Ever wondered  what order to follow in your skincare routine for that coveted glowing skin? You're not alone! A daily skincare routine is a fundamental step towards achieving healthy, radiant skin. But navigating a world of cleansers, serums, and moisturizers can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. This guide will break down the skincare routine steps you need to know, morning and night, to set your skin up for success.

Why is the Order Important?

Think of your skincare routine like a symphony; each product plays a specific role, and the order ensures they work together in harmony. Applying products in the  correct order allows them to penetrate the skin effectively, maximizing their benefits.

The Basic Skincare Routine Steps:

This core routine provides the foundation for all skin types. Here's how to get started:

1. Cleanse (Morning & Night): Morning and night, washing your face with a gentle cleanser removes dirt, oil, makeup (at night), and sweat, prepping your skin for the next steps. Look for a cleanser formulated for your skin type (normal, oily, dry, or combination) to avoid irritation.
• Normal Skin: Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser that won't strip your skin's natural oils. Look for cleansers with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid for added hydration.
• Oily Skin: Opt for a gel-based cleanser or a foaming cleanser that will remove excess oil without being overly drying. Salicylic acid can be a helpful ingredient to keep pores clear.
• Dry Skin: Creamier cleansers are ideal for dry skin. Look for cleansers with ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or oat milk for added moisture. An example of such cleanser is the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser for dry skin
2. Tone (Optional): Toners can help remove any leftover residue and balance the skin's pH. Opt for alcohol-free toners that are more hydrating and less likely to strip your skin's natural oils. If you find toners irritating or unnecessary, feel free to skip this step.
• How to Tone: Apply toner with a cotton pad, gently swiping it across your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
3. Treat (Optional): After cleansing and toning,  serums and treatments can target specific concerns like wrinkles, acne, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation. Apply a thin layer according to the product's instructions. These potent formulas can be quite active, so be sure to introduce them slowly to your routine, one at a time, and monitor your skin for any irritation.

• Serums: Serums can be used to target various skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne and dry , flaky skin. If you want a more hydrated, plump and rejuvenated skin, opt for the Omaricode Bedew Serum. This serum contains Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Silk Amino Acids to flood your skin with moisture.

• Spot Treatments: For targeted concerns like acne, apply a small amount of spot treatment directly onto the blemish

• How to Moisturize: Apply a dime-sized amount of moisturizer to your face and neck, gently massaging it in until absorbed.

5. Sunscreen (AM Only): Sunscreen is the ultimate anti-aging product. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.

• How to Apply Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen generously to your face and neck, and don't forget your ears, lips, and the tops of your feet! Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.

Nighttime Skincare Routine for Glowing Skin:

At night, your skin focuses on repair and renewal. Here's how to adjust your routine to support these nighttime processes:

• Double Cleanse (Optional): If you wear makeup or have oily skin, double cleansing can be helpful. First, use an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen. Then follow with your regular cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.
• Exfoliate (1-2 Times a Week): Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and dull the skin's surface. Choose a gentle exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant (AHAs or BHAs) depending on your skin's sensitivity. Exfoliate at night to allow your skin to recover overnight.
• How to Exfoliate: Apply a thin layer of your chosen exfoliant to cleansed, dry skin. If using a scrub, massage it gently in circular motions for about 30 seconds, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your face dry. For chemical exfoliants, follow the specific instructions on the product label.
• Treatment Masks (1-2 Times a Week): Sheet masks or clay masks can provide a concentrated dose of hydration, brightening, or purifying benefits. Apply them after cleansing and exfoliating, leaving them on for the recommended time.
• How to Use Masks: Wash your face and pat it dry. Apply the mask evenly to your face, smoothing out any air bubbles. Relax and leave the mask on for the recommended time (usually 10-20 minutes). Peel off the mask and gently massage any remaining product into your skin. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry.
• Night Cream (Optional): Night creams are often richer and more hydrating than day moisturizers. They can contain ingredients like retinol, which can be irritating to the skin in sunlight, to promote cell turnover and collagen production.
• How to Apply Night Cream: Apply a dime-sized amount of night cream to your face and neck, gently massaging it in until absorbed.

Morning Skincare Routine for a Flawless Base:

In the morning, your skincare routine should focus on prepping your skin for the day ahead:

• Skip the Double Cleanse: In the morning, a gentle cleanser is sufficient to remove any sweat or leftover products from the night before.
• Lighter Moisturizer: Opt for a lightweight moisturizer for the daytime. This will keep your skin hydrated without feeling greasy under makeup.

Remember:

• Consistency is Key: Following a consistent skincare routine morning and night is essential for achieving and maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
• Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to different products. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
• Less is More: It's better to start with a few basic products and gradually add more as needed, rather than overwhelming your skin with too many products at once.

With this guide and a little practice, you'll be well on your way to achieving your best skin yet!

What's your favorite step in your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments!