two hours, and always reapply after swimming or sweating. Include a lip balm with sunscreen.6

Sunscreen is only part of sun protection. Use shade, protective clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB. Avoid sun exposure especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when ultraviolet rays are strongest. A baseball cap leaves your ears and the sides of your face exposed. Wearing sunscreen is not a reason to spend longer in the sun.6

Which extra steps are worth considering?

Exfoliation is an addition, not a starting requirement. If you want an exfoliator, glycolic acid is one option, but dry or easily irritated skin needs a gentler approach. Retinol can dry the skin, and astringent toners can also worsen dryness. If retinol is already part of your routine, moisturizing products containing hyaluronic acid can help counter its drying effects.34

A daily topical antioxidant, such as vitamin C or vitamin E in a cream, serum or gel, can help protect skin against oxidative damage from environmental pollutants. That is a specific purpose for an extra product. Adding several products, especially multiple products targeting signs of aging, can irritate skin and make those signs more noticeable.25

Spend on the basics first

Fewer products can reduce costs and irritation. A moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can save a separate purchase, but still needs sunscreen reapplication. Look for products labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they are intended not to clog pores.1

When should you change the routine or get help?

Favor gentle products without fragrance. If a skin condition flares after product use, cut back on the products to help identify the culprit. Seek a dermatologist's advice if simplifying the routine and eliminating suspected irritating products does not improve the problem. More washing is not an acne solution: acne is largely driven by genetics or hormones, not poor hygiene. Avoid squeezing pimples, which can worsen inflammation and scarring.5

Have persistent facial dryness checked if it is wet and red, remains pink, fails to improve or becomes itchy enough to interfere with daily life. Those changes can need more than a different moisturizer.4