I tried all kinds of skincare products and maintenance methods, especially when I was in my 20s working part-time at a big cosmetics store. Most skincare regimens seem to follow a similar application path. No matter what product you decide to use, you can follow five simple steps to your skincare routine.
5 Steps to Wash Your Face Correctly
- Makeup remover (optional): If you wear makeup, apply the makeup remover to a cotton pad and gently wipe off makeup. No scrubbing required.
- Cleanser: Apply to face with water. Rinse and gently pat face dry. Some cleansers should be used when the face is dry, so be sure to read the instructions.
- Toner: Apply toner to a cotton pad and pat it on skin. Allow to dry completely before using the therapeutic agent.
- Treatments and Serums (optional): If you use acne or anti-aging serums, creams, etc., use them immediately. Allow them to absorb well and dry before proceeding to the next step.
- Moisturizer and sunscreen: Gently massage them onto your face. Don’t neglect sunscreen, especially if you’re going out.
Step 1: Remove Makeup
If you are a person who applies makeup, you should always clean your face with makeup remover. Makeup remover should be used before cleanser. While cleansers can remove some foundation and blush, they require too much scrubbing to effectively remove makeup around the eyes and lips. The best makeup remover should be one that removes all makeup without being too rough and dry.
In the past few years, micellar water has taken the makeup remover market by storm. It is favored by skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists. My personal favorite micellar water makeup remover is Garnier SkinActive Micellar Remover All-in-One. Micellar water is a mixture of purified water and mild surfactants. When you mix these ingredients together, they form circular micelles, making it easier to remove makeup and excess oil from your face.
Step 2: Cleanser
Facial cleanser is an important part of face washing. People think that makeup remover can act as a cleanser, but this is not always the case. Not every cleanser is made the same, and most cleansers don’t contain ingredients sufficient to remove waterproof makeup. Therefore, it is best to have makeup remover and a separate cleanser.
The main purpose of the detergent is to wash away dirt and debris. Throughout the day, dead skin cells, dirt, pollutants, and debris accumulate on your face. There are glands under the skin of your face that produce an oil called sebum, which uses hair follicles to move outward to the skin, creating a barrier that prevents all substances from entering and causing infection or acne. However, if all the pollutants that accumulate on the surface of sebum are not washed away, they can accumulate and cause clogged hair follicles, which can lead to acne and other problems.
At the same time, washing the face too often or using too harsh methods will wash off too much sebum, causing dirt and debris to enter, which can lead to dryness, itching, infection, etc. Keep away from rough brushes and towels. I usually only use my fingertips (after washing my hands with hand sanitizer, of course, to prevent the introduction of additional germs).
Also, if possible, try to stay away from detergents that contain sulfates. Your skin is naturally acidic (pH around 5.5), and sulfates cause many cleansers to lean toward alkaline (higher pH), breaking the protective barrier of sebum. Using regular old soap with a pH of 9 or 10 can severely damage the layer. If your face starts to feel dry, tight and itchy after cleansing, you know if the cleanser is too irritating.
Step 3: Toner
Toner is an important step in allowing the skin to absorb the treatment it needs. Toner removes any residual makeup and debris that hasn’t been stained by the cleanser and tightens pores to make them less visible throughout the day. A long time ago, toners contained alcohol, which would dry your face and make people feel itchy and tight. Today, toners are improved and are actually beneficial, not harmful.
Toner is usually a thin liquid that looks like water. Toner comes in a variety of formulations to address different skin concerns. In all my research, the most common toner on the market for all skin types seems to be witch hazel toner, which contains skin soothing agents like cucumber, rose oil, or aloe vera. Witch hazel is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties.
When witch hazel is used as a facial toner, it reduces pores, removes remaining dirt from the face, and provides additional moisturizing properties when combined with other ingredients. My favorite toner is Thayer’s alcohol-free Cucumber witch hazel facial toner with aloe vera formula. Cucumber and aloe vera are soothing agents for sensitive or dry skin. This toner also contains glycerin, a popular plant-based moisturizing compound. However, like everything in the world, don’t overdo it. Even with all the excellent skin-soothing ingredients, witch hazel is still an astringent, and using too much can lead to excessive dryness – one or two daily applications are enough.
Step 4: Treatment and Serums
Once your toner is completely dry, it’s time for treatment. Treatments such as anti-aging serums, topical acne medications, eye creams, and more have a variety of benefits to target your specific skin concerns. This step is completely optional.
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, the serum is formulated for different skin types depending on the ingredients. The serum should be done before moisturizing, as the ultra-concentrated ingredients are sealed by the moisturizer, which gives the skin a better chance of absorbing it.
Many people trust serums containing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, as both contain anti-aging properties that make the skin look brighter. My mom loves the Juice Beauty Stem Cell Anti-Wrinkle Serum, which contains fruit stem cells and vitamin C to fight fine lines and wrinkles and provide extra moisture absorption.
When my acne was at its worst in my early 20s, I turned to Murad’s Clarifying Acne Treatment to help control acne because it contains a high concentration of salicylic acid that penetrates the skin to help address the root cause of the acne. If you are currently using prescription remedies to treat any skin care issues such as rosacea, now is a good time to use them.
Step 5: Moisturizer and Sunscreens
The final step in the skincare routine is moisturizer and sunscreen. I combine these together because you can get a moisturizer that also has sun protection, or you can use two separate products.
There are a variety of different types of moisturizers, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for you, but in general, it acts as a healthy barrier to the surface of the skin, seals your toner and care products, retains harmful substances to drain pores, and keeps the skin hydrated.
Your skin will be divided into general categories based on a variety of factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise level. This is a moisturizer you should try depending on your skin type.
- Dry or mature skin: Dry skin sometimes appears red and flaky. Use an oil-based moisturizer. Kiehl’s Ultra Cream is a great product to try. Judging by the thousands of reviews on Amazon, Sephora, and their websites, it has received a near-perfect 5-star rating.
- Oily or combination skin: If your skin is starting to look shiny and needs to be applied throughout the day, don’t skip the moisturizer! You still need it. Try a water-based, oil-free moisturizer. My favorite daily product is Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin.
