Your Skincare Routine Order Explained
By Wander Beauty | Jun 26, 2023
You've done your research and invested in quality skincare products, but now you need to figure out how to use them, when to apply them, and in what order it all goes on. Feeling a little overwhelmed? We’ve got you!
The order of your skincare routine is essential for optimizing the efficacy of each product. For an overview of the key steps in a typical routine and tips on how to plan and personalize your routine, read on.
Step 1: Cleanse
Apply: Morning and Evening
Cleansing is the foundation of even the most basic skincare routine. Without properly cleansing your skin, your pores can become clogged with dirt, oil, and bacteria, leading to breakouts, irritation, and premature aging. Cleansing helps to remove these impurities, leaving your skin fresh and rejuvenated. Your cleansing routine consists of three steps: makeup removal, facial cleansing, and toning.
Your night routine should begin with removing makeup (if you wore any). Cleansers are designed to clean your skin, but if you still have makeup on, you have another layer to get through. For this step, we recommend B.O.M. Voyage Cleansing Balm. Next, deep-clean your skin using Drift Away™ Cleanser – ideal for all skin types. The third product in your cleansing routine is toner. Toners remove every last trace of dirt and build-up, balance your skin’s pH, tighten pores, and improve overall skin texture. For balanced, soothed skin, apply Mist Connection Essence and Toner after cleansing morning and evening.
A facial cleanser and toner suited to your skin type form the foundation of a healthy cleansing routine and should be done in the morning to refresh your skin and prepare it for the day ahead, as well as in the evening to wash away the day’s grime.<product>1,2,3</product>
Step 2: Treat
Apply: Morning and Evening (certain products may differ, follow product instructions)
Now that you've cleansed your skin, it's time to give it some targeted treatment. This step is all about addressing your specific skin concerns, whether that's dullness, hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines, or something else. Treatment products come in many forms, such as serums, concentrates, and creams. They’re designed to be highly concentrated with active ingredients to improve your skin's texture, tone, and overall health.
The great thing about this step is that it is entirely customizable. Depending on your skin concerns, you may want to focus on brightening and evening out your complexion with vitamin C, reducing fine lines by deeply hydrating with hyaluronic acid or soothing sensitive skin with vitamin E.
To avoid a seven-layer treatment protocol and address all these concerns plus more, try out Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate. This 6-in-1 multitasking complex is formulated with thoughtfully selected ingredients to brighten, hydrate, plump, soothe, and protect your skin.<product>4</product>
When applying your treatment products, it's important to pay attention to the order in which you layer them. Typically, you'll want to start with the thinnest consistency product and work your way up to the thickest. This allows each product to fully penetrate your skin and work effectively without getting blocked or diluted by other layers.
Always give each product enough time to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next. This can vary, depending on the product, but a good rule of thumb is to wait 30 seconds to a minute before moving on to the next layer. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by gently pressing each product into your skin with your fingertips.
Step 3: Moisturize
Apply: Morning and Evening
Once you’ve cleansed and treated your skin, it’s time to lock in moisture with a good moisturizer. Moisturizing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, as it helps to maintain hydration and minimize visible signs of aging. Moisturizers work by providing a barrier on your skin, locking in moisture to prevent it from evaporating. They contain ingredients that replenish lost moisture and keep your skin smooth, supple, and comfortable.
The best way to moisturize your skin is to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a thicker cream or oil-based moisturizer that can deeply hydrate your skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a lighter, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Dive In™ Moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and provides 72 hours of deep, long-lasting hydration.
When applying your moisturizer, use gentle, upward strokes to help stimulate circulation and promote collagen production. Be sure to apply your moisturizer evenly over your entire face, neck, and chest – in the morning and at night – for best results.<product>5</product>
Step 4: Protect and prepare
Apply: Morning and Before Makeup Application
The final step in your morning skincare routine is all about protecting and preparing your skin for the day ahead. This step includes using an SPF and primer, both of which are crucial to maintaining healthy and youthful skin.
SPF, or sun protection factor, is the element of a sunscreen that helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause visible signs of damage and aging. It's important to use a product with an SPF every day, even if it's cloudy or you plan to stay indoors. Harmful rays can still penetrate through clouds and windows, and it's best to be proactive about protecting your skin.
When choosing the right product, look for one with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum coverage, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to your face and neck (as well as any other exposed areas) before you leave the house, and reapply every two hours if you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Primer is an essential step between your skincare routine and makeup application. It helps create a smooth base for foundation and other products and can also help extend the wear time of your makeup. To get the best of both in one single step, reach for Pack Up & Glow Priming Mineral SPF 40 to protect, prevent, perfect, and prime.<product>6</product>
How to choose the best skincare products
Now that you know the correct order of application, you’ll want to select your skincare products. There are a few things that can help you choose the right products for your skin type and needs.
First, opt for a clean, responsible skincare brand that you can trust. This way, you’ll know you're getting high-quality products that won't harm your skin or the environment. Next, learn to identify your skin type and choose products suitable for it. Be sure to patch test new products on your inner arm or neck before applying, and then give new products a chance to work rather than constantly trying out something new.
Enjoy beautiful skin wherever you wander
Remember, the key to a successful skincare routine is consistency. Stick to a regular routine of cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin, and you’ll see visible improvements in your skin’s health and appearance over time. Discover your everyday essentials with Wander Beauty.
Your Skincare Routine Order Explained
You've done your research and invested in quality skincare products, but now you need to figure out how to use them, when to apply them, and in what order it all goes on. Feeling a little overwhelmed? We’ve got you!
The order of your skincare routine is essential for optimizing the efficacy of each product. For an overview of the key steps in a typical routine and tips on how to plan and personalize your routine, read on.
Step 1: Cleanse
Apply: Morning and Evening
Cleansing is the foundation of even the most basic skincare routine. Without properly cleansing your skin, your pores can become clogged with dirt, oil, and bacteria, leading to breakouts, irritation, and premature aging. Cleansing helps to remove these impurities, leaving your skin fresh and rejuvenated. Your cleansing routine consists of three steps: makeup removal, facial cleansing, and toning.
Your night routine should begin with removing makeup (if you wore any). Cleansers are designed to clean your skin, but if you still have makeup on, you have another layer to get through. For this step, we recommend B.O.M. Voyage Cleansing Balm. Next, deep-clean your skin using Drift Away™ Cleanser – ideal for all skin types. The third product in your cleansing routine is toner. Toners remove every last trace of dirt and build-up, balance your skin’s pH, tighten pores, and improve overall skin texture. For balanced, soothed skin, apply Mist Connection Essence and Toner after cleansing morning and evening.
A facial cleanser and toner suited to your skin type form the foundation of a healthy cleansing routine and should be done in the morning to refresh your skin and prepare it for the day ahead, as well as in the evening to wash away the day’s grime.<product>1,2,3</product>
Step 2: Treat
Apply: Morning and Evening (certain products may differ, follow product instructions)
Now that you've cleansed your skin, it's time to give it some targeted treatment. This step is all about addressing your specific skin concerns, whether that's dullness, hyperpigmentation, acne, fine lines, or something else. Treatment products come in many forms, such as serums, concentrates, and creams. They’re designed to be highly concentrated with active ingredients to improve your skin's texture, tone, and overall health.
The great thing about this step is that it is entirely customizable. Depending on your skin concerns, you may want to focus on brightening and evening out your complexion with vitamin C, reducing fine lines by deeply hydrating with hyaluronic acid or soothing sensitive skin with vitamin E.
To avoid a seven-layer treatment protocol and address all these concerns plus more, try out Sight C-er Vitamin C Concentrate. This 6-in-1 multitasking complex is formulated with thoughtfully selected ingredients to brighten, hydrate, plump, soothe, and protect your skin.<product>4</product>
When applying your treatment products, it's important to pay attention to the order in which you layer them. Typically, you'll want to start with the thinnest consistency product and work your way up to the thickest. This allows each product to fully penetrate your skin and work effectively without getting blocked or diluted by other layers.
Always give each product enough time to fully absorb into your skin before moving on to the next. This can vary, depending on the product, but a good rule of thumb is to wait 30 seconds to a minute before moving on to the next layer. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by gently pressing each product into your skin with your fingertips.
Step 3: Moisturize
Apply: Morning and Evening
Once you’ve cleansed and treated your skin, it’s time to lock in moisture with a good moisturizer. Moisturizing is a crucial step in any skincare routine, as it helps to maintain hydration and minimize visible signs of aging. Moisturizers work by providing a barrier on your skin, locking in moisture to prevent it from evaporating. They contain ingredients that replenish lost moisture and keep your skin smooth, supple, and comfortable.
The best way to moisturize your skin is to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a thicker cream or oil-based moisturizer that can deeply hydrate your skin. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a lighter, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Dive In™ Moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and provides 72 hours of deep, long-lasting hydration.
When applying your moisturizer, use gentle, upward strokes to help stimulate circulation and promote collagen production. Be sure to apply your moisturizer evenly over your entire face, neck, and chest – in the morning and at night – for best results.<product>5</product>
Step 4: Protect and prepare
Apply: Morning and Before Makeup Application
The final step in your morning skincare routine is all about protecting and preparing your skin for the day ahead. This step includes using an SPF and primer, both of which are crucial to maintaining healthy and youthful skin.
SPF, or sun protection factor, is the element of a sunscreen that helps shield your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause visible signs of damage and aging. It's important to use a product with an SPF every day, even if it's cloudy or you plan to stay indoors. Harmful rays can still penetrate through clouds and windows, and it's best to be proactive about protecting your skin.
When choosing the right product, look for one with at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum coverage, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it generously to your face and neck (as well as any other exposed areas) before you leave the house, and reapply every two hours if you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Primer is an essential step between your skincare routine and makeup application. It helps create a smooth base for foundation and other products and can also help extend the wear time of your makeup. To get the best of both in one single step, reach for Pack Up & Glow Priming Mineral SPF 40 to protect, prevent, perfect, and prime.<product>6</product>
How to choose the best skincare products
Now that you know the correct order of application, you’ll want to select your skincare products. There are a few things that can help you choose the right products for your skin type and needs.
First, opt for a clean, responsible skincare brand that you can trust. This way, you’ll know you're getting high-quality products that won't harm your skin or the environment. Next, learn to identify your skin type and choose products suitable for it. Be sure to patch test new products on your inner arm or neck before applying, and then give new products a chance to work rather than constantly trying out something new.
Enjoy beautiful skin wherever you wander
Remember, the key to a successful skincare routine is consistency. Stick to a regular routine of cleansing, treating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin, and you’ll see visible improvements in your skin’s health and appearance over time. Discover your everyday essentials with Wander Beauty.
